How Many Floors Should a 200-Room Hotel Have?

Determining the optimal number of floors for a hotel with 200 rooms is a complex task that involves several factors. The decision is influenced by the site's parameters, local zoning regulations, the target market, and the desired amenities. The layout and space efficiency are critical, and a balance needs to be struck to ensure guest satisfaction and convenience.

The Impact of Design and Layout

The number of floors in a 200-room hotel can vary based on numerous factors. A common approach is to have between 10 and 20 rooms per floor, which is a rough guide to help in the initial planning stage. For example, if you have 10 rooms per floor, you could have 20 floors; if you have 15 rooms per floor, you would need about 14 floors; and if you have 20 rooms per floor, you would only need 10 floors.

Most mid-range to upscale hotels usually opt for around 10 to 15 rooms per floor, suggesting a structure with 13 to 20 floors. However, the specific design and amenities of the hotel will ultimately influence the final decision on the number of floors.

Considering Single and Twin-Size Rooms

When the rooms are mostly singles or twins with individual bathrooms, it's advisable to have a minimum of 4 to 6 floors, including the lobby floor. The architect would play a crucial role in deciding this, but it depends on the available space and the intended budget for the project.

An estimate is that you could have between 7 to 10 floors for the rooms and 3 to 4 floors for parking. The hotel needs to have adequate space for parking, not only for guests but also for staff. The architect should consider the layout of the building and parking area in relation to the hotel's footprint.

The Architect's Role in Hotel Design

The architect is a key player in determining the number of floors and the overall design of the hotel. Factors such as the front desk, lobby area, and coffee bar, breakfast room or restaurant, and kitchen need to be planned for the main entrance. A market area could be included where guests can purchase snacks and essentials. Additionally, the hotel might need to consider multiple conference rooms, pools, exercise rooms, guest and hotel laundries, and sometimes even a casino, depending on the location.

The real estate footprint of the hotel is also a crucial consideration. The size of the land available heavily influences how the hotel is set up, whether it's a large or small footprint. For instance, the hotel where the author worked earlier had 240 guest rooms and was 3 floors, while the current hotel has 84 guest rooms and 4 floors.

Conclusion

When planning a hotel with 200 rooms, the number of floors you choose will depend on the land available, zoning regulations, desired amenities, and the overall design principles. Architects play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Whether a 13-floor structure with 15 rooms per floor or a 20-floor building with 10 rooms per floor, the goal is always to optimize space and make the hotel both functional and inviting for guests.