From Cargo to Comfort: The Evolution Of Shipping Containers Into Hotels

In recent years, shipping container hotels have emerged as a popular and innovative concept as the hospitality industry is constantly evolving. These unique hotels are constructed of used shipping containers and transformed into stylish and sustainable accommodations for travelers. Due to their affordability, durability, and eco-friendliness, shipping container hotels are well-loved by travelers and contractors worldwide.

Shipping container hotels are an excellent example of upcycling, transforming something that was once considered waste into something useful and stylish. Hence, not only the attention of eco-conscious travelers but also investors and entrepreneurs who see the potential of this new concept of hotels.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the popularity of shipping container hotels, the benefits of using used shipping containers as hotels, and some of the most notable examples of these unique accommodations around the world.

Why are shipping container hotels popular among travelers?

  1. Unique and Memorable Experiences
    Many travelers today are seeking unique and memorable experiences. As the staycation trend is set to continue, travelers are looking to stay in places that are not too far away from home but still have something to offer them. These hotels provide a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave a lasting impression on guests at a bargain.
  2. Environmentally Friendly
    The growing concerns about the environment cause more travelers to look for more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional hotels. Shipping container hotels are upcycled from used shipping containers, which makes them environmentally friendly. These hotels are great for eco-conscious guests who want to minimize environmental impact and are interested in sustainable living.
  3. Instagrammable
    Today, social media is the catharsis of every business. Also, many travelers always look for unique and cool places to post on social media, especially Instagram. Shipping container hotels often have an aesthetically pleasing design that is different from conventional hotels. The more unique the hotels, the more Instagram-worthy they are.

For businesses, what are the benefits of using shipping containers as hotels?

  1. Construction Cost
    Reusing shipping containers can be a cost-effective option compared to building traditional hotels. Shipping containers are often prefabricated when transformed into buildings, meaning less construction cost.
  2. Durability
    Shipping containers are made of Corten steel, which is designed to withstand wind, rain, and other external factors during transit. Plus, they can carry heavy loads through the harshest conditions. So, even though it’s not constructed like traditional buildings, it doesn’t mean that shipping container hotels don’t have strong structural integrity. The shipping container’s durability goes hand in hand with its safety and security.
  3. Easy to Build
    One of the significant benefits of building shipping container hotels is off-site construction. The units can be stacked together to create a complete structure following the design, making it much quicker when it’s time to put the containers together on your land.
  4. Draw More Guests
    As more travelers seek unique hotel experiences, business owners can use this opportunity to build fun and cozy shipping container hotels. Use social media to promote your shipping container hotels to gain a lot of attention. Create Instagrammable spots in the hotels so guests can take photos and share their unique experiences, increasing your exposure even more.

Popular shipping container hotels worldwide

FarmVille Cafe and Homestay, Malaysia

Located in Malaysia, this hotel is constructed using shipping containers of various sizes laid out in a unique position offering a full view of the famous Sekinchan paddy fields. Thus, this hotel is more known as “Sekinchan Container Hotel.” The hotel has a cafe, swimming pool, and a large patio for guests to hang out.

Shipping Container Hotel, Singapore

Shipping Container Hotel (SCH) is located in Singapore. More than the media and social media frenzy behind its innovative concept. Besides using used shipping containers, the hotel wants to bring conversations about sustainability closer to its guests. SCH uses solar panels, energy-saving equipment, and water-monitoring systems.

Casa Hotel, Vietnam

Casa Hotel uses old shipping containers to create a strong, industrial, yet both harmonic, natural feeling to an accommodation. The shipping containers are stacked on top of each other. In addition, encaustic cement tiles, old wood windows, flat winnowing baskets, and rustic cement were used cleverly to attract attention and recall some Vietnam architecture images. The design of the rooms resembles an exclusive, fully furnished cabin.

Flophouze, Texas

Taking glamping to the next level, Flophouze offers six recycled shipping container hotels that guests can enjoy. Each room has unique interior designs as the hotel recycled several pieces of stuff to furnish the hotel, such as a distillery, old bowling lanes, and even cabinet bases from a laboratory.

Shipping container hotels are a popular and innovative solution for travelers seeking unique and affordable accommodations. By repurposing shipping containers, these hotels offer a stylish and eco-friendly alternative to traditional hotels, with the added benefit of cost savings. Tradecorp can help you purchase or rent used containers for sale for businesses and individuals looking for used shipping containers. With our extensive experience as a shipping container supplier, we can help accommodate your requirements by customizing your orders and arranging to ship to your desired locations.