CitizenM is a budget hotel chain built around small rooms, shared spaces, and digital check-in
CitizenM operates hotels in major cities across Europe, Asia, and North America. The chain focuses on keeping room costs low by making bedrooms smaller than traditional hotels — typically around 160 square feet — and putting money instead into common areas like lounges, kitchens, and workspaces that guests share. You check in using a mobile app or a self-service kiosk rather than a front desk, and rooms come with a bed, shower, and basic amenities but limited storage or seating.
The model appeals to travelers who spend most of their time outside the room and want to save money on lodging. CitizenM does not offer traditional services like room service, housekeeping during your stay, or a restaurant — you manage your own meals and can use the shared kitchen if the location has one. The trade-off is a nightly rate that typically runs 30 to 50 percent lower than mid-range chain hotels in the same city.
Key Takeaways
- CitizenM rooms are roughly half the size of standard hotel rooms, with a bed and shower but minimal storage or furniture.
- Check-in happens through a mobile app or kiosk, not at a front desk, and you manage your own room access and checkout.
- Common areas — lounges, kitchens, workspaces — are designed for guests to spend time together rather than in their rooms.
- Nightly rates are generally lower than comparable mid-range hotels because the chain cuts services like room service and daily housekeeping.
- CitizenM locations are concentrated in city centers and near transit hubs, not in suburban or airport areas where traditional chains dominate.
Room layout and what comes standard
A CitizenM room contains a bed (queen or twin depending on the location), a private shower and toilet, a small desk, and a wall-mounted TV. Storage is minimal — you get a narrow closet and shelves rather than a dresser or nightstands. The bed itself has storage drawers underneath. Rooms do not have a bathtub, and most do not have a window that opens; ventilation is mechanical.
Every room includes free Wi-Fi, air conditioning or heating, and a work desk with a chair. Bedding and towels are standard hotel quality. You receive a key card or use your phone to unlock the door. Rooms are cleaned once per stay (usually at checkout), not daily, so if you need fresh towels or linens during a multi-night stay you request them through the app or at a help desk.
Amenities like a hairdryer, iron, or phone charger are available but not in the room — you request them from staff or pick them up from a central location. This keeps the room uncluttered and reduces what housekeeping has to manage. The compact design means you cannot expect the same comfort level as a larger hotel room, but everything you need for a short stay is there.
Common spaces and what they replace
Instead of a restaurant, room service, or a large lobby, CitizenM properties have a ground-floor social hub that includes a bar, lounge seating, and sometimes a small kitchen or pantry. The bar serves drinks and light snacks — coffee, pastries, sandwiches — but not full meals. Many locations have a self-service coffee station available 24 hours. Some properties include a small gym or yoga space.
The lounge is designed for guests to work, socialize, or relax. You will find communal tables, sofas, and sometimes a TV. Some CitizenM hotels have a shared kitchen where guests can prepare their own food, though this varies by location. The idea is that you spend time in these common areas rather than ordering food to your room. This shared-space approach also keeps the nightly rate lower than hotels that staff a full restaurant or offer room service.
There is no front desk in the traditional sense. A help desk or information point is staffed during certain hours, but most guest services — questions, requests, complaints — go through the mobile app or a phone number. This reduces staffing costs and is why nightly rates stay low. The trade-off is that you cannot walk up to someone when ready if you have a problem; you must use the app or phone instead.
How booking and check-in work
You book a CitizenM room through their website, a travel booking site, or by phone. Rates are typically non-refundable or have a strict cancellation window, so read the terms before you commit. Once you have a reservation, you receive a confirmation email with a booking code.
On arrival, you do not go to a front desk. Instead, you use the CitizenM mobile app to check in remotely before you arrive, or you use a self-service kiosk in the lobby when you get there. The app or kiosk gives you a digital key or issues a key card. You then go directly to your room. If you arrive outside staffed hours, the app and kiosk are your only options — there is no one to greet you or help you find your room.
Checkout is equally automated. You leave your key card in the room or use the app to unlock the door one final time, and you are done. There is no checkout conversation or paperwork. If you have questions or problems during your stay, you contact the help desk through the app, by phone, or by visiting the information point during staffed hours. This system works smoothly if you are comfortable with technology, but can be frustrating if you prefer face-to-face interaction.
