Amsterdam,
21
February
2020
|
17:53
Europe/Amsterdam

Six Upcycled Escapes that Bring Shipping Containers Back to Life

With the start of the new year and decade, many people have resolved to make a new commitment to sustainability in order to have a more positive impact with their everyday life, including when they travel. In fact, almost three quarters (54%) of UK travellers* intend to stay at least once in an eco-friendly or green accommodation over the coming year. With that in mind, Booking.com, the digital travel leader connecting travellers with the widest choice of unique places to stay, a range of must-do travel experiences and seamless transport options, has delved into its more than 29 million listings in more than 155,000 destinations around the world to present six upcycled escapes the bring shipping containers back to life. Showcasing the stylish side of sustainability, these environmentally-conscious escapes are a masterclass in how to creatively transform repurposed raw materials into unique and unforgettable accommodation experiences.

Ccasa Hostel, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Made from 12 brightly painted upcycled shipping containers stacked on top of each other, the Ccasa Hostel is just a short walk from Hon Chong Beach in the coastal resort of Nha Trang in southern Vietnam. With a design aesthetic inspired by luxury train cabins, each of the hostel’s unique dorm rooms includes comfortable bunk beds with privacy curtains and individual reading lights. The property’s playful, industrial vibe extends throughout several, colourful multi-functional spaces, including the large rooftop net (think giant hammock), which is perfect for relaxing with a book after a busy day discovering the area’s iconic white sand beaches and delectable street food.

Hotel Winebox Valparaiso, Valparaíso, Chile 

Located in vibrant Valparaiso, a colourful coastal city to the north of Santiago and surrounded by the famous wine producing valleys of Aconcagua, Casablanca and Leyda, the Hotel Winebox is the first hotel in South America to be built out of previously used shipping containers. Taking its upcycled design to the max, more than 70% of the materials in the hotel are recycled, with the property reusing old pallets, bottles and bathtubs to create its unique signature furniture and decor. As its name might suggest, the property is also a sustainable urban winery, where guests are invited to not only sample the local vintage, but also participate in the process, as long as they happen to be present during the harvest.

DOCK INN Hostel Warnemünde, Warnemünde, Germany

Just north of the centre of Rostock along the German Baltic coast, this eco-friendly hostel is made from multiple overseas shipping containers, fitting for its busy harbour location. The industrial chic design features recycled materials wherever possible and runs primarily on solar power. In addition to the dormitory rooms you’d expect, the property also has private rooms and suites, in case you’d like to have an entire shipping container all to yourself. To really immerse yourself in the hostel’s dockside location, the rooftop sauna overlooks the shipyard and cranes. And after a day of surfing and splashing in the sea, you can kick back for a movie at the inhouse cinema, which - as you’ve probably guessed - is also in an upcycled shipping container.

The Yays - Crane Apartment, Amsterdam, Netherlands 

The vision of famous Dutch designer Edward van Vliet, The Yays - Crane Apartment offers an unforgettable stay in a converted crane overlooking the IJ river in northeast Amsterdam. Built in 1957, this monumental harbour crane was later (in 2017) converted into a luxurious industrial apartment made of three shipping containers stacked within the crane's framework. Set in the Eastern Docklands area of the city, this exclusive stay is in complete harmony with the surrounding area, retaining many of the crane’s original features where possible. The apartment has a modern kitchen, a comfortable lounge and seating area, a spacious bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and a cosy bedroom with stunning views over the IJ river. Guests that would like to learn more about the area’s history as an industrial harbour can even listen to recorded stories from the crane’s last operator.

StowAway Waterloo, London, United Kingdom 

Made of 26 repurposed shipping containers, this sustainable apart-hotel is perfect for those looking for an eco-friendly option in the centre of London. Based on an innovative concept to use space more efficiently, these compact, cosy apartments are suitable for both short and longer-term stays to the British capital. After checking-in via a smartphone app, guests can relax at the property’s wine bar and restaurant, sampling special vintages from all over the world. Or if you want to prepare your own nibbles, the apartments all come with a fully equipped kitchenette.

Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal, Moalboal, Philippines

Set in Moalboal, just a short free shuttle bus ride from picturesque Panagsama Beach, this hip hostel is made entirely of shipping containers and recycled materials. Popular with travellers for diving and the epic schools of sardines that gather near this small town on the southwest coast of the island of Cebu, Moalboal is also a great base to explore the stunning Kawasan Waterfalls, which are only a short drive to the south. After a day at the beach, Booking.com customers recommend to chill on the rooftop to enjoy the sunset and the first stars starting to appear.

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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 18,077 respondents were surveyed across 18 markets (1,000+ from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, UK, USA, Australia. In Israel 883 respondents were surveyed). Respondents completed an online survey in February and March 2019.