An isolated lighthouse on the Arctic Coast of Norway, Littleisland Lighthouse has two cosy guest rooms in the former lighthouse keeper’s home. The property is currently closed for a renovation but for a diminutive stay in the midst of wilderness, this place is one to watch.

Opulent and artful, each of the five suites at Hôtel Particulier Montmartre has been individually designed, while the surrounding 900 square metres of private gardens make this escape fabulously exclusive. No wonder this boutique stay has been favoured by the likes of Robert Downey Jnr and Angelina Jolie.

It’s small because there are just four suites — but really 48 Lighthouse Street in Galle Fort in Sri Lanka is better described as grand. This property also boasts a formal living room, a roof terrace, a library, a bar and a large garden.

The five rustic-chic rooms at Arkaba nod to its sheep-station heritage but elegant finishings and lodge-style dining and activities take this from standard farmstay to five-star outback experience.

In a list of very small hotels, 10 rooms sounds a little on the large side but in the context of London accommodation, that is tiny. The Artist Residence in Pimlico Village is boutique in every way, from the chic cocktail bar and restaurant to the eclectic décor in each of the rooms.

Eclectic with a design-edge, Casa Roberto is the creation of Roberto Begnini, an Italian interiors journalist. His petite “hôtel de charme” features five rooms, restored pine floors, a striking staircase, oversized windows and central skylight, while communal spaces include a living room and library, winter garden and patio.

It’s called “The One and Only Bedroom” – an apt name for this top-floor stay above conceptual design company Droog’s retail space and café. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, separate living area and views over the Amsterdam rooftops. It’s a little like being at home – if your home was an apartment styled by super-cool Dutch designers.

Four sophisticated, individually styled suites make up the Drift House in Port Fairy, Victoria. The heritage building was completely renovated to convert it into accommodation that ranges from vintage inspired to ultra contemporary.

When you book at Eh’hausl in Amberg, Germany, you have to reserve the entire hotel. That’s because it has just 53 square metres of floor space and can accommodate a maximum of two people. It’s no surprise this pint-sized property is the Guinness World Record-holder for smallest hotel.

Built in 1910, Ett Hem was once a private residence but today is a 12-room boutique hotel, with a courtyard garden, state-of-the-art gym and sauna, several communal spaces and a kitchen serving up meals wherever and whenever you choose. Overall, it’s a seamless blend of Scandinavian aesthetics, five-star service and classic design – in a neat package.

It’s a pick ‘n’ mix assortment at Hotel Covell in LA where the five rooms, called chapters, are individually themed: Chapter 1 is the Oklahoma Room, inspired by the mid-West; Chapter 3 is a Parisian Atelier. It gets more wacky and wonderful by Chapter 5, which is known as The Heir: “a combination of French charm and New York aesthetics, mixed with the playful vibe of the 1970s.”

There are eight suites at Hotel Paseo 206, a lovingly restored early-1900s mansion in the chic Vedado neighbourhood of Havana. The property blends vintage features and modern accents, and also has a petite restaurant, a library and lounge, and big-stay services such as 24-hour concierge, room service, wi-fi and valet parking.

Perched on a rocky outcrop in El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, this stone structure is for those who want to feel at the edge of the world. The four ascetic rooms don’t offer much in the way of luxury; instead consider this perfect for those with an adventurous spirit. Image: Francisco Gonzalez Concepcion.

A modern-day inn that combines eating, drinking and sleeping, Longman & Eagle has six guest rooms on the second floor above the bar and restaurant. Each features contemporary styling while additions such as vintage cassette tape consoles give this place a cool hipster-esque vibe.

Pretty Beach House on the NSW Central Coast is not only one of Australia’s smallest hotels but also one of the most luxurious. The four suites or “pavilions” are all about prioritising privacy, while the main house boasts elegant communal areas – dining spaces, a wine cellar, an infinity pool and luxe lounge.

A chalet-inspired architecturally designed retreat, Pensiun Laresch in Mathon in the Swiss Alps has just six rooms, each featuring natural wood floors and walls made from clay plaster. The décor is restrained and modern, bordering on spartan; outside, there’s a vast mountainous region to explore.

The six design-focused rooms, outdoor heated pool and on-site hammam at Riad Mena & Beyond prove the adage that good things come in small packages.

Santa Clara 1728 is a renovated 18th-century property in the old cultural quarter of Lisbon. There are just six suites here: each is stylish and light-filled, boasting views over the River Tagus.

The are just five rooms at 404 Nashville in Tennessee but the amenities and services make it feel like a much bigger establishment: rooms feature keyless entry, complimentary wi-fi, a Nespresso machine, plus Turkish robes and Malin + Goetz toiletries in the bathrooms. To boot, there’s a James Beard-nominated restaurant on-site.

A strong contender for the world’s smallest stay, The Central Hotel in Copenhagen boasts just one room but with quaint and quirky styling, it’s super-sized with charm. Luxe linens, a flat-screen TV, free wi-fi and two bicycles are all on the amenities list. Downstairs there’s a lively and equally diminutive café.

No one would ever expect that Antarctica’s only “hotel” would be expansive. Instead, at White Desert, there are just six sleeping “pods”, plus a communal dining and lounge area. Outside though, size takes on new meaning with an entire untouched continent at your pod door.

In Japan, the words “small” and “hotel” are generally applied to room size; this country was one of the pioneers of pod and capsule accommodation. The antithesis of that is Setouchi Aonagi – with just seven rooms, each as striking, spacious and modern as each other.

Holding the Guinness World Record for the narrowest hotel is Hotel Molinos in Granada. Accommodation at this slender stay is basic (this is a one-star hotel) but the rooftop terrace has delightful views of the city.

The presidential suite is generally the most luxurious room in the house – make that rooms. We’ve found the most lavish presidential suites in the world.