Within hotels, there are many types of rooms designed to be offered at different rates for a diverse revenue strategy. Hotel room types and categories play a pivotal role in targeting the right market, as well as giving guests a good idea of what to expect from their stay. When it comes to updating inventory, room types are also helpful for controlling room rates under one category, depending on price range, amenities, type of décor and occupancy.
Within this article, we’ll explore some of the most common factors that define the different types of rooms, as well as 15 different room types typically found within the hospitality industry.
Table of contents
What are the factors that define the different types of rooms?
The different types of hotel rooms can be defined by a range of factors, depending on the occupancy, kind of bed, amount of beds, amenities, the design or layout, special features, and of course, the level of luxury. Room names, classifications and sizes will differ from hotel to hotel, depending on its classification and target audience.
Let’s look at some of the most common ways to break down different room types into categories.
Rooms by occupancy
Often rooms are classified by how many beds are within it, helping guests to choose based on the number or people they’re traveling with.
Single rooms, for example, are designed for guests traveling solo – there is only one bed. A double room, on the other hand, may have one queen size bed designed for two people, or it may have two beds (either two single or two double beds). A triple room usually has two or more beds.
Room by kind of bed
Organizing by the kind of bed will also help guests understand how many people can comfortably fit in a room. A king-sized or queen-sized bed is usually designed for 1-2 people. When there is a twin room, on the other hand, this typically features two single beds. A double-double room will usually have two queen size or king size beds. Finally, a bunk room is designed to take up less space and occupy more people in one room.
Room design and layout
The design and layout of a room helps guests to understand what to expect. A standard, for example, would be your basic room with no frills. A deluxe or superior room would have better amenities and would most likely be larger in size. This could be an extra-large bathroom designed for comfort, or even a jacuzzi.
There are also different suites available, which is a single room with a sitting area (or other type of room) connected to it. A penthouse suite is the largest room that usually sits on the top floor of a building – it’s largest in size with the most exclusive amenities.
Hotel rooms by amenities or special features
Many hotels choose to create room types based on the amenities or view the room offers. Think “double room with a jacuzzi” or “sea view room”. The price is reflected for both things. For example, hoteliers will charge more for rooms with a balcony or terrace. Or amenities like a jacuzzi or private pool. Similarly, a garden room will not have the perceived value as a sea view room.
Level of luxury
The level of luxury may be defined by whether it’s a simple economy or budget room, a mid-range room, a luxury room, or even a presidential suite, which will contain the best views and the most comprehensive amenities.
15 different types of rooms in hotels
Next up, we’ll look at what hoteliers should understand when it comes to basic break downs of the types of rooms in hotels.
Single room
A single room is designed for one person – with either a twin bed or double bed within it. Hoteliers will typically have different prices for a single room with a twin bed versus that of a double, despite them both being for single occupancy.
Double room
A double room is designed for two people. This will either include one double bed or two twin beds. Having this option is useful as many times, a room may be shared by friends that are traveling together or coworkers who don’t necessarily want to share a bed, but also don’t want to pay for two separate rooms.
Triple Room
A triple room is designed for three people. There may be one single bed and one double bed, or three single beds. Diverse configurations of beds can accommodate different kinds of parties traveling with three people.
Quad room
A quad room is for four people and will usually have two double beds. Occasionally, there may be a room with four single beds, but this is more common in rural settings.
Junior suite
A small suite that is usually designed for two to four people. There is usually a sleeping area and a living room that depending on occupancy, may have a couch bed designed for 1-2 people.
Suite
A suite is a type of room that offers guests more space and amenities than a standard room. You may find separate living and sleeping areas, a kitchenette, or connecting rooms.
Executive suite
An executive suite is typically designed for guests who require more space. For example, a business traveler may book an executive suite so that their workspace can be separated from the bedroom, or it may feature special amenities that are designed for different target audiences.
Presidential suite
This is by far the most luxurious and spacious suite. It will have special amenities, like multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and other premium services. It’s often located on the top floor on its own, offering lots of privacy as well as the best views in the building.
Family room
A family room is designed to accommodate families, meaning that it may have connected rooms or larger spaces to accommodate cribs or cots. There may also be special amenities designed for kids like a highchair, bathtub or toys.
Standard room
A standard room is where you will find the most basic economic choice at your hotel. It will have amenities like a bed and a bathroom, and may also come with a chair, desk and a television. It’s usually no frills and designed for those looking for a comfortable night’s sleep at the cheapest rate.
Accessible room
This kind of room is meant for people who have disabilities or reduced mobility. This means the bathroom is wheelchair accessible, with handlebars around the shower and a wheel-in toilet. It’s also more spacious, giving guests plenty of room to maneuver with a walking frame or wheelchair.
Sea view room
A sea view room is a room that is designed based on a special feature of, you guessed it - a view of the ocean. Hoteliers can usually charge more for this picturesque type of room.
Mountain view room
For those hotels that are in a rural setting, a mountain view room is very desirable to guests.
Garden view room
Garden view rooms will show views of the garden or other green area.
Luxury room
A luxury room is a room that usually has a prime location, including the best amenities and views your hotel has to offer. Because of this special combination, hotels can charge a lot more for this sort of room.
Conclusion
We’ve looked at the different kinds of characteristics that hoteliers use to define their room types, as well as the different types of rooms within hotels. Having a comprehensive understanding of what goes into defining a room type is crucial, because it will help you with both your inventory and revenue management strategies.
By having a clear room type structure, you can charge rates that are correspondent with the perceived value that each room offers and give guests a realistic idea of what they’ll be getting. Managing expectations is one of the most important things you can do to ensure overall guest satisfaction.
Author
Eva Lacalle
Eva has over a decade of international experience in marketing, communication, events and digital marketing. When she's not at work, she's probably surfing, dancing, or exploring the world.
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