Gone are the days when hotels only offered guests standard rooms. Now, hotels cater to every kind of traveler—whether you need a cozy space for a quick overnight stay or a sprawling suite with top-tier amenities. Some rooms are built for business trips, others for romantic getaways, and a few take luxury to a whole new level. With so many choices, how do you pick the right one?
Hotels sort their rooms by size, layout, and features. Some have amazing views, while others come with extras like private pools or a personal concierge. If choosing a room feels tricky, knowing the different types can make it much easier!
Let’s break down 15 hotel room types, what sets them apart, and how to choose the one that fits your trip perfectly.
What defines a hotel room type?
“When you get into a hotel room, you lock the door, and you know there is a secrecy, there is a luxury, there is fantasy. There is comfort. There is reassurance.”
Diane von Furstenberg captured what makes a hotel stay special. But what exactly defines a hotel room?
Hotels don’t just name rooms randomly. Every room type is based on key factors that help guests find the perfect fit. Some rooms focus on space, while others highlight luxury or a specific view. A penthouse suite is in a league of its own, but even standard rooms come with different layouts and features.
A hotel may classify rooms by size, layout, bed type, occupancy, amenities, views, and pricing models. Some guests look for extra space, while others care more about a private balcony or a jacuzzi. If you’re booking a stay, knowing these categories can help you pick the right room without surprises.
1. Room types based on size and layout
Space matters. Some hotels provide single rooms that are ideal for individuals, while others provide suites with a living room. Connecting rooms are good for families or teams who desire individual space but require easy accessibility to one another.
A penthouse suite sits at the pinnacle of the luxury tier, providing the greatest amount of space and high-end amenities.
2. Room types based on amenities and features
Not all hotel rooms are the same. Some have special extras to make your stay nicer. Many fancy rooms have jacuzzis, so you can relax in private. Some also have balconies where you can enjoy the view.
If you’re staying longer or like to cook, some rooms have small kitchens with a fridge, stove, and microwave. Modern hotels also have cool gadgets like smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and tablets to control the lights and temperature, so you can make the room just right for you.
3. Room types based on occupancy
Occupancy labels help guests choose wisely. Single rooms, as the name suggests, accommodate solo visitors. Double rooms accommodate two visitors, with different bed settings depending on the hotel layout.
Groups or families usually prefer family rooms, which have more space and additional beds to comfortably fit everyone. For big groups, some rooms can be made to accommodate more visitors, sometimes with extra beds or bunk beds to ensure the space is used efficiently.
4. Room types based on view and location
A great view can make your stay even better. Some rooms face the ocean, some show the city skyline, and others look out at gardens. Hotels charge more for rooms with better views, so a mountain-view room might cost more than one facing a small courtyard.
5. Room types based on bed type
The size of the bed in a room is responsible for most of the comfort and suitability for various guests. King-size beds are the largest and most indulgent, suitable for couples who like lots of room to sleep. Queen-size beds, being a bit smaller, are frequently selected by individual travelers or couples who don’t require quite as much room.
Twin-bed rooms are great for friends or coworkers who want their own beds. Families often like bunk beds because they save space and fit more people. Double rooms can have one big bed or a big bed with a small one, depending on the hotel.
6. Room types based on rate plan
Your booking choice extends beyond the room itself. A standard rate covers just the stay, while all-inclusive plans add meals, drinks, and entertainment. A bed and breakfast option gives guests a morning meal without the commitment of a full meal plan.
All-inclusive packages, on the other hand, include meals, drinks, and sometimes activities, providing a more comprehensive experience for those looking to simplify their vacation planning.
15 types of hotel rooms and their features
When you’re booking a hotel, you should know what to expect. Here are 15 types of rooms at hotels, what they offer, and how they might be right for you.
1. Standard room
A standard room is your basic accommodation, and it’s often the most affordable option. Expect a bed, a bathroom, and a TV. These rooms offer a no-frills experience but still provide comfort and functionality. You’re not paying for extra space or fancy extras, just the essentials for a short stay.
2. Deluxe room
Want a little more space without upgrading to a suite? A deluxe room is a solid choice.
It typically comes with better furnishings, more space to move around, and possibly a higher floor or better view. The room feels more refined than a standard one, but without the luxury price tag.
3. Superior room
The superior room often delivers something a little extra compared to the deluxe version. It could be a room located on a higher floor with stunning views, or perhaps it’s positioned in a more premium section of the hotel.
These rooms tend to offer the best combination of comfort and location, making them a great option for those who want something more than the basics.
4. Executive room
Tailored for business travelers, the executive room offers functional amenities like a spacious desk, high-speed internet, and sometimes even access to a lounge with refreshments or business services.
These rooms are designed with productivity in mind, offering more than just a comfortable bed—think meeting spaces, charging stations, and more.
5. Suite
A suite is designed to provide more space and a higher level of comfort. You get a separate living area in addition to the bedroom, with more luxurious touches like high-end furniture, extra TVs, and possibly a kitchenette. Perfect for longer stays or for travelers who want extra room to stretch out, work, or entertain.
6. Junior suite
A junior suite is essentially a smaller version of a full suite. It’s often a single large room with both a sleeping area and a separate seating space. While not as spacious as a full suite, it still offers the benefit of extra room to relax, making it a good choice for those who need more space but don’t need a full separate living area.
