What exactly is a double room in a hotel, and what other room types can you find?

This detailed guide will cover everything you need to understand about various hotel room types, ensuring you feel confident while booking your next stay.

Defining a double room in a hotel

Many travelers find themselves puzzled over the term 'double room' when making hotel reservations. In essence, a double room is designed to accommodate two guests comfortably, though the bed configuration can vary. Most typical double rooms come with either a full, queen, or king-size bed, which is ideal for couples or solo travelers. However, some double rooms may feature two adjacent full or queen-size beds instead.

A double room can be an excellent option for couples, friends, or solo adventurers; just be sure to check the bed details to avoid surprises upon arrival. Double rooms usually come equipped with an en-suite bathroom, a desk, a seating area, a mini fridge, and other standard amenities.

Exploring the various types of hotel rooms

Hotels provide an array of room types to cater to diverse travelers—whether a family, solo guest, or couple—ensuring they meet different budgets, needs, and preferences. Room options range from the most budget-friendly and compact standard rooms to larger, pricier suites designed for families, groups, or those desiring extra space.

When making a hotel reservation, it’s essential to explore the different room types available and understand what each option entails. Hotel room categories include:

Standard hotel rooms

If you seek an affordable and dependable hotel room without any frills, the standard hotel room is ideal for you. This is the most common and basic type of accommodation, usually featuring either one full, queen, or king-size bed, or two full or queen-size beds, making it suitable for one or two guests. Standard rooms generally come with all necessary amenities (like an en-suite bathroom, television, and a small desk), focusing on practicality rather than lavish extras. As the most economical choice at a hotel, they offer a straightforward option for travelers who value simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Deluxe hotel rooms

A deluxe hotel room elevates your stay above standard accommodations, providing an enhanced experience. When you book a deluxe room, you can expect more spacious and thoughtfully designed areas, often featuring finer furnishings, upscale bedding, a more elaborate seating area, or added features such as a tub or fireplace. Deluxe rooms typically offer superior views. Though they come at a higher price than standard rooms, many find the extra luxury and comfort well worth the investment.

Studios and suites

When you move up from standard or deluxe hotel rooms, the cost for larger accommodations—such as studios or suites—usually increases significantly. The distinction between a studio and a suite lies in their layout and size: a studio is typically a smaller open-plan space that combines living, sleeping, and sometimes kitchenette areas into one. Studios may also be referred to as mini-suites or junior suites.

Standard and luxury suites can vary significantly in both size and price. Generally, suites provide more living space, typically featuring separate areas for sleeping and relaxing, often divided by a door. This layout makes suites particularly suitable for families. With a higher price point, guests can also expect additional amenities such as tubs, balconies, or dining areas. Many hotels offer specialty suites as well; for instance, 'honeymoon suites' often include romantic features for newlyweds, while 'presidential suites' represent the pinnacle of luxury, usually the most expensive option available, with one or two per hotel, encompassing expansive areas and multiple rooms.

Family rooms

Family rooms in hotels are designed to accommodate guests with children, though the specifics can vary by property and brand. Typically, these rooms offer more space and may include separate areas or multiple beds, with some featuring bunk beds for larger families. Family rooms might also come equipped with conveniences to enhance comfort for parents, such as cribs, highchairs, bathtubs, and games suitable for children.

Accessible rooms

Often referred to as 'ADA-compliant' rooms, these accommodations are specifically designed for guests with mobility impairments or other disabilities. Features may include wider doorways, lowered fixtures, and roll-in showers equipped with grab bars for added safety.

Unique accommodations: villas, cabanas, and more

For larger groups or those seeking something different, many hotels provide accommodations beyond the typical rooms and suites. Options like villas, cabanas, apartments, cabins, or bungalows offer private, standalone spaces on the property. These options typically feature more square footage, complete kitchens, laundry facilities, and other amenities that make them ideal for longer stays or for guests wanting more room to relax.