Pricing and what affects the nightly rate
CitizenM nightly rates vary by location, season, and how far in advance you book. A room in a major city like Amsterdam or London typically costs between $80 and $150 per night, while locations in smaller cities or off-season rates may be lower. Peak season (summer, holidays) and last-minute bookings cost more. Booking weeks in advance usually offers the lowest rate.
The rate you see includes the room, Wi-Fi, and access to common areas. It does not include parking (where available, usually $15 to $30 per night), breakfast, or any add-ons like late checkout. Some locations offer a breakfast package for an additional fee, typically $10 to $15 per person per day. Unlike traditional hotels, there are no hidden resort fees or facility charges — what you see when you book is what you pay, plus tax and any add-ons you choose.
Who CitizenM works well for and who might prefer a traditional hotel
CitizenM suits business travelers on a budget, solo travelers, couples, and anyone who plans to spend most of their time outside the room. If you work remotely and need a desk and reliable Wi-Fi, the common areas and room setup support that. If you want to save money on a short city stay and do not need daily housekeeping or room service, the lower nightly rate makes sense. The social hub also appeals to travelers who want to meet other guests or have a place to work outside their room.
CitizenM does not work well for families with children (rooms are too small for more than two people comfortably), travelers who need a bathtub, people with mobility issues (rooms are compact and elevators may be small), or anyone who wants traditional hotel services like a restaurant or room service. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your room, the small space becomes frustrating. If you need daily housekeeping or have a lot of luggage, a traditional mid-range hotel is a better fit. CitizenM also has limited locations — they are concentrated in city centers and near major transit hubs in Europe, Asia, and a few North American cities. If you are traveling to a smaller city or a suburban area, you will not find a CitizenM property.
How CitizenM compares to other budget and mid-range chains
| Feature | CitizenM | Budget chains (Motel 6, Red Roof) | Mid-range chains (Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room size | ~160 sq ft, minimal furniture | ~250 sq ft, basic furniture | ~300+ sq ft, full furniture |
| Check-in | App or kiosk, no front desk | Front desk staffed | Front desk staffed |
| Common areas | Social hub with bar, lounge, sometimes kitchen | Minimal or none | Lobby, breakfast area, sometimes gym |
| Breakfast | Not included; bar snacks available | Usually not included | Often included or available for fee |
| Housekeeping | Once per stay | Daily | Daily |
| Typical nightly rate | $80–$150 | $50–$100 | $100–$180 |
| Locations | City centers, major cities only | Highways, suburbs, airports | Mixed, more widespread |
Budget chains like Motel 6 or Red Roof offer lower nightly rates than CitizenM in some markets, but rooms are larger and housekeeping is daily. They are designed for highway travelers and have minimal common areas. Mid-range chains like Holiday Inn Express or Comfort Inn offer more space, daily housekeeping, and often include breakfast, but cost more per night. CitizenM sits between them in price but trades room size and services for a social, design-focused experience and lower cost.
The key difference is location and guest type. Budget chains serve road travelers and suburban visitors; mid-range chains serve families and business travelers who want traditional amenities; CitizenM serves city visitors and remote workers who prioritize cost and do not need a large room or daily housekeeping. Your choice depends on what matters most to you in a hotel stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a room with a bathtub at CitizenM?
No. All CitizenM rooms have a shower only, not a bathtub. If you need a bathtub, you will need to book a different hotel chain.
Is breakfast included in the nightly rate?
Breakfast is not included in the standard room rate. Some CitizenM locations offer a breakfast package for an additional fee (typically $10 to $15 per person per day). You can also use the bar or pantry for coffee and light snacks, or prepare your own food in a shared kitchen if the location has one.
What happens if I need help during my stay and the front desk is closed?
You contact CitizenM through the mobile app or by phone. A help desk is staffed during certain hours (usually morning and evening), and the app allows you to submit requests or report problems 24 hours a day. Response times vary, but urgent issues like a broken lock or heating problem are prioritized.
Can I check in late at night if no one is staffed?
Yes. You check in through the mobile app before you arrive or use a self-service kiosk in the lobby when you get there. You do not need to wait for staff. The app or kiosk provides your digital key or key card, and you go directly to your room.
Are pets allowed at CitizenM?
Pet policies vary by location. Some CitizenM hotels allow pets for an additional fee, while others do not. Check the specific property's policy when you book or contact them through the app before your stay.