Hotel room types explained: double, twin, studio, suite and more
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Single, double and twin
A single room is designed for one person, often with a narrower bed. In older European city hotels, single rooms can be very small.
A double room usually has one bed for two people. In Europe, this can mean a single large bed or, in some countries, two mattresses pushed together in one frame. A twin room has two separate beds. If you need separate beds, or definitely need one shared bed, book the exact type and add a note to your booking.
Some hotels sell double or twin rooms, and the bed setup is assigned at check-in based on availability. If it matters, contact the hotel before arrival and ask for written confirmation.
Bed sizes
Terms such as queen and king are common in North America but are used inconsistently in Europe, where bed sizes are often described in centimetres. A European double bed can be narrower than a typical American queen. If size matters, look for the bed width in the room description or ask the hotel.
Standard, superior and deluxe
Words such as standard, classic, superior, deluxe and premium are hotel categories, not industry standards. A superior room in one hotel may be smaller than a standard room in another. Compare the room size in square metres, the view and what is included rather than relying on the name.
Studios, suites and junior suites
A studio usually has a living and sleeping area in one space, often with a kitchenette. It is common in aparthotels and serviced apartments.
A junior suite is often a larger room with a seating area, but the seating area is not always separate from the bedroom. A full suite normally has a separate living room with a door. Check the floor plan or photos to see what you are getting.
Family, triple and connecting rooms
Triple and quadruple rooms have beds for three or four guests, sometimes with a sofa bed or bunk beds. Family rooms vary widely, from one large room with extra beds to two connected spaces.
Connecting rooms are two separate rooms with an internal door between them. Adjoining rooms are often used to mean rooms next to each other without an internal door, but hotels use the terms differently. If you need connecting rooms, book them as such or request them in writing, and ask the hotel to confirm.
Cots and extra beds are often available on request, sometimes for a fee, and their availability is limited. Ask before booking.
Accessible rooms
Accessible rooms are designed for guests with reduced mobility and may include wider doors, step-free showers and grab rails. Features vary between hotels and countries. Book an accessible room directly and ask for details of the bathroom, bed height and door widths.
Views, floors and other extras
A city view or sea view room should face the view, but the view may be partial or blocked. Look for the words partial view. High-floor and quiet-room requests are usually subject to availability.
Balconies, terraces, bathtubs and kitchenettes are usually listed separately. If one of these features is important, choose a room type that explicitly includes it rather than relying on a request.
Apartments and aparthotel units
In aparthotels and serviced apartments, units are often named by the number of bedrooms, such as studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment. A one-bedroom apartment normally has a separate bedroom and a living area, sometimes with a sofa bed for extra guests.
Kitchen facilities vary from a simple kettle and microwave to a full kitchen with an oven. Cleaning may be less frequent than in a hotel, and towels and linen may only be changed every few days. Check what is included before you book.
How to read the room description
Before booking, check: the room size; the bed type and size; the maximum number of guests, including children; the bathroom type; whether the room has a window; and what is included in the rate, such as breakfast or city tax.
If something is unclear, message the hotel and keep the reply. A short question before booking can save a lot of hassle at check-in.
FAQ
What is the difference between a double and a twin room?
A double usually has one bed for two people, while a twin has two separate beds.
Is a junior suite a real suite?
Not usually. A junior suite is often a large room with a seating area rather than a separate living room.
Are European double beds smaller?
Often, yes. Check the bed width listed or ask the hotel.
What are connecting rooms?
Two separate rooms with an internal door between them. Request them in writing.