Discarded shipping containers are proving to be convenient building blocks for everything from classrooms to houses to hotels. Container hotels, such as the Snoozebox, have especially popularized the idea of a "pop-up" structure that can be easily assembled in a short amount of time. But while the Snoozebox offers a low-cost alternative to a full-sized hotel, the Sleeping Around container hotel acts more like a portable bed and breakfast, providing guests with a comfortable place to rest in much more intimate locations.

The Belgium-based Sleeping Around hotel is comprised of six shipping containers in all: four containers for guest rooms, one for a breakfast/lounge area, and one for a sauna room. All of the rooms are made from recycled containers from China, which are commonly left behind after being emptied, since it's cheaper than shipping them back.

Each 20-foot long guest room has enough space for a floating box-spring bed, iPod docking station, air conditioning, and a bathroom area with a toilet and rain shower. The lounge container is set up like a breakfast nook for guests to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine together, while the sauna room (still under construction) allows guest to warm up on especially chilly nights.

The lounge container is setup like a breakfast nook for guests to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine together

But the main draw for the small-sized container hotel is its ability to easily pick up and move to more intimate locations, while still providing a comfortable bed and hot shower nearby. Since it takes up much less space, the various rooms could be set down outside a concert, in a park, or even on a bustling city street, all in a matter of hours. In the past, Sleeping Around has invited guests to sleep near a museum, along a riverfront, and right beside a stage show.

Sleeping Around is currently located at the Rijnkaai port, right on the Scheldt river in Antwerp. Each room starts at €149 per night, which includes breakfast, and can be booked online through the website. The website also says the container hotel is looking for a new destination, so be sure to leave a suggestion there if you want to see the portable bed and breakfast show up near you.

Source: Sleeping Around