When you book a hotel room, one key factor to consider is the type of bed. Hotels offer various bed types, each with different prices and amenities.
Choosing the wrong bed size could mean a night of uncomfortable sleep and possibly paying more to switch to a larger room.
In this article, I'll go over the common bed types found in hotels so you can make an informed choice next time you book a room.
The single bed is the smallest option available in hotels. Designed for one adult, it typically measures about 90 cm to 100 cm in width and 190 cm to 200 cm in length.
These beds are often found in rooms aimed at solo travelers, making these rooms usually more affordable than others.
However, single bed rooms are not always easy to find. They’re more common in transit hotels at airports or train stations.
A twin bed room comes with two separate beds, each about the size of a single bed, which is roughly 90 cm to 100 cm wide and 190 cm to 200 cm long.
These rooms are perfect for guests traveling together who prefer their own beds, like friends or coworkers.
The size of a twin bed room is usually the same as a room with a double or queen bed. So, the prices and amenities are pretty similar.
Interestingly, many hotels can combine these twin beds into one larger bed, like a queen or king size. This flexibility allows them to cater to different guest preferences for single or separate beds.
Next on the list is the double bed, also referred to as a full bed. This bed design aims to accommodate two people, so it's ideal for couples.
Generally, a double bed spans about 140 cm in width and ranges from 190 cm to 200 cm in length. Its dimensions are more generous than those of a single bed yet smaller than those of a queen bed. So, the price tends to be lower compared to the latter two.
I've often come across double beds in hotel rooms in Japan. Personally, I find that a double bed can feel a bit tight for two people, especially if they are both quite large.
As a result, double beds aren't very common in hotels, as many prefer to offer queen-sized beds. However, double bed rooms are popular among solo travelers who want more space than what a single bed provides.
A queen bed sits between a double bed and a king bed in size. It's designed for two people and offers plenty of comfort with its typical width of 160 cm and length of 200 cm.
Rooms equipped with a queen bed are ideal for couples or even solo travelers who appreciate extra sleeping space.
The rates for queen bed rooms are usually similar to those for twin bed rooms. This similarity often stems from the fact that queen beds can be formed by joining two twin beds.
However, a room with a queen bed will generally be more expensive than one with a double bed if both options are available at the hotel.
Note that some hotels use the terms "double bed" or "full bed" to refer to queen beds. So, if a hotel lists a double bed, it's a good idea to confirm whether it's actually a double or a queen bed to avoid any confusion.
King beds are the largest type available in hotels and are designed to comfortably accommodate two people. In fact, a king bed can even fit three people, such as a couple with a child.
These beds typically measure about 180 cm in width and 200 cm in length. Due to their large size, rooms with king beds are also quite spacious and tend to be pricier than other room types.
Rooms with king beds usually offer more amenities compared to others. Also, if you're staying in a 4-star hotel or higher, king beds are often the standard.
It’s worth mentioning that many hotels now offer beds even larger than king size, with names like super king or ultra king.
The last type we'll discuss is the bunk bed, commonly found in hostels or guest houses. A bunk bed features two beds stacked vertically, similar to what you might see in a dormitory.
Each bunk typically has the dimensions of a single bed, roughly 90 cm to 100 cm wide and 190 cm to 200 cm long. Access to the upper bunk is usually via a small ladder, and safety railings are provided to prevent falls.
Rooms with bunk beds can vary greatly, accommodating anywhere from 4 to 20 beds. Some of these rooms might include an attached bathroom, while others might not.
Bunk beds are often very affordable, making them a great option for backpackers or large groups.
These are the common types of beds used in various hotels. Make sure to check the type and size of the bed to ensure it suits your needs.
As for terms like "deluxe room," "superior room," or "executive room," these are often just marketing terms used by hotels and don't always reflect the bed size.
For instance, a deluxe room in one hotel might have a queen bed, while another might feature a king bed. To get the right bed size, it's best to focus on the bed type rather than the room category.