The Easy Guide to Choosing a Hotel Room

The right hotel room can turn a standard getaway into the perfect space to unwind between adventures. But how do you know which room is the one? Should you splurge on a suite for a weekend away, or stick to a standard room if you’re not spending too much time in the space? 

From business trips and romantic weekends to family holidays and solo escapes, your hotel room is so much more than four walls and a bed: it’s the centrepiece of your travel experience. 

Whether you’re chasing value, comfort, or a little indulgence, here’s your easy guide to choosing the right types of rooms at hotels​.

Start with the Trip, Not the Room

Before you even open a booking site, think about your trip itself.

Is it a quick business dash to Brisbane, a romantic weekend in Melbourne, or a family getaway in Townsville? The kind of trip you’re taking should always shape the kind of room you choose.

A hotel stay is the backdrop to your travel story. That’s why it’s important to ask yourself the following two simple questions: What will I actually do in this room? and How much time will I spend there?

If your itinerary is packed and you’re barely there except to sleep, a standard room may be perfect. But if you’re celebrating, working, or planning lazy mornings, it’s worth looking at a suite or an upgraded room with a balcony or view.

Think of it this way: you’d pack differently for a beach holiday than a board meeting. The same logic applies to your room. And across Hotel Grand Chancellor properties, every style of stay is designed with that same flexibility in mind.

Types of Rooms at Hotels​ 

Understanding your choices makes all the difference between a room that’s “fine” and one that makes your stay unforgettable.

So, what are the main types of rooms at hotels and how do they differ?

Standard Rooms 

Perfect for short stays or spontaneous getaways, standard rooms give you everything you need without overcomplicating your stay. They’re ideal for travellers who spend most of their time out exploring, offering comfort, simplicity, and all the essentials you actually use.

What to expect:

• A comfortable bed and crisp linen

• Bathrooms with quality amenities

• Desk or small workspace

• TV and tea/coffee facilities

• Ideal for solo travellers or quick stopovers

Deluxe or Superior Rooms

When a little extra comfort goes a long way, deluxe or superior rooms strike the perfect balance. Expect more space, refined finishes, and often a better view just enough to elevate your stay without stretching your budget. 

What makes them special:

• Larger floor plan and upgraded décor

• Premium bedding and added seating

• Often includes a better outlook or balcony

• Thoughtful extras like robes or welcome touches

Suites

Suites are made for guests who appreciate space and privacy. With separate living areas and, often, kitchenettes or dining spaces, they’re ideal for longer stays or moments when you want your room to feel like a retreat.

Wondering if a suite is worth it for a weekend or only for long stays? If it’s a special occasion (or you’re staying somewhere like Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, where harbour views are part of the experience), it’s always worth it.

Why you’ll love them:

• Separate living or lounge area

• More space to relax, work, or entertain

• Kitchenette or dining area (in select suites)

• Premium views, especially in waterfront locations

• Ideal for longer stays or special occasions

Family or Connecting Rooms

Travelling with family or friends? These rooms are designed to bring everyone together without sacrificing space or comfort. Connecting rooms give older kids or groups a little independence, while family suites keep everyone close and make early mornings or bedtime routines effortless.

Best for:

• Families with kids or multi-generational trips

• Friends travelling together

• Guests needing multiple beds or shared spaces

• Easy supervision of little ones

• A balance between privacy and togetherness

A Note on Room Types and Availability

Room categories and features can vary slightly between destinations. The examples above are designed as a general guide to help you choose the right room type for your trip.

To make sure you’re getting the most accurate details, it’s always best to:

• Confirm local features before booking if you have something particular in mind, for example, a family room with connecting rooms, or a suite with harbour views.

• Ask about on-site amenities or upgrades. Some locations may offer extras like parking, breakfast packages, or late check-out options that enhance your stay.

• Verify accessibility details. While accessible rooms are offered at many properties, features such as roll-in showers or widened doorways can vary (where available).

This simple check ensures your stay perfectly matches what you’re looking for.

If It’s Business, Make It Work for You

Work trips can be short, structured, and sometimes stressful, but the right hotel setup makes all the difference.

When you’re travelling for business, small comforts become productivity tools: a desk with proper lighting, high-speed Wi-Fi, reliable outlets, and a quiet location away from lifts or busy streets.

So, what room features matter most for business trips?

