Hotel Room Categories

Let's figure out the difference between a suite and a deluxe room and what the mysterious abbreviation 2 BDRM means.

Hotel room types by number of occupants

It's often difficult to determine how many people a room can accommodate just by looking at a picture on a website. Especially considering the capabilities of modern wide-angle cameras. It would be a shame if you picked out a large apartment for a family of three, including a child, only to find out there are only two beds, and the child will have to sleep with one of the parents. 

Here are the types of hotel rooms you'll find on accommodation booking websites:

— Single (SGL) — a single room. Only one person can stay here. This is a budget accommodation type, ideal for solo travelers or those on a business trip.

— Double (DBL) — a double room with a large bed. Suitable for couples. A 'double' can be booked even if you're traveling alone but want a wider bed and a larger room. There's usually little difference in price.

— Twin (TWN) — a twin room with two small separate beds. The simplest and most budget-friendly option for friends or colleagues.

— DBL + ЕХВ — triple accommodation. It is assumed that there are sleeping places for parents and one extra bed for a child (most often a folding bed or a sofa bed).

— Triple (TRPL) — triple accommodation. There are also three sleeping places here, but the difference from DBL + EXB is that hotel staff do not bring a bed specifically for you; it is already in the room.

Other less common options include a quadruple room (QDPL) and a five-person room (5 ADL). If there are no multi-person rooms in the hotel and you are traveling with a large family, consider booking two adjacent 'double' rooms. 

In descriptions, you may encounter additional hotel room categories, the deciphering is simple:

— Extra Bed (ExB) — an extra bed (usually a sofa bed or a folding bed);

— 1 BDRM — apartments with 1 room (it is implied that you will have a separate space for the kitchen and for the bedroom);

— 2 BDRM — apartments with 2 rooms;

— Run of house (ROH) — this is the accommodation category available at the guest's arrival. In other words, you arrive at the hotel, and you are checked into any available room. 

Hotel room types by class

— STD (standard) — this is a regular standard room with one room. It includes a small hallway, a main room with a bed, a bathroom, and sometimes a balcony. This is the most common category in all hotels, including luxury ones. Typically, such rooms are very small: from 14 to 20 square meters. And they can accommodate a maximum of two people. 

— Superior — the so-called 'superior room'. This is a very popular hotel room category. It is similar to a 'standard' but has differences: for example, it has a larger area or better design.

— Studio — a studio room, where the room is combined with a kitchen or separated by a small partition. It includes a bed, a small kitchen area, a table, and a bathroom. Suitable for travelers who prefer to cook for themselves during their trip. 

— Family room — a room for families, suitable for couples with children. But of course, you can book it even if you are traveling alone and want more space for yourself. It can be a two-room or three-room apartment.

— Family Studio — a large family room with a kitchen area.

— Delux — an option with stylish design and a larger area. Usually, 'deluxe' rooms have a better view than 'standard' rooms.

— Suite — a luxury room with two or three rooms, good renovation, and the most attractive views from the window. The area reaches 40-50 square meters. Guests of a 'suite' are offered slippers, bathrobes, free coffee, or alcohol. Sometimes these rooms have a jacuzzi. 

— Presidential Suite — the most expensive suite, there's simply nothing better: huge area, beautiful design, multiple toilets, a balcony, an office. 

— Honeymoon Suite — this is a room for newlyweds with a king-size bed, which includes special services designed for honeymooners: champagne and flowers, a candlelit dinner. Couples often check in here after their wedding or during their honeymoon.

Room types by location within the hotel grounds

Sometimes, in resorts in southern countries, hotels differ from typical European hotels and look like separate mini-houses for a family or entire villas. Let's figure out how this can be designated.

—  MB (Main Building) — the main hotel building. It is implied that in addition to the MB, there are also additional buildings.

—  Bungalow (BG, BGL) — this refers to additional low-rise buildings with a limited number of rooms. For example, 2-4 per building.

—  Jacuzzi villa —  the name speaks for itself: this is a separate villa with a jacuzzi.

— Pool villa/bungalow — a villa next to the pool.

— Residence или villa — a separate house where you will live alone. 

Room types by window view

If you don't want to check into an apartment overlooking trash bins or a busy road, read the descriptions carefully. To avoid a surprise upon arrival, it's best to write to the hotel and ask for clarification on what view awaits you. Many hotels are accommodating and send photos so you can assess whether such conditions suit you or not. As a rule, rooms with a view of the sea, ocean, or historic city center are slightly more expensive than those from which you can only admire the neighboring house.

What designations are found here:

— Sea / ocean view — sea or ocean view;

— City view — city view (it is advisable to clarify whether it will be a view of a quiet street or a busy avenue);

— Garden view — garden view;

— Pool view — pool view. The most ambiguous choice — on the one hand, admiring the pool is always pleasant, but if there are many children in the hotel and the sound insulation is poor, you will have to listen to screams from morning till night.

Classification by meal plan

A hotel room category is not only about its location or window view, but also about the possibility of having breakfast or lunch without leaving the hotel. However, agreeing to an included meal plan is not mandatory: if you want to cook at home or dine in a cafe, that option is also available. And it will be cheaper. 

What options can be chosen:

— RO (Room Only) or BO (Bed Only) — accommodation only, no meals. It is assumed that you are staying at the hotel, and having breakfast, lunch, and dinner at restaurants.

— BB (Bed and Breakfast) — the most popular option for hotel guests. Includes accommodation and a morning meal. This is very convenient: you don't have to look for a place to have coffee and breakfast right after waking up.

— HB (Half Board) — accommodation with included breakfast and dinner.

— FB (Full Board) — accommodation and three meals a day. Alcoholic beverages are not freely available, but can be paid for separately.

— All Inclusive — a common option for resorts that are far from the city, so tourists do not have the opportunity to eat outside the hotel. This includes three meals a day, plus second breakfasts, snacks, alcohol, and sweets at any time of the day.