Checking In: The Tiny House Trend... in a Hotel

by  Tyra Sutak | Nov 4, 2016
WeeCasa
WeeCasa

Micro-living is sweeping space-strapped cities across the U.S., offering centrally located accommodations at affordable rates. Now, the movement has officially reached the suburban landscape: In Lyons, Colorado, WeeCasa is the state's first hotel made up of tiny houses. Situated on six acres in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, WeeCasa comprises seventeen one-off homes acquired from a handful of (mostly) Colorado-based builders. Five additional micro-spaces will join the property by next summer (rates from $139 per night off season and $159 per night in warmer months).

In the year it's been open, the hotel has become popular among music fans visiting the Planet Bluegrass venue and outdoor enthusiasts seeking some of the state's best hiking and biking trails -- both are a short walk from the property. WeeCasa is also steps away from the St. Vrain River, a popular spot for tubing and swimming in the summer, and historic downtown Lyons.

Here's our review of the property.

Best Feature

Ingenuity. The thing we love most about WeeCasa is the concept that -- with smart design -- less really can be more. Each home maximizes space with custom and convertible furnishings and large windows that utilize Colorado's 300 days of sunshine per year to create an open, airy feel.

The location is also hard to beat: You are minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as restaurants, coffee shops, a small grocery store, a music venue, a brewery, antique shops, and art galleries.

The Rooms

OK, but how tiny are we talking? Each home is approximately 135 to 250 square feet. However, thanks to an efficient use of space, each has a full or queen-size bed and a handful also include a loft. The smallest option comfortably sleeps up to three people, and the largest can sleep up to five. Each home is equipped with a full bath and a kitchenette that includes a refrigerator, a sink, and a stovetop suited for cooking basic meals; and some homes have adaptable features, like a breakfast bar that opens to the outdoors.

Unlike traditional hotels, a stay at WeeCasa does not offer the option of a fitness facility or a swimming pool, but the nearby landscape offers a beautiful place for a workout and guests can cool off in the nearby St. Vrain River in the warmer months. And while the homes might appear like cozy cabins in the woods, they still provide many of the modern amenities expected from hotels today, such as free WiFi, high-end bath products, and a French press.

Nearby

The biggest draw for visitors is the proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, which supplies endless outdoor activities year-round. Colorado's scenic Front Range is worth exploring not just for its breathtaking views, but also for its food, craft beer, wine, and spirits scenes, which are especially delightful après ski. Guests can easily make the walk to the Lyons Fork, a favorite place for locals to enjoy a nice farm-to-table meal and margaritas, and the original location of the Oskar Blues Brewery -- home of Dale’s Pale Ale -- is also within walking distance. The town is a hub for artists, and many art galleries and antique shops can also be found along the historic main street.

Getting There

From the Denver International Airport, Lyons is about an hour drive, which can either be done by renting a car or by navigating the RTD bus system (the latter requires a bit of tact). The town is also thirty minutes from Boulder by car and a half-hour drive in the opposite direction to the city of Estes Park and the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

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