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Cabana Mobile hotels first came to Los Angeles in January as an elegant alternative to conventional mobile homes. The fleet of available vans has doubled since then, and the service is expected to expand to another half a dozen cities by the end of the year.

5 things you need to know:

  1. The concept is simple: everything you have in a hotel room is scaled down to fit in a van so it can be driven around. In addition to a “small queen-size bed”, there is a TV, a small refrigerator, a sink and a coffee machine, and a bathroom with a toilet, shower and toiletries. fluffy towels; a closet with hangers; even a safe. A kitchenette is an optional add-on for an additional $ 30 per night. Cabanas are made from the high-roof version of Ford Transit vans so that people up to 6½ feet tall can stand straight when walking around inside.
  2. A cabana is slightly larger than an SUV and can legally be parked in the same locations as a car, including overnight. The service is contact-free. Bookings are made via the Cabana app, which also serves as the key for the van.
  3. Since Cabana users may not be familiar with RV systems, the app includes detailed instructions on how each system works, including options for finding a parking space. If tenants continue to have problems, the app can connect them to a help desk controlled by an actual human.
  4. Prices start at $ 200 per night, depending on the day of the week and time of year, and include booking fees, cleaning, 200 miles for the first night (100 miles for each additional night) and insurance. Gas is not included.
  5. Cabana is based in Seattle and plans to expand into San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Denver.