7. Connecting room
Traveling with a family or a group of friends? Connecting rooms are a perfect solution. These rooms are adjacent and linked by an internal door, allowing you to access both rooms from inside.
This way, you can enjoy your privacy while still being able to check in on others, making it ideal for families with children or groups who want to be close but not cramped together in one room.
8. Family room
Family rooms are designed to accommodate multiple guests, making them a perfect choice for those traveling with children or in larger groups. These rooms typically include extra beds, pull-out sofas, or even bunk beds. The layout often focuses on maximizing space, offering more room to move around while maintaining comfort for everyone in the family.
9. Bungalow/Villa
A bungalow or villa offers a unique, stand-alone option. These are typically found in resorts, providing guests with more privacy and a sense of isolation. Many bungalows come with their own private pool or garden, ideal for those looking to escape the usual hotel atmosphere.
Bungalows and villas offer a home-away-from-home experience with plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere.
10. Overwater bungalow
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying over the water, this is the ultimate luxury experience. Overwater bungalows are often found in tropical destinations, offering direct access to the ocean from your private deck.
They feature stunning panoramic views, and the gentle sound of the water adds to the overall tranquil vibe. Expect high-end amenities, a luxurious bed, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let you gaze out at the ocean.
11. Loft room
A loft room stands out with its open-concept design and high ceilings. This type of room typically has a more modern, artistic feel, with exposed beams and sometimes even a mezzanine level. The open layout allows for creative interior design and maximizes the available space.
Loft rooms are great for travelers who enjoy a spacious, airy atmosphere with a bit of character and style.
12. Penthouse suite
The penthouse suite is often the crown jewel of any hotel. Sitting at the top of the building, it offers sweeping views and an unmatched sense of luxury.
These rooms come with large living areas, high-end furniture, private terraces, and sometimes even an elevator directly into the room. A penthouse suite is often equipped with the best amenities the hotel has to offer, and it’s perfect for those who want to indulge.
13. Presidential suite
The presidential suite isn’t just a room—it’s an experience. These rooms are designed for heads of state, VIPs, or anyone who wants the highest level of luxury. Expect spacious rooms with multiple bedrooms, expansive living areas, private dining areas, and sometimes even a spa. Premium services like personal butlers or private chefs are often included, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking exclusivity.
14. Themed room
Themed rooms provide a fun twist on hotel design. Each room is decorated based on a specific theme, ranging from vintage movie settings to underwater-inspired designs.
These rooms often provide a unique and memorable stay, with quirky touches that make them stand out. They’re especially great for those who want something more playful and distinct during their trip.
15. Accessible room
Accessible rooms are equipped to cater to guests with mobility challenges. These rooms have larger doorways, lower counters, roll-in showers, and other accommodations to ensure accessibility.
While these rooms are designed for those with specific needs, they don’t compromise on comfort or style. They still offer a relaxing, spacious experience, just with added features for convenience.
How hotel management software helps with room categorization
With different types of hotel rooms organized, it’s time to focus on managing and selling them! An all-in-one hotel management software like the roomMaster PMS helps hotels streamline operations, automate bookings, and ensure every room is priced and assigned efficiently.
With roomMaster, hotels can categorize rooms based on type, occupancy, amenities, and pricing, making it easier to manage reservations without errors. Because it’s cloud-based, there’s no need for complex IT setups, and updates install automatically, so the system is always up to date.
To maximize bookings, roomMaster seamlessly integrates with top OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb. This ensures real-time availability updates and dynamic pricing, helping hotels avoid overbooking while optimizing revenue. Guests also benefit from a self-check-in feature, which lets them complete the check-in process online before arrival, reducing front desk wait times and improving the experience.
Beyond reservations, roomMaster provides real-time analytics on occupancy, guest preferences, and profitability. Hotels can use this data to personalize guest experiences, create targeted promotions, and boost direct bookings.
Ready to streamline your hotel’s room management? Get a demo of roomMaster by innQuest today and maximize bookings!
FAQs
What are the different types of rooms in a hotel?
Hotel rooms come in several types, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, suites, and specialty accommodations like penthouses and overwater bungalows.
What is the most popular hotel room type?
Standard rooms are typically the most popular and commonly booked room type, as they offer basic amenities at an affordable price.
What is the room category in the hotel industry?
A room category refers to the classification of rooms based on factors such as size, location, amenities, and pricing.
What’s the difference between a suite and a deluxe room?
A suite usually offers separate living and sleeping areas, while a deluxe room is a larger, more upscale room with enhanced amenities.
How do hotels decide room pricing for different categories?
Hotels base room pricing on factors like size, location, demand, occupancy rate, and the amenities included with each room type.
What is the best room in a hotel called?
The best room in a hotel is typically called the presidential suite. Often located on the top floor, it is designed to provide VIP guests with the ultimate comfort and exclusivity.
Mayela Lozano is a content strategist with a passion for hospitality and technology. She collaborates with InnQuest on content creation, highlighting how technology can streamline hotel operations and enhance guest satisfaction. When she’s not creating content, Mayela loves to travel and spend time with her two little ones, discovering new adventures and making memories along the way.
