I’m a travel writer and this is where I stay if I’m paying

As a travel writer, I sleep around a lot and am often lucky enough to do it in some of the world’s fanciest, schmanciest hotels. That could be the tallest towers in glitzy cities, the most laidback resorts on picturesque islands and the luxe lodges so cool, they make your eyes hurt.

But when I’m travelling and paying out of my own pocket, there’s one hotel chain I’ll always choose for a place to lay my head. And, amazingly, in this part of the world, it seems to be almost unknown.

Rooms are small and compact, with giant elevated XL king-sized beds… CitizenM Tower of London.Credit:

It’s called citizenM, and the Netherlands-based company has 36 hotels around Europe and the US and has just dipped a toe in the South China Sea with establishments in Taipei and Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, it plans to double that portfolio by 2030.

Why do I like it so much? For a start, the hotels tend to be conveniently located right in the middle of cities, and the rooms often have great views as a result. In London, for instance, I’ve had a view right onto the Tower of London, so close it felt like I could reach out and touch it.

Communal spaces are at the heart of the brand… CitizenM Tower of London.Credit:

Due to the location, rooms are small, with elevated king-sized beds taking up most of the space, and bathrooms are modest. But size isn’t everything. The compact rooms are complemented by fabulous communal areas, with libraries, lounge areas, workspaces, cafes, sometimes gyms, and occasionally rooftop bars.

Size isn’t everything… CitizenM Glasgow’s vibrant lounge area.Credit:

I love that. I’m happy just to use the room to sleep, relax, read and watch TV in bed, and then enjoy settling into a cosy nook in a lively, buzzing room – with free Wi-Fi, of course – that feels friendly and far from the occasional loneliness of the long-distance traveller.

I’ve known people stay there and make new friends in some of those shared spaces. But even if you prefer the company of old mates, they’ve got you covered. I was once staying in the CitizenM in Glasgow, eating a late supper in the cafe after arriving from a delayed flight, when I heard someone call my name.

I ignored it at first – surely pure coincidence? – then one of my best friends from London tapped me on the shoulder. I’d had no idea, but she happened to be at a conference in Scotland’s second city and, being of a like mind, had checked in there too.

CitizenM Glasgow’s urban chic facade.Credit:

You see, these hotels tend to attract the kind of people who appreciate value and style – and their friends.

They have lounge rooms that are painted in vibrant primary colours, with great lighting, highly individual artwork on the walls and intriguing sculptures and craft objects on display.

Bright and cheery furnishings at CitizenM Paris Opera.Credit:

At the New York Bowery citizenM, for instance, there’s a model of a giant baboon, and on the front of the hotel on Seattle’s Pioneer Square, there’s a giant RYAN! Feddersen mosaic mural that illustrates the neighbourhood’s history.

They reflect the city they’re in, with touches such as Queen Elizabeth II wallpaper at Tower Hill, manga graffiti at the entrance of the Taipei hotel, and the walls of the staircase at the 21-storey New York hotel painted by 21 artists of the 5 Pointz Street art project.

When CitizenM began in 2008 with its first Amsterdam hotel, it proved a major disruptor of the industry, with rooms all the same small size and a paid-for loyalty program that offers 15 per cent off all stays. Since then, it has had many imitators, but none do it quite as well.

It reminds you that travel should be fun… CitizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle.Credit:

They term it “affordable luxury”, and while it’s not dirt cheap, starting from about $134 a night, I think all that bold, creative eccentricity is the perfect foil for the cultural homogenisation we see so much in travel. Of course, it reminds us that travel should be fun too, and puts us in the mood for that from the get-go.

Four more affordable hotels

Z Hotels
The alphabet has it! Also check out Britain’s Z Hotels for well-designed compact rooms in fabulous locations, with great Wi-Fi, Sky TV, tea- and coffee-making facilities and – just to start your trip off right – complimentary cheese and wine.

Yotel
Yotel is another favourite; seriously small rooms, some with beds that electronically fold up into sofas, inspired by Japan’s capsule hotels but which have spread throughout Europe and the US and have now hit Singapore too.

Moxy Hotels
Marriott’s Moxy Hotels are gaining in popularity as well, with their petite boltholes and stylish communal spaces now available throughout the world.

LyLo
Hospitality giant EVT has LyLo in Australia and New Zealand offering self-contained pods and ensuite rooms, fully equipped workspaces if you need to catch up while away, and spaces to socialise.