Rooms for four on islands: reading the person count

A room that sleeps four may have four proper beds, or two beds plus a sofa bed or a mattress. The person count is a rule the resort sets, and it does not tell you how comfortable four people will be. Read it as a start, then check the bed list and the room size.

If you are travelling as a family, begin with family rooms versus connecting rooms. For choosing a resort overall, see how to choose an island resort.

What does the person count actually mean?

It can mean three different things. It may be the number of beds. It may be the number of sleeping places, including extra bedding. Or it may be the most people the resort allows in the room for safety or licensing reasons.

These are not the same. A room can be allowed four people and still have only two real beds. Ask the resort which meaning it uses, and ask it to list the sleeping places one by one.

How do you check whether four will fit?

Use a simple method with your own numbers. The example is invented to show how to do it.

1. Get the room size and the bed list in writing.
2. Add up the floor taken by each bed or extra bedding.
3. Subtract that from the room size.
4. Allow floor for luggage for four people.
5. See what is left to walk, dress and open a door.

For example, if a room is listed at a size that two double beds nearly fill, the remaining floor may not hold four suitcases. A photograph of the room from the door will show this faster than a number.

Which bed set-ups are common for four?

Set-up	What to ask
Two double or queen beds	Bed sizes, and who shares
Double bed plus two singles	Room size, space between beds
Double plus sofa bed	Sofa bed size, comfort for a few nights
Bed plus extra mattresses	Thickness, floor space, charge
Bunk beds	Age and weight limits, ladder safety

For the extra bedding items, our guide on extra bed versus extra mattress explains what the words usually mean.

What about children and infants?

Resorts define adults, children and infants in different ways, and the definition can change the room and the price. Our guide on maximum occupancy rules shows the questions to ask.

For a baby, a cot is a separate matter. See cot and baby bed requests.

What else gets tight with four?

Bathrooms and luggage. One bathroom for four people in the morning is a short queue for a family and a long one for adults. Ask how many bathrooms the room has and whether there is a second shower.

Also check storage: a wardrobe or hooks for four people, and a place to leave wet gear. Look at the gallery with care, as shown in room photos versus reality.

A better fit if…

One room for four may be a better fit if:

• you are a family with young or primary-age children who want to stay together.
• the room has a clear bed list and enough floor for luggage.

Two rooms may be a better fit if:

• you are four adults, or a family with teenagers.
• the cost is close, and a second bathroom would help.

What should you ask the resort in writing?

1. How many beds, and what sizes, are in the room?
2. What does sleeps four mean: beds, sleeping places or a limit?
3. How are children and infants counted?
4. What is the room size, and can you send a wide photo?
5. How many bathrooms are there?
6. Is there a charge for extra persons or bedding?

Compare the answers with the price of two rooms before you decide.