Have you ever checked into a hotel room, flopped onto the bed, and thought, “Is this bed bigger than mine?” Or maybe you are planning a trip and wonder if a “Double” bed is big enough for two adults. To get a good night’s sleep, it’s important to know about hotel bed sizes and mattress dimensions. This knowledge can help you book the right room for your family or create a five-star sleeping experience at home.
You aren’t alone. Hotel bed sizing can be a confusing mix of standard terms, regional variations, and hospitality industry secrets.
Whether you are a traveler looking to book the right room, or a homeowner trying to recreate that luxury hotel sleep experience, this guide covers everything you need to know about what size of beds hotels use.
Standard Hotel Bed Sizes (North America)
In the United States and Canada, hotels generally stick to standard mattress dimensions. However, the names hotels use on their booking sites can sometimes differ from what you buy in a furniture store.
Here is the breakdown of the most common hotel bed sizes:
| Bed Type | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Best For |
| Twin / Single | 38″ x 75″ | 96.5 x 190.5 cm | Solo travelers; small rooms. |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | 96.5 x 203 cm | Taller solo travelers; hostels. |
| Full / Double | 53″ x 75″ | 134.5 x 190.5 cm | Single adults or two children. |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | 152.5 x 203 cm | Couples; the industry standard. |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | 193 x 203 cm | Couples wanting luxury space. |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | 183 x 213 cm | Very tall travelers. |
1. The Hotel King vs. California King
The Hotel King (standard Eastern King) is the widest bed available in standard rooms. It is perfect for couples who value personal space.
- Note: You may occasionally see a California King, mostly on the West Coast of the USA. These are 4 inches narrower than a standard King but 4 inches longer. If you are over 6’2″ (188 cm), this is the bed you want.
2. The “Double” Bed Trap
A common mistake travelers make is assuming a Double bed is spacious. In reality, a Double (or Full) is only 53 inches wide. That gives each person only about 26.5 inches of space—which is narrower than a baby’s crib! Hotels often use these in rooms with two beds (e.g., “Double Queen” or “Two Doubles”).
The “Hollywood Twin”: A Hotel Industry Secret
Have you ever slept in a King bed but felt a slight dip or ridge running down the exact center? You likely slept on a Hollywood Twin (also known as a Split King).
This is a common practice where hotels push two Twin XL mattresses together to form one King-sized bed.
- Why do they do this? Versatility. It allows housekeeping to separate the beds for colleagues sharing a room or zip them together for a couple.
- The Comfort Factor: High-end hotels bridge the gap with a thick mattress topper or a “bed bridge” so you don’t feel the seam.
International Variations: US vs. UK vs. Europe
If you are traveling internationally, do not assume the sizes are the same. A “King” in London is significantly smaller than a “King” in New York.
The United Kingdom
- UK King: 150 x 200 cm (59″ x 79″). Crucial: A UK King is roughly the same size as a US Queen.
- UK Super King: 180 x 200 cm (71″ x 79″). This is closest to the US King.
Continental Europe
- European Double: Often two single mattresses pushed together (similar to the Hollywood Twin) inside one bed frame. This is very common in Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia.
- Single Beds: European single beds are often narrower than American twins (sometimes only 90cm wide).
Asia (Japan/China)
- Space is at a premium in cities like Tokyo or Hong Kong. A “Semi-Double” is often found in Japanese business hotels. It is slightly larger than a Single (about 120 cm wide) but is technically sold for two people. It is very cozy—be warned!
Why Do Hotel Bed Sizes Feel Different?
It isn’t just the size that matters; it’s the construction. Hotels often use mattresses specifically designed for the hospitality industry, which differ from residential mattresses in three ways:
- Edge Support: Hotel beds have reinforced edges because people often sit on the side of the bed to put on shoes or watch TV. This makes the sleeping surface feel larger because you can sleep right up to the edge without rolling off.
- Durability: They are built to withstand varying weights and frequent usage.
- The “System”: It’s not just the mattress size. Hotels use high-loft duvets, 300+ thread count sheets, and feather toppers that add volume, making the bed look and feel massive and inviting.
Summary: How to Book the Right Size
To ensure you get the sleep you deserve, follow these quick tips:
- In the US: If you are a couple, book a Queen at minimum. Book a King for maximum comfort.
- In the UK/Europe: If you want a US-style King, you must specifically book a “Super King”.
- Read the Fine Print: Look for square footage or specific measurements on the hotel website if you are unsure.
- Ask for a “Matrimonial”: In some parts of Europe and Latin America, this term means you want one large bed. It does not mean two small beds pushed together.
Knowing your dimensions can save you from an uncomfortable night of fighting for covers or clinging to the edge of the mattress!
