Does hotel room size Matter? The very simple answer is �yes�.  Room size, like all other factors in hotel ratings criteria has changed dramatically in the past few years, and indeed continues to change.  This is true not just at the 4 and 5 Diamond/Star level; even budget and economy class hotel rooms have evolved from cubicle size to what was only recently considered luxury level. 

Most of us can easily recall when a 300-400 square foot room was seen only rarely and then only at the newer properties...  That room size is now becoming quite commonplace as a standard room at mid-range hotels and even economy motels.  Rooms at highly rated properties, particularly those being built today are expected to be much more spacious. 

A case in point is the boutique resort we recently designed in the Caribbean; the standard room there is almost 650 square feet. Suites range from 800-950 square feet.   We designed the 55-room property to ultimately earn and retain a 5 Diamond/Star rating, and we believe that is a realistic goal even with the rapidly rising ratings criteria and increasing guest expectations.  Our goal was to design a resort for the future, and I believe we achieved that.

I should hasten to add that spacious rooms, even the ones described here are not enough earn and retain the highest AAA/Mobil ratings.  In addition to spacious rooms, our client has been very diligent and creative in the choice of FFE.  The rooms are large enough to accommodate all the luxurious equipment and amenities expected at the 5 Diamond/Star level, and still project an uncluttered, spacious, and comfortable atmosphere that AAA calls �Free Floor Space� (FFS).  Personalized superior guest service will complete the package needed to not only earn the desired ratings, but to retain those ratings in the years to come.

If you are planning to build a new property, or renovate an older one, please put room size high on your list of priorities. 

To restate the obvious, you can do almost anything to modernize and enhance a room except stretch it.