🇬🇧London Hotels Decoded: Bed Sizes, Sleep Comfort & What to Request
Planning a trip to London? Whether you’re booking a luxury hotel in Mayfair, a boutique spot in Shoreditch, or a budget stay near Heathrow, one thing’s for sure: bed sizes in London hotels can vary wildly.
From snug “small doubles” to sprawling Super King suites, this guide reveals what you’ll actually be sleeping on in London, plus insider tips to make your hotel stay as restful as possible.
🛏️ Common Bed Sizes in London Hotels
London hotel rooms are often compact—especially in central and historic buildings. Here’s what to expect:
| Bed Type | Dimensions (cm) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 190 | Twin rooms, hostels, small budget hotels |
| Small Double | 120 x 190 | Compact doubles, boutique hotels |
| Double | 135 x 190 | Standard for 2-person rooms in lower tiers |
| King | 150 x 200 | Common in 3–4★ hotels |
| Super King | 180 x 200 | Luxury & newer hotels |
| Twin Room | 2x 90 x 190 | Friends, siblings, business travelers |
🛑 Warning: A “Double” in the UK is smaller than US or EU doubles—just 135 cm wide. Cozy for couples… maybe too cozy!
🏨 London Hotel Types & Bed Expectations
| Hotel Category | Common Bed Setup | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (e.g. Travelodge, Z Hotels) | Double or Small Double | Small rooms. Expect firm mattresses. |
| Mid-range (e.g. Premier Inn, citizenM) | King beds | Comfortable, standardized, good for couples |
| Boutique (e.g. The Hoxton, Point A) | Double or King | Stylish, but often compact & minimalist |
| Luxury (e.g. The Savoy, Shangri-La) | Super King or larger | High thread count, plush toppers, real luxury |
| Historic hotels | Varies, often smaller beds | Always double-check mattress size & length |
✅ What to Expect in Your Room
- One duvet for two people is the norm—even on King or Super King beds.
- Firm mattresses are standard, especially in budget and mid-range chains.
- No top sheet—just a fitted sheet and a duvet with cover.
- Pillow quantity varies (ask for extras if needed).
- Rarely air conditioning in older buildings—ask for a fan in summer.
🧠 London Hotel Sleep Tips
✔️ Ask for a King or Super King
Especially in older or boutique hotels, the default might be a Double—always check and upgrade if you want more room.
✔️ Avoid Ground-Floor Noise
Choose a higher floor or courtyard-facing room if you’re a light sleeper. London’s nightlife and traffic can be noisy.
✔️ Request a mattress topper
Firm beds are common. Many hotels can provide a topper on request to soften the feel.
✔️ Check the room length if you’re tall
At 190 cm long, Double and Small Double beds may be too short for travelers over 6’2″ (188 cm). Opt for King or Super King for extra legroom.
✔️ Bring or request earplugs
Especially useful in older hotels or central areas like Soho, Camden, or South Bank.
✔️ Use “Do Not Disturb”
Some London hotels still offer early turndown service or housekeeping—use the sign to avoid interruptions during rest.
🏨 Chain-Specific London Hotel Insights
| Hotel Chain / Brand | Bed Setup | Notable Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Inn London | King beds standard | Quiet, consistent sleep experience |
| Travelodge | Double beds (135 cm) | Firm and functional—go solo or upgrade to twin |
| citizenM | XL King wall-to-wall beds | One of the most comfortable stays for couples |
| The Z Hotels | Small Doubles, super compact rooms | Great for one person; tight for two |
| The Hoxton | King beds, stylish design | Trendy but compact rooms—bring earplugs if needed |
| Shangri-La at The Shard | Super King beds, luxe bedding | Unmatched skyline views + luxury-level comfort |
📍 Location-Based Bed Expectations in London
| Area | Sleep Conditions |
|---|---|
| West End / Soho | Great nightlife = potential noise; compact rooms |
| City of London | Business hotels with King beds, quieter on weekends |
| Kensington/Chelsea | Boutique and high-end hotels; quieter, cozy options |
| South Bank | Trendy riverside hotels, modern mattress setups |
| Airport hotels | Larger rooms, Super Kings common in newer builds |
🧺 Bedding & Sleep Accessories in London Hotels
- Duvets rated by tog (thickness/warmth) are common—expect 10.5 tog as standard.
- Pillow menu is offered at some 4–5★ hotels.
- Heated mattress pads or electric blankets are rare—but possible in winter lodges or country inns.
- Blackout curtains are usually good in London hotels, especially near airports.
🛍️ Bonus Tip: Hotel Beds You Can Buy
Like the bed you slept in? These UK hotel chains offer their beds for purchase:
- Premier Inn: Hypnos mattresses – available online.
- Hilton: Offers their “Serenity Bed” online.
- Marriott: Sells their Sleep Experience bed through official vendors.
👌🏼Perfect for turning your London sleep into a daily luxury at home.
💤 Summary: Sleep Like a Local in London Hotels
✅ Expect smaller bed sizes than you may be used to—always check dimensions
✅ Shared duvets are standard—ask for extra blankets if needed
✅ Choose King or Super King if you want room to stretch
✅ Sleep noise is real—pick rooms away from the street and bring earplugs
✅ In boutique and historic hotels, ask about bed size and length upfront
See also Bed Size and Sleep Guide for UK, and