double room
highneutral
Definition
Meaning
A hotel room designed to accommodate two people, typically containing one large bed.
In hospitality, a room category defined by its sleeping arrangement rather than just size; sometimes used more loosely for any room sold for double occupancy, even if containing two single beds.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Defined by intended occupancy. It is not a synonym for a 'large room'. A 'twin room' (two single beds) also sleeps two but is a distinct category.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In the UK, 'double room' is the near-universal term. In the US, 'double' is standard, but 'full-size bed' or 'queen-size bed' might be specified in the description.
Connotations
None specific. Purely functional.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties within travel and hospitality contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
We booked [a double room] for three nights.The price includes [a double room] and breakfast.Do you have [any double rooms] available?Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in travel itineraries, hotel contracts, and expense reports.
Academic
Rare, except in tourism/hospitality studies.
Everyday
Extremely common in travel planning, booking hotels, and holiday discussions.
Technical
Used in hotel management software, property management systems, and online travel agency platforms.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We'll double up in the room to save costs.
- Can the hotel double us in a room?
American English
- We'll double up to save money.
- The front desk doubled us in a suite.
adjective
British English
- We're looking for double-room availability.
- The double-room rate is quite high.
American English
- We need double-room accommodations.
- Check the double-room price online.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I booked a double room at the hotel.
- The double room has a big bed.
- Is breakfast included with the double room?
- We'd like to reserve a double room with a sea view for two nights.
- The price for a double room is higher than for a single.
- Could you confirm if our double room has a bathtub?
- Despite requesting a quiet double room, we were placed next to the lift.
- The package includes a standard double room and half-board.
- You can upgrade from a double room to a junior suite for an extra fee.
- The ambiguity in the booking system led to us being assigned a twin room instead of the double room we had reserved.
- For corporate clients, we offer a complimentary upgrade from a standard double to a deluxe double room.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOUBLE = two, ROOM = space. A room for two people.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR A COUPLE / SHARED SPACE
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'двойная комната'. The correct equivalent is 'двухместный номер (с одной двуспальной кроватью)'.
- Confusion with 'twin room' (номер с двумя отдельными кроватями).
- Mistranslation as 'большая комната' (large room), which misses the occupancy specification.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'double room' to mean a room with two beds (that's a 'twin' or 'double-double').
- Saying 'We need a double room for my friend and I' (correct: 'for my friend and me').
- Omitting the article: 'We booked double room' (correct: 'a double room').
Practice
Quiz
What is the key defining feature of a 'double room'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A double room typically has one large bed for two people. A twin room has two separate single beds, also for two people.
Usually not, as it violates fire safety and hotel policy. You would need to book a 'triple room' or a room with an extra bed (often at an additional cost).
No. 'Double' refers to occupancy, not bed dimensions. The bed could be a standard double/full (135cm wide) or larger. Always check the bed size if it's important.
Primarily, yes. It is the standard term in hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. In other contexts like renting a flat, you would say 'a room with a double bed' or 'a bedroom for two'.