Look for:

• Strong, secure Wi-Fi and plenty of charging points.

• A workspace that’s comfortable and well-lit.

• In-room coffee and room service options for early starts or late nights.

• Soundproofing or higher-floor rooms for uninterrupted focus.

• Proximity to meeting spaces or transport

When It’s Leisure, Let Comfort Lead

A leisure stay should feel like a reward. In this case, the hotel room isn’t just somewhere to sleep; it’s part of the experience. The view, the bed, the quiet moments: they all shape how you remember the trip.

Leisure travellers often appreciate:

• Comfy seating areas for downtime

• Spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs or rainfall showers

• Balconies or windows that bring in the view

• Little touches, like robes, turn-down service, or in-room dining.

If it’s a special occasion, such as a birthday, honeymoon, or long-awaited break, that extra bit of space can transform your stay from pleasant to unforgettable.

Is it Worth Paying For a View or Balcony?

This is the age-old question. Here’s what we think: yes, but only when you’ll actually use it. 

If you’re envisioning morning coffee looking out over Townsville’s skyline, sunset drinks as the Brisbane River glows below, or unwinding while Wellington’s harbour lights shimmer in the distance, then your view becomes part of the experience.

However, if you’re in and out all day — attending meetings, sightseeing, or barely stopping by except to sleep — that view may go unnoticed. In those cases, it’s smarter to prioritise comfort, location, or amenities over outlook.

The best rule? Spend where it enhances your stay, not where it simply sounds impressive.

Travelling with Family or Friends

Travelling with others means thinking beyond your own space. Kids need room to spread out; adults need somewhere to retreat.

For families, the key is simplicity. Should you book connecting rooms or a family suite with kids? It depends. Connecting rooms work beautifully for families with older children who value privacy, while younger families often prefer a shared space.

Practical details matter. Consider these:

• Are the rooms close together and safe for little ones?

• How many bathrooms do you actually need?

• Is there enough storage for prams, bags, and snacks?

• Are there fridges or microwaves for easy meals?

At properties like Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston, Brisbane, Wellington, and Auckland, family rooms and connecting rooms offer flexibility: this means everyone gets their space without losing connection. For apartment-style setups with full kitchens and living areas, Hobson St in Auckland delivers that home-away-from-home feel for longer stays or groups who want more room to spread out.

Balancing Budget and Comfort

Every traveller has a personal balance point between price and experience. A good guiding principle to stand by is this: if it’s important to you, it’s not excessive.

So, if you’re on a budget, focus on value, not just cost. Things like complimentary breakfast, parking, and flexible check-in can make a huge difference. But when you’re celebrating a special occasion, it’s worth the splurge.

Asking yourself: Will I remember this trip for the destination, or how it felt? can sometimes tip the scales. Upgrading to a suite or paying a little more for a balcony view gives you that feeling of something special.

Also consider your length of stay. For a single night, a standard room makes sense. But if you’ll be in one place for several days, the extra comfort of a larger room or kitchenette quickly pays off.

Accessible Rooms

Accessibility matters, and it’s about far more than compliance. It’s about inclusion, ease, and peace of mind.

If you need accessible features, how do you choose the right room? Always confirm details directly with the hotel. Photos and descriptions can vary, and accessibility standards aren’t universal.

Look for step-free access, wider doorways, roll-in showers, and reachable amenities. At Grand Chancellor properties, accessible rooms are designed for travellers with mobility needs and families pushing prams or guests recovering from injury.

Ready to Book the Right Room?

By now, you know that choosing a hotel room is both art and strategy. Whether it’s a quiet business suite with lightning-fast Wi-Fi or a deluxe room with an ocean view, every detail influences how your trip feels.

The perfect room isn’t necessarily about size or price: it’s about the details that make your trip effortless from check-in to checkout. It’s about matching your needs to the space that best supports your stay. 

So whether you’re booking a business trip in Wellington, a family getaway in Hobart, or a weekend escape in Adelaide, Hotel Grand Chancellor has a room that fits. From suites with harbour views to city rooms designed for convenience, every stay is crafted with care.

No matter your purpose, plans, or pace, you’re sure to find the perfect room that suits your next trip. Stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor throughout Australia and New Zealand and experience exceptional comfort, thoughtful design, and the warmest local hospitality. 

And the best tip of all? Book direct for the best rates, added perks, and a stay that’s made just for you.