Microhospitality: From Open Spaces to Defined Places
Travelers are trading generic hotel stays for immersive, design-driven experiences. As a result, micro-hospitality destinations are thriving.
From minimalist cabins tucked into the woods to off-grid retreats offering digital detoxes, small-scale accommodations are redefining the way people escape.
According to AirDNA, demand for boutique short-term rentals surged by over 30% in 2023, outpacing traditional listings. Brands like Getaway (recently acquired by Marriott) and Collective Retreats have built their businesses around the idea that less is more—proving that travelers are willing to pay a premium for a stay that feels intentional, personal, and seamlessly connected to its surroundings.
But crafting a micro-hospitality destination isn’t as simple as dropping a few prefab cabins on a piece of land. It requires a balance of thoughtful design, smart site planning, and an understanding of what makes a space special so that it can be perceived as a special place.
That’s where HUTS comes in.
Designing a Destination, Not Just a Stay
HUTS is known for its innovative approach to rural housing. We’re the go-to partner for landowners and entrepreneurs looking to build small-scale hospitality projects that are of (and not just in) the landscape. We specialize in adaptable, well-crafted homes that integrate seamlessly with their natural environments—whether it’s a collection of standalone ADUs overlooking a river, a cluster of off-grid cabins in the forest, or a hybrid communal-lodging model designed for retreats.
But HUTS does more than design beautiful spaces. We help owners navigate zoning laws, infrastructure challenges, and financial feasibility—ensuring that a project isn’t just aesthetically compelling but also economically viable
It's gotta pencil.
HUTS’ approach enables and guides owners to act as their own developers, reducing the number of expensive middlemen, keeping costs lower and making boutique hospitality projects more compelling, financially.
The result? A hospitality concept that feels intimate yet scalable, allowing owners to start small and expand over time. Whether it’s a single wilderness retreat or a network of cabins offering a cohesive brand experience, HUTS helps create places where travelers can slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience something they can’t find anywhere else.
Some Principles for a Great Rural Micro Hospitality Destination
Design for the Land, Not Against It A great micro hospitality destination works with its environment, not against it. Thoughtful placement of structures—whether tucked into trees, positioned for the best light, or oriented toward key views—enhances both aesthetics and guest experience.
Balance Seclusion and Connection Guests crave privacy but also opportunities for community. Creating a mix of private spaces and well-designed communal areas—like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or a shared wellness studio—keeps the experience flexible for different types of expectations.
Prioritize Simplicity and Functionality The best small-scale stays don’t try to do too much. A micro hospitality project should focus on the essentials: high-quality materials, durable construction, layouts that make the most of limited square footage, and a seamless relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Think Beyond the Stay Successful destinations don’t just offer a place to sleep; they create an experience. Whether it’s guided nature walks, locally sourced meal kits, or in-room wellness amenities, thoughtful extras make a place memorable and marketable.
Keep the Business Model Lean and Scalable Smart micro hospitality concepts start with a clear financial plan. By working with flexible, efficient designs—like those from HUTS—and avoiding unnecessary construction complexity, owners can keep costs down and reinvest in future expansion.
With the right vision, a micro hospitality destination can be more than just a place to stay—it can become a destination in itself. And with HUTS as a design and development partner, creating a small-scale retreat that’s both beautiful and profitable has never been more achievable.
