Hotel Rooms in Europe Often Feel Smaller Than U.S. Travelers Expect
For many of us, part of the fun of planning a European trip is picturing charming streets, historic buildings, and cozy cafés just outside our hotel door. We may scroll through photos of elegant facades and beautifully decorated interiors and assume the rooms will feel similar in size to what we’re used to at home. But once we step inside, one detail often stands out right away, hotel rooms in Europe can feel noticeably smaller than many U.S. travelers expect.
The main reason comes down to history and space. Many European hotels are located in older buildings that were constructed long before modern expectations about room size, luggage space, and large bathrooms. Thick stone walls, narrow staircases, and compact layouts were practical centuries ago, but they don’t always translate into roomy accommodations by today’s standards. Instead of sprawling floor plans, we’re more likely to find efficiently arranged spaces designed to make the most of limited square footage.
Urban density also plays a role. European city centers are often tightly packed, with buildings standing close together along narrow streets. Expanding a hotel outward simply isn’t an option in many historic districts, and preserving the character of older structures is usually a priority. That means rooms may be smaller, elevators tighter, and hallways narrower than we’re used to in newer American hotels built with more available land.
Furnishings reflect this difference as well. Closets may be compact, desks smaller, and bathrooms more streamlined. Instead of large vanities and spacious showers, we might find clever storage solutions and compact fixtures that maximize function without taking up too much room. It’s less about luxury in size and more about smart use of space.
This doesn’t mean comfort is sacrificed. European hotels often focus on location, charm, and thoughtful design rather than square footage. When we adjust our expectations, a smaller room can feel cozy rather than cramped, especially when most of our time is spent exploring the city outside.
Before we book, we think it helps to check room dimensions and look closely at photos, especially if we’re traveling with large suitcases or sharing a room. We recommend packing with space in mind and remembering that in many European destinations, the real living room is the city itself.
