When you’re looking for a hotel in Ottawa, it’s
important to decide which room type or bed size to best suit
your needs. This can be a little confusing so here’s a
breakdown of the different types of accommodation and what exactly
it is they mean! Don’t forget that there are also specific
room designations including smoking/non-smoking, handicapped
etc. and you will have to ask your hotel what they have on offer.
The
accommodation’s bed categories are (from smaller to larger):
Single/Twin- Usually quite
a narrow bed, suitable for one person. Measures at about 32”-36"
wide and 72" long.
Double- A reasonable sized
bed for two, measuring at about 54" wide by 72"
long.Queen- This bed is a more comfortable sized bed for two,
measuring at about 60" wide and 72" long.
King- This is a large bed
for two which usually measures around 72" by 72".
California King- The best
of the best! This bed is actually longer than it is wide and
it measures at a whopping 72" wide by 78" long!
The accommodation sizes are as follows (from smaller
to larger):
Standard- This is considered
a basic type of accommodation in terms of furnishings, amenities
and room location. It’s important to remember that not
all hotels have the exact same type of standard accommodation.
For example, the standard accommodation at a cheaper hotel
might not be too noticeably different, whereas a standard
room at a more expensive hotel may have quite an obvious obstructed
view.
Moderate- This is slightly
better than standard accommodation and apart from the room
size and maybe a better view, there usually isn’t an
immense amount of difference.
Superior- This category
is one of the most difficult to determine as it can fluctuate
quite a bit from hotel to hotel in Ottawa. The accommodation
itself is expected to be of a higher quality in terms of size
and furnishings but sometimes it may only refer to the enhanced
view.
Deluxe- This type of accommodation
is supposed to excel in all things including the view, the
location, the overall size and the furnishings. Take note
when booking your accommodation at this size as some hotels
in Ottawa actually place deluxe below superior, so it’s
important to ask before you book.
Run of House- This category
can be deceiving as it doesn’t actually refer to the
best accommodation available when you check in. It usually
means (depending on your Ottawa hotel) that you will be getting
standard accommodation or slightly better. You should always
enquire further about this category.
Junior Suite- This accommodation
typically offers a separate seating area and a larger room
overall. Although, it isn’t actually two separate rooms
and may only have a divider between the two areas.
Suite- This type of accommodation
should have two (or more) defined areas including a seating
area and a bedroom. Some Ottawa
hotels may interpret the term “suite” by the
fact that there’s a sofa, so be sure to double check
with your Ottawa hotel if you’re specifically wanting
two defined areas.
Studio- This accommodation
usually has the added benefit of things such as a kitchenette
or some form of cooking area. Your Ottawa
hotel may recommend this type of accommodation if you’re
planning on staying for a longer period of time.
If
you’re planning on travelling elsewhere, your hotel may
offer different views, so to make it a little clearer, here’s
a general breakdown:
Beachfront- This should
mean that when you walk out of your accommodation you walk
directly onto the sand itself. If that’s a specific
luxury you’re after, you should enquire at the hotel
as some may say “beachfront”, even though you
have to walk through the hotel to get to it.
City View- This accommodation’s
view is usually at a higher floor in order to enable the room
to have a better view of the city. Sometimes, it just refers
to a view other than the ocean view (which may be much more
desirable).
Garden View- This usually
means the accommodation will be on a lower floor and will
have a view of the landscaping around you.
Island View- This could
mean (if your hotel is somewhere near the ocean) that you
have the opposite view to the ocean. It may not be as appealing
as it sounds!
Mountain View- If you’re
on a skiing holiday
or somewhere where the mountains are a main attraction,
this could be a beautiful choice of accommodation view.
Partial Ocean View- This
means that your specific room will not have a perfect view
of the ocean and you may catch only a glimpse of it from your
balcony. If you’re not too fussed about the view, this
could be a good choice. Alternatively, if this is the most
you can get for your dollar, don’t fret, it should still
be a nice, relaxing choice.
Ocean View- This does not
mean your accommodation will be facing the water front on,
it may be partial or you may be able to see the ocean in the
distance from your hotel.
Ocean Front- This is the
room you want if it’s a full-on ocean view you’re
after. It could be on a higher floor with an extensive view
of the ocean or the entire window could be facing the ocean
and the ocean only!
Pool View- You will have
either a view of the pool or you may get your accommodation
with a patio directly at the pool side.
Water View- Depending on
where your hotel is, this view could refer to a lake, fountain
or any other type of water feature around your accommodation.