Various types of rooms are available in a hotel. However, there are some common types of rooms. Other than these, a few special types of rooms are also available. Common types of rooms are available in all types of hotels, whether it is commercial hotel, resort hotel, transit or any other type of hotel. A majority of rooms in hotels are of common type, whereas special types of rooms are not available in all hotels.
They are made according to the need and demand of customers with specifi c features. We will discuss both common and special types of rooms below.
Common Types of rooms
There are a few standard types of rooms in a hotel. They can be categorised as follows.
Single Room
A room with one single bed, meant for only one person, is called a single room (Fig. 2.1). It is abbrevi- ated as SGL and the symbol is minus sign ( ).
Fig. 2.1 Single room
Twin Room
A room with two single beds, separated from each other and meant for two persons, is called a twin room (Fig. 2.2). It is abbreviated as TBR and the symbol is equal to sign (=).
Fig. 2.2 Twin room
Double Room
A room with one composite double bed, meant for two persons, is called a double room (Fig. 2.3). It is abbreviated as DBL and the symbol is plus sign (+). They are normally rented to couples.
Fig. 2.3 Double room
Suite
This is an apartment that has one bedroom with one composite double bed, a parlour and a dining space (Fig. 2.4). It is abbreviated as S. Besides the room number, every suite has a name based normally on the colour scheme, style and decor, e.g., Jaipur Suite and Presidential Suite. In a suite, the furniture, furnish- ings and fi ttings are posh and these rooms are the most expensive ones in the hotel.
Fig.2.4 Suite
Table 2.1 lists out standard size of different types of rooms in hotels.
Table 2.1 Standard Size of Rooms CATEGORY OF HOTEL AND TYPE
OF ROOM
STANDARD AREA OF BEDROOM AND BATHROOM
5-star and 5-star deluxe Single
Double Bathroom
180 sq ft 200 sq ft 45 sq ft 4-star and 3-star
Single Double Bathroom
120 sq ft 140 sq ft 36 sq ft 2-star and 1-star
Single Double Bathroom
100 sq ft 120 sq ft 30 sq ft
Special types of Rooms
These rooms are not necessarily found in every hotel. The following are the special types of rooms found in some hotels, depending on the demand and need of the targeted customer segment.
Cabana
It is a room situated away from the main building, near the swimming pool, which is used mainly for changing or resting purpose and is rented on hourly basis. Cabana may or may not have a bed; instead a pool chair may be provided. Dispense bar is optional.
Duplex
Duplex is a room with two levels under one roof. The upper level is used as a bedroom and the lower level as a parlour, living or sitting room (also called salon). Both the levels are connected by an internal staircase. Duplex room are generally found in commercial hotels.
Effi ciency Room
An effi ciency room has kitchen facility and is generally found in resort hotels.
Hollywood Twin-Bedded Room
It consists of twin rooms with one common bed head (headboard).
Hospitality Room
It is a room that can be used by the resident guests to entertain their own guests. These rooms are rented on hourly basis. In hospitality rooms, beds are not provided and only sitting arrangement is provided.
They are commonly found in commercial hotels.
Interconnected Room
An interconnected room has two rooms adjacent to each other with an interconnecting door, which al- lows entry from one room to other without having to go through the corridor. The interconnecting door can be locked to discontinue its use and opened when required. Hence, interconnected rooms can be sold to families or to individual guests. Of the two rooms, one room is double and the other is a twin.
Junior Suite
It is a large room converted to a suite by a partition (preferably wooden). The family rooms of old hotels are now being converted to junior suites. They are not as expensive as suites but are priced higher than the regular rooms.
Lanai
Lanai is a room with a good view, normally of hills, sea, garden, mountain and so on.
Murphy-Bedded Room
A room with a Murphy bed is known as a Murphy-Bedded Room (MBR). A Murphy bed is one that can be folded against the wall. Murphy-bedded rooms provide a larger fl oor area and are generally found in commercial hotels.
Penthouse Suite
Such a room is situated at the terrace level and a part of the suite, generally a part of the parlour, is open to the sky. Penthouse suites are generally offered to honeymoon couples.
Studio Room
A room that has one single bed and a few couches or sofas that can be converted to a bed is called studio room. Such rooms are mostly found in commercial hotels.
Quad
This type of room has four beds that provide sleeping accommodation for four individuals.