European Hotel Rooms: Is a "Double Room" really double? A Guide to Understanding the Star Rating System and Room categories

Max Travel Abroad
Mar 7, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 20

When choosing a European hotel, there are typically two areas where travelers can get confused - the sizes of the beds and the star ratings of the hotel.

Using the booking filter for the number of hotel stars, however understand them for what they are - stars tell you how many services and amenities in that hotel. The more stars, the more services or amenities. If you don't really want to pay extra for some services, like a concierge, room service, 24 hour desk attendant, or even a hotel elevator, then look for lower stars. Remember, in Europe, the number of stars are not related to quality, reputation, or reviews, just to amenities and services. The more stars a hotel = the higher the cost.

I prefer staying in two or three-star hotels that are favorably reviewed, centrally located, and have charm or history. Air conditioning is a priority for me, even if it means sacrificing satellite TV or an in-room minibar. I seek hotels with European charm and flair, avoiding corporate-style establishments that lack uniqueness. I opt for small Pensions or Agri-tourism B&Bs that provide local knowledge and enrich my travel experiences.

I suggest to look for accommodation is in the heart of the destination, and is family-owned and operated to embrace the generous hospitality and invaluable knowledge of a local.

When booking a hotel room in Europe, it's important to understand how they label their room options based on the number of people that can sleep in the room. Here's what you need to know:

- Single room: These are rooms meant for one person. Known in Austria and Germany as Einzelzimmer. Either a room with one 'single' bed, commonly known in the U.S. as a twin sized bed, or a room with a double bed (see the description double room) charged for a single person's use.

Tip: Often when the hotel is including breakfast there is a supplement fee paid for one person using a double room.

- Double room: Refers to a room for two individuals, commonly with a queen or king bed. In Austria and Germany, known as Doppelzimmer. Austrian double beds may have two twin mattresses joined together, each with its own duvet quilt and pillows to avoid sharing conflicts. Higher-end hotels may offer standard king or queen beds in double rooms.

-Triple or Family room: Typically, this room includes one double bed and one single/twin bed, which can also be a day bed/couch. These rooms are larger but not necessarily spacious. They can accommodate three individuals or be reserved for two guests. Booking for three people is more expensive if breakfast is included.