Room names in hotel descriptions are common across the industry but not standardised. “Superior” does not mean the same thing everywhere; the room description is what tells you. The definitions below give the most common usage — still read the text before you book.
- A room name marks a tier: Standard < Superior < Deluxe. What comes with that tier varies by property.
- A Junior Suite is one space; a Suite has separate rooms.
- Side sea view means you have to turn or lean to see the sea.
- Bed type is often not guaranteed — look for the words “on request”.
Room types
- Standard
- The property’s base room. It is the anchor for price comparison; every other type is built on top of it.
- Superior
- One tier above standard. The difference is usually floor area, floor level, a recent refurbishment or the view. The description says which.
- Deluxe
- Above Superior. Usually larger, better positioned and better equipped.
- Junior Suite
- A large room with a seating area. The key point: the seating area is not walled off from the bedroom.
- Suite
- The bedroom and the living room are separate spaces, with a door or at least a real partition.
- Family room
- A room laid out for four or more. May include an extra bed, bunk beds or a second sleeping area.
- Connecting rooms
- Two separate rooms with an internal door between them. This is the layout families with children look for.
- Adjoining rooms
- Two rooms side by side with no internal door. You go through the corridor. Often confused with connecting rooms.
- Duplex
- A room on two levels, usually living area below and bed above. There are stairs — worth thinking about with toddlers or limited mobility.
- Bungalow / villa
- A structure separate from the main building. A villa often comes with its own garden or pool; a bungalow is smaller.
- Swim-up room
- A room whose terrace opens straight into a pool. That pool is shared — it does not mean “private pool”.
Bed configuration
- Double
- One large bed for two.
- Twin
- Two separate single beds.
- Twin/Double
- The room can be made up either way. Say which you want in the booking notes; it is on request, not guaranteed.
- King / Queen
- Wider sizes of a double bed. The actual dimensions vary by property.
- Extra bed
- A bed added to the room. Usually chargeable, and it eats into the usable floor space.
- Sofa bed
- A fold-out sofa. It counts towards capacity but is not the same as a fixed bed for day-to-day comfort.
View names
- Sea view
- The sea is directly visible from the room or the balcony.
- Side sea view
- The sea is visible but not head-on: you have to go to the end of the balcony or look sideways.
- Partial sea view
- The sea shows through something — trees, a building, a roof. Look at the photographs.
- Land / garden / pool view
- Rooms that do not face the sea. Pool view is usually the noisiest, garden view the quietest.
- City view
- Common in city hotels. A higher floor reduces the noise.
Balcony or terrace
A balcony projects from an upper floor. A terrace is usually at ground level and larger. A French balcony is not a floor you can step onto at all: it is a floor-to-ceiling door with a railing in front of it. If you plan to put out a table and sit, the distinction matters.
Three pairs people mix up
| Term | Confused with | The difference |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Suite | Suite | In a Junior the seating area is not a separate room. |
| Connecting room | Adjoining room | Connecting has an internal door; adjoining does not. |
| Sea view | Side sea view | With side view you must turn to see the sea. |
Frequently asked questions
Is a Superior room the same in every hotel?
No. “Superior” only means one tier above standard; whether the difference is size, floor or view depends on the property. Do not trust the tier without reading the room description.
I asked for twin beds and got a double — what then?
At most properties the bed configuration is “on request”, which means it is not guaranteed. If twin beds are essential, confirm separately or choose a room type explicitly sold as twin.
Family room or connecting rooms — which is better?
If you want to be in the same space as a small child, a family room is enough. If older children need their own door and bathroom, two connecting rooms are more comfortable.
How much sea does a “partial sea view” see?
There is no objective measure; it varies from property to property. The most reliable check is the photographs of that room type and any images in recent reviews.
Is the pool mine in a swim-up room?
No. Swim-up means a shared pool you can enter straight from the terrace. If you want a private pool, look for the words “private pool” in the description.
To see room types, views and cancellation terms side by side, use the search page.
See prices side by side for your dates, and read the cancellation terms before you book.
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