≡ Menu

Did you know there’s a Tiny House Hotel in Portland?


This post contains affiliate links.

You have probably heard the news by now but in case you haven’t we wanted to share a little information about the new Tiny House Hotel that recently launched in Portland, Oregon.

Tiny house aficionados and entrepreneurs Deb Delman and Kol Peterson opened a three-room (or, rather, 3 house) tiny hotel in the Portland Arts district.

They worked with the city government to acquire the right permitting and spoke with the neighborhood businesses about their plans.

lot-with-sun-sail-day-666x500

They contracted several tiny house designers and builders to create and lease the three current tiny houses with the hopes to expand.

photo8-666x500

Delman’s idea is simple and, as many tiny homeowners will agree, much needed in the tiny house community. There is a big leap between dreaming about tiny homes and actually living in one so this hotel experience can give people a real understanding of the use of tiny space even if it is only for a short period of time.

Another exciting aspect to the tiny house hotel, known as The Caravan, is the outdoor community space. Extra seating, grills, and a fire ring encourage the guests to get outside, enjoy the city, and talk to one another. I was surprised by this aspect of tiny house living myself. Just because I have everything I need in 120 square feet doesn’t mean I am a hermit. Once we moved into our tiny house we found ourselves getting out and making connections in our community more than we ever did when we lived in 2700 square feet. I hope that guests of the Caravan take this opportunity as well.

IMG_3478-666x500

Each of the tiny houses is available for rent through the AirBnB website. The houses, called the Pearl, the Rosebud, and the Tandem, range in size from 90 to 160 square feet.

While some internet comments, particularly on Tiny House Blog, are negative in tone I believe more people are genuinely interested in the hotel and its success. For individuals indicating there isn’t enough privacy they should keep in mind this is a small hotel complex in a city. For those who don’t know if they can give up the comfort of a regular hotel room then perhaps the Caravan is not a good fit for them. And for those who believe that the price is too high I would challenge them to find a cheaper hotel room in any major US city that has as much character as these tiny spaces.

photo-2-3-666x500

If you’re visiting the Portland area and have been thinking about what it might be like living in a tiny house, consider booking all or part of your stay at The Caravan.

What do you think of the tiny house hotel idea?

This post contains affiliate links.

The following two tabs change content below.

Laura LaVoie

Contributor and Tiny House Owner at 120SquareFeet.com
Laura M. LaVoie is a professional writer living in the mountains of North Carolina in a 120 Square Foot house with her partner and their hairless cat, Piglet. Laura graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Anthropology. She has been published in magazines and anthologies on the subjects of mythology and culture. She spent nearly 15 years in the temporary staffing industry before deciding to become a full time writer. Laura works closely with the Zulu Orphan Alliance volunteering her time and the skills she's learned building her own small house to build a shelter for orphans and other vulnerable children living near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Laura also enjoys simple living, brewing and drinking craft beer, and popular culture.
{ 5 comments… add one }
  • Cahow
    August 25, 2013, 2:12 pm

    Phew! I had to go look at the Comments section at that blog to make sure that I wasn’t one of the negative commentors! Nope…I’m good to go.

    This is an utterly fantastic idea…and LOOK!, they are F.I.N.I.S.H.E.D. off inside!!!! Regarding the price: I can’t say anything. You’d actually have to figure out what the land + sewer hook-up plus electric runs them. In our hamlet in Michigan, we have tons of those charming 1950’s tiny house motels with a swimming pool, tennis court, grilling area, lawn, cable and much more individual distance between units and they rent out for $124 per night in the Summer and $50 per night in the Winter. I put my construction crew up in them as they sleep 4 so it’s highly cost effective.

    This is how I feel about the comments about them being too close: Find somewhere ELSE to do your “C.S.I.: Tiny House Investigation” if you need more privacy. And before you “Boo-Hiss!” me, I’m talking to myself, too! (LOL) I know I need more privacy and Alex has provided a treasure trove of rental tiny houses waaaaaaay out in the country for folks like me that can’t be this close to anyone. Just like dog owners LOVE talking to other dog owners, the group of tiny house owners or dreamers that fit the profile to all hang together at night, this is Nirvana!

    I give the owner’s FIVE STARS or Two Thumbs UP on concept, delivery, pricing and follow through. Now see, that wasn’t negative one teeny tiny bit!

  • doc
    August 26, 2013, 9:51 pm

    Cahow, couldn’t agree more on the whole project. As far as rate complaints, try renting a cottage with the same amenities. Space? How much would you need with the community at your door? Yet, you still gain an appreciation for the tiny house experience. Then again, if it’s too small, is tiny really for you? As far as privacy? As much as any temporary accommodation would afford. “Nirvana” she said. Yes I say.

  • Jane Lellman
    October 24, 2014, 1:00 am

    I stayed here for one night this past July with my granddaughter. We would have stayed longer but they were booked up. We loved it! And the hostess/host/owners were very nice and welcoming! It was a fun thing to do and the neighborhood is great. If you go, be sure to visit the Radio Room restaurant across the street and have the Mac & Cheese, or anything for that matter!

    • Alex
      October 24, 2014, 9:25 am

      Awesome, Jane! I can’t wait to go 🙂

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.