When we book a Single Room at a hotel, we never know what to expect. There are a variety of Single Rooms out there. With different amenities, equipment, and services.
What minimum amenities can we expect when booking a single room? How and why does this list change from hotel to hotel?
Wonder no further! Here we have the list of amenities that are usually found in a single room in any hotel. And we’ll cover some important things.
What are single rooms?
You might think single rooms are simple and straightforward. One person. One bed. No complications. Well, you’re on the right track.
Single rooms are not limited to single-person occupancy. In fact, you can have up to four people in a single room. But the most common occupants of single rooms are either one person or a couple.
Single rooms are also not limited to having only one bed. And the beds don’t have to be single! Some hotels offer single rooms with larger beds. As an alternative luxury option for guests.
For families traveling together, some hotels may allow children under a certain age to stay in the same room with their parents. Which can be a more cost-effective way of traveling for the family.
Different Kinds of Single Rooms?
Whilst you can expect to find single rooms at most hotels, they might be called a different name.
Hotels like to spice things up whilst naming their properties. Frequent travelers will know what we mean. Standard, Junior, Queen, Luxury, Executive, and more. There is a whole range of names referring to single rooms that you wouldn’t expect.
So, how can we know what room we are looking at? What are the minimum requirements for a single room? What amenities can you expect from a single room?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of it. Let’s take a look at the different ways hotels categorize their single rooms.
Different Types & Categorization of Single Rooms
Not only do single rooms have multiple names. They are also classified into different types and categorizations. Depending on the property you are staying at.
Categorization By Bed
For hotels that wish to stay straightforward, they will often categorize their rooms by the bed. This is simple. The name of the room corresponds to the number and size of the bed(s) in the room.
So, a single room will have one bed. And an occupation limit of one adult guest. But the size of the bed can vary. It can be a single, double, queen, or even king if the property decides to splash out on furnishings.
Sometimes a Queen Room can also mean a single room. This will have one queen bed. And the occupation limit may extend to two adult and 2 child guests, depending on hotel policies.
Categorization By Amenities
Some hotels completely disregard any numerical association of the word ‘single’ and decide to use ‘single’ to mean basic, or less luxurious. In this case, a single room does not necessarily mean one bed or one adult. Or even one bed, two adults.
A single room can mean the least luxurious room on the property. This will have the most basic of furnishings. A bed, double if you’re lucky. A bathroom. A space to store clothes. And that’s pretty much it.
But what other amenities can you expect to stay in a single room? Are these three the minimum requirement for a hotel to label a room ‘single’? Without further ado, here’s our List of Minimum Equipment and Services you can expect from a single room.
The Absolute Minimum List of Amenities
For more economical accommodation options, here’s what you can expect from a single room.
- Bed
Among all the uncertainties around single rooms, you can definitely expect a bed. Whether it be a single, double, queen, twin, or king.
As we’ve already mentioned, the sizes of beds offered by hotels vary from each property. Remember to check with the hotel you’re staying at to see what they have on offer.
- Furnishings
Furnishings in single rooms also differ from hotel to hotel. Some may be more luxurious in their room designs. Those with more budget for decoration will definitely have more furnishings than those that don’t.
The minimum furnishing to expect includes the following:
- Bedside table(s)
- A lamp
- A desk with a chair or an armchair with a side table
- TV
- Ensuite Bathroom
You can expect almost all hotel rooms to come with an ensuite bathroom. The size and furnishings of this will of course differ again from property to property.
Once again, for a single room, you can expect to find:
- A toilet
- A shower
- A sink
- A towel rack
- Toilet paper
- Safe Storage Space
Most hotel rooms will have a safe or storage box for guests to store their valuables. It is important to note. When using these spaces, always change the password on the safe. Or if the storage box is locked with a key, always bring the key with you.
You can usually find safes and storage boxes in these places:
- Inside of a closet
- Under a desk
- Built into a section of a wall
- Under the luggage storage space
- Closet
All hotel rooms will have a designated space for guests to store their clothes. Some rooms will have a single-door closet, others – a double-door closet. More economical options may only have a clothes rack.
A single room is usually eligible for both closet variations. So, expect to have plenty of space to store your belongings when on holiday.
- Heating/ Air-conditioning
The temperature controls of every single room may differ. Depending on your vacation destination. But it is pretty straightforward.
For those traveling to more tropical areas, expect air-conditioning. In most tropical metropolitan cities, air-conditioning is a requirement for any hotel room. In a more sunbathing-type resort, this might not be the case. The location of the resort may allow for more natural wind and breeze into your room. That way, air-conditioning may not be mandatory.
For those traveling in winter, or to more snowy places, heating is a must-have. So, expect to be warm and cozy throughout your vacation!
- Kitchenette
A lot of hotel rooms will come equipped with a small kitchen. A kitchenette, if you will. For single rooms, this depends on the size of the room in the property you’re staying at. Remember to check with your hotel if you want to wake up with a cup of hot coffee made directly in your room.
You can expect basic kitchenettes to have these furnishings:
- Kettle
- Tea bags
- Instant coffee
- Cups
- Sugar and sweetener
- Teaspoons or other stirring cutlery
- Lobby Functions
As a guest at a hotel, you are entitled to all amenities in the immediate lobby area of the hotel. No matter the price of the room you’re staying in.
This can be accessed to:
- A 24-hour front desk
- Sitting
- Customer service counters
- Basic refreshments
But some more luxurious hotels may restrict guest access to certain areas and services of the hotel. Don’t be afraid to ask!
- Internet Access
Today, you can expect all hotels to have their own public network. Which covers their single rooms. Some hotels will allow guests to use this in the lobby before and after check-in and check-out. Others may only allow access to their Wi-Fi only after you’ve checked into the property. Either way, you’ll be able to stay connected with everyone and everything you love throughout your vacation.
- Access to Hotel Facilities
Access to hotel facilities for single-room guests may differ from each hotel. Some may offer their single-room occupants unlimited access to hotel facilities. Others may restrict one or two areas from universal access. Reserve these spaces for their frequent guests, members, or VIPs.
But single room guests can expect to access the following facilities:
- Gym or fitness center
- Public swimming pool
- Cafes and restaurants inside the hotel
- Gift shops inside the hotel
- Spa
Summary
As we’ve seen, single rooms aren’t as straightforward as their name may suggest. The definition of a single room is wide. And what you get from the single rooms of different hotels will differ from each other.
Some hotels may sort and refer to their single rooms by maximum occupancy. Meaning only one person is allowed to stay in a single room. Others push the limit of this label. Fitting four guests in a single room.
Some hotels refer to their single rooms by the bed. Meaning the room will have a single bed. Once again, this is not universal across the board. Hotels may offer more luxurious single rooms to guests. Named ‘Queen Single’ or even ‘King Single’ rooms.
As always, check with your hotel to avoid any confusion and misunderstandings. These are never what you want or need on vacation.
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