Sleeping Around was a Belgian pop-up lodging concept that turned shipping containers into guest rooms and shared amenities, then moved the modules between temporary sites. Historical reports describe a six-container setup, but they do not confirm whether the project still operates or takes bookings today.
What was Sleeping Around?
Developed by Antwerp collaborators, Sleeping Around was conceived as a small hotel made from converted shipping containers. A 2012 report in De Standaard traces the idea to a conversation between Ellen Wezenbeek and entrepreneur Didier Opdebeeck, and names Marco Los and Geoffrey Stampaert as collaborators. Its first reported deployment was on Antwerp’s Eilandje.
The premise was to bring a distinctive short-stay experience to temporary locations rather than build a conventional hotel in one place. Wezenbeek described the idea as converting discarded sea containers into hotel containers and travelling with them. Her audience framing was guests looking for one or two unusual nights, rather than a two-week stay in a single location; that was the founders’ stated intent, not the result of a customer survey.
How the container hotel was arranged
A 2013 account by New Atlas describes six containers in the reported setup:
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- MATERICAL:The Shipping Container made of ABS Resin,The floor of the container is made of wood.
- SCALE:1/20 20GP shipping container. The weight approximately 800g.
- SIZE: 11.8L x 4.92W x 5.31H inch (30L x 12.5W x 13.5H cm)
- HIGH SIMULATION:This container model is high simulation with the real container, it is in accordance with 20 GP container drawings.This miniature scale container model with Nano metal paint&Nano printing&hand assembled.
- ACCEPT CUSTOM:This container model accept custom,we can printed your LOGO on the container model.This Mini container can become your private gifts and better show your brand.
| Module | Reported use and details |
|---|---|
| Four guest-room containers | Each was described as a converted 20-foot container with a bed, bathroom, toilet, rain shower, air conditioning and an iPod docking station. |
| One breakfast/lounge container | Shared space for breakfast and lounging. |
| One sauna container | Intended as a shared amenity; New Atlas reported that it was still under construction when the article appeared. |
The setup separated private accommodation from shared facilities, so the modules could form a compact temporary hotel. An architecture account also describes a sleeping unit with a bathroom and terrace, alongside a separate dining module: Judit Bellostes’s account. These are descriptions from 2013, not specifications for a currently operating property.
What made it relocatable—and what relocation required
The containers made it possible to reconfigure the lodging for temporary settings. Contemporary coverage discussed the Eilandje deployment and plans for other sites, including a design fair and locations in France and Greece. Those destinations were plans reported in 2012, not proof that every proposed deployment happened. De Standaard and Inhabitat frame the project around this mobile, pop-up approach.
Rank #2
- Improved door latch detail
- Authentic paint schemes
- Great detail for Terminals and industrial scenes
- Realistic loads for any well car
- 1: 87 HO scale model
Mobility did not mean the hotel could be placed anywhere without preparation. A 2013 hospitality-industry report identified access to electricity and potable water as site requirements (Hospitality ON). The available accounts do not establish that the modules were infrastructure-independent, that every location would permit a hotel use, or how long a move and installation took.
Historical prices are not current rates
Reports published in 2012 and 2013 gave different prices, with varying descriptions and dates. They are useful only as historical context and should not be treated as present-day offers.
Rank #3
- Walthers SceneMaster 20' Corrugated Container Pair - Mediterranean Shipping Co., HO Scale
| Source and publication date | Price reported at the time |
|---|---|
| De Standaard, 25 September 2012 | €199 per night for two people. |
| New Atlas, 28 January 2013 | From €149 per night. |
| The Irish Times, 6 April 2013 | From €149 per night. |
| Hospitality ON, 22 February 2013 | Approximately €160–€200 per night, depending on the city or site. |
Can you book Sleeping Around now?
Current operation, locations, booking channels and prices are not established by the available coverage. A 2018 overview mentions the concept, but does not verify current availability (Linkaband). Treat Sleeping Around as a historical design and hospitality project unless a current operator or booking source confirms otherwise.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A 80-5152 construction kit of the Colombo express
- At the time of commissioning in 2005 she was the largest container ship in the world
- Two-part hull with bow thruster, rotating Ships propeller and moving rudder
- 23 container blocks with fine details
Rank #4
- Realistic load for any intermodal well car
- Improved door latch detail
- Ready to use
- Great detail for Terminals, Highways and industrial scenes
- 1: 160 N scale model
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