Exploring various hotel bed types

When booking a hotel, it’s important to consider not only the room type but also the bed sizes and configurations available. Common bed types include:

Double/standard bed

A double bed is a common feature in standard hotel rooms. It's smaller than a queen, providing a cozy option for one person, though some couples may appreciate the closeness. A double bed typically measures 54 inches (1.4m) wide by 75 inches (1.9m) long.

Queen-sized bed

A queen-sized bed provides more room than a double, measuring 60 inches (1.5m) wide by 80 inches (2m) long. The additional width makes it a comfortable choice for couples.

King-sized bed

A king-sized bed is a spacious and luxurious option, with standard dimensions of 76 inches (1.9m) wide by 80 inches (2m) long. Its generous sleeping area makes it perfect for couples or anyone who appreciates a roomy bed.

California king-sized bed

Commonly referred to as a 'Cal King,' this bed is longer than a standard king bed. Its dimensions are 72 inches (1.8m) wide by 84 inches (2.1m) long, making it an excellent choice for taller individuals.

Twin-sized bed

Also called a single bed, a twin bed is designed for one person, measuring 38 inches (1m) wide by 75 inches (1.9m) long.

Murphy bed

A Murphy bed, often referred to as a wall bed, is designed to maximize space by folding up against the wall (or inside a cabinet) when not in use, and easily pulling it down when needed.

Sofa bed

Frequently found in hotel rooms, a sofa bed (or pull-out couch) features a mattress that can be extended from the sofa to serve as a bed. This is a practical option for accommodating extra guests or children.

Trundle bed

A trundle bed is designed to save space. It resembles a regular bed, typically accommodating a full or twin-size mattress, but features an additional smaller mattress that can be slid out from beneath the main bed when needed.

How to secure the best hotel rooms

When reserving a hotel room, keep a few important factors in mind:

The floor level

Guests frequently prefer rooms on higher floors mainly for the enhanced views they provide. These elevated spaces are typically more removed from street-level noise, offering a quieter and more private experience. However, it’s important to consider that waiting for elevators may take longer, and opting for the stairs can become quite the workout. Lower floors have their advantages as well, such as easy stair access and sometimes the convenience of stepping directly outside from your room.

Which side of the hotel

Choosing a side of the hotel often depends on personal preference and the hotel layout. Many guests opt for the side that offers the best views, whether that’s of the ocean, mountains, or city skyline. Others might prefer a room facing the pool, especially if they are on a lower floor for direct access. While you can sometimes select your preferred side during booking, it’s a good idea to reach out in advance if that option isn’t available.

Closeness to elevators or stairs

Some guests favor rooms near the stairs or elevators for convenient access to the street level and hotel amenities like the pool or lobby. Conversely, others may choose to stay further away from these areas to minimize noise disruptions.

Types of beds and their arrangement

Are you dreaming of a King bed for you and your partner, plus a pull-out sofa for the kids? Or perhaps you prefer two double beds for a friends’ getaway? Alongside the room’s location, it’s crucial to ensure it features the right types and quantities of beds to accommodate you or your group.

Room regulations

Different rooms come with specific policies that are vital to consider. Bringing your furry friend? Verify that the room is pet-friendly and take note of any additional pet fees. Seeking flexibility? Opt for a room that allows free cancellation. Need to choose between smoking or non-smoking? Be sure to check the details.

Essential hotel room amenities for travelers

When thoughtfully designed, the layout and amenities of a hotel room can greatly enhance comfort during your stay. Conversely, a room missing essential features or desired upgrades can diminish the experience. Here are the basic elements I prioritize in a hotel room:

Additional amenities I appreciate, though they are more of a bonus, include:

Tips for securing the ideal hotel room

To discover the perfect hotel room for your journey, it’s essential to conduct thorough research prior to booking. After selecting a hotel that piques your interest, consider your essential features in addition to those you view as bonus amenities.

During my travels, I utilize various resources to investigate hotels and their available rooms, including the hotel's official site and Dinogo Hotel Search. I aim to understand the different room and bed options, hotel policies, pricing, guest reviews, and amenities before making a reservation. To avoid any surprises upon arrival, I suggest following these steps during your hotel search:

Evaluate room options and pricing

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the various hotel room types and their associated costs. Dinogo allows you to compare rates across different hotels for any specific date, and it also provides a breakdown of prices at a particular hotel by room category. This means you can easily view the cost variations between standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites in one convenient location, along with essential details such as bed types and policies regarding pets or smoking. Having all this information consolidated makes your decision-making process quicker and more straightforward.

Browse room images

Relying solely on a list of features can make it challenging to gauge the quality of a hotel room. That’s why I always prefer to view photographs of the rooms for a clearer idea of what to expect. While comparing prices and room options on Dinogo, you can also access real images of the available rooms, ensuring you have a good understanding before making your reservation. By clicking on the image associated with each room type on Dinogo, you can explore more angles and detailed descriptions that include room dimensions, bed arrangements, amenities, and policies.

Check guest reviews

In addition to reviewing images, I find that customer feedback is invaluable. Travelers often share their opinions on what they appreciated or disliked about a specific room layout or its location, which aids my decision-making process when booking.

Once you finalize your choice and click to book, you’ve locked in the room type you can anticipate upon arrival. If you have specific preferences regarding your room's location—like wanting to be on the top floor or near the elevator—it's wise to reach out via email or phone beforehand to make your request known.

Tips for securing a complimentary hotel room upgrade

Receiving a room upgrade is often attainable with the right tactics and timing, along with a dash of luck. While upgrades are seldom guaranteed, I’ve honed several strategies over the years to boost my chances.

Leverage loyalty programs

Being a member of a hotel’s loyalty program often comes with benefits such as automatic room upgrades when available. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the program's details and mention your membership at check-in.

Notify the hotel about special occasions

Are you celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon? Inform the hotel in advance, rather than at check-in, so they can prepare something special for your stay.

Time your arrival wisely

Although there's no guaranteed method for obtaining an upgrade, arriving either early or late when the hotel is less busy can often improve your chances, as staff will have a clearer picture of room availability. Staying during off-peak times can also boost your odds.

Maintain a positive attitude

When inquiring about room upgrades at the front desk, being courteous and friendly goes a long way. Simply express your interest in any available upgrades and ask if they could check for you.

Thorough research is essential for finding the ideal hotel room

To secure the right hotel room for your getaway, thorough research is crucial before making a reservation. This includes assessing bed and room types, looking into amenities and policies, and making specific requests when appropriate. Keep these tips in mind when selecting a hotel room for your next trip, ensuring you walk through the door pleased with your choice.

Are you considering comparing vacation rentals with hotels to determine the best option for your getaway? Dinogo’s search feature allows you to explore over 450,000 rentals and unique accommodations across the US, making your booking process quicker and simpler. Whether you're traveling solo, with your four-legged companion, on a family road trip, or even for a workcation, Dinogo helps you find the ideal hotel for your needs.

What is the typical size of hotel rooms?

On average, a standard hotel room measures about 300 square feet (approximately 28 square meters), though this can vary based on the hotel brand and location (for instance, rooms in New York City are often smaller). Luxury hotels typically offer larger standard rooms, while budget options average around 250 square feet (about 23 square meters).

Are visitors allowed in hotel rooms?

Generally, yes, hotels permit guests to host visitors in their rooms or in other areas of the property. However, some hotels may have specific visitor policies, such as requiring you to accompany them to your room, notifying the front desk of their names, or restricting access to certain areas.

What’s the reason for Bibles in hotel rooms?

The presence of Bibles in hotel rooms is thanks to the Christian organization Gideon International. This tradition dates back over a century, originating in 1899 when two Christian travelers decided to place a Bible in their shared hotel room. Since 1908, the group has been known for distributing free Bibles to hotels.

While some hotels across the US still provide Bibles in nightstand drawers, this practice is declining. In 2006, nearly 95% of hotels included Bibles in their rooms, but today, that figure is less than 79%.

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