Bunk Beds or No Bunk Beds?

Question

I am setting up an STR this year in a single family house in Ohio City (right outside downtown Cleveland). The house is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath. I was thinking of having the following setup in the house:

Room 1: Two queen beds

Room 2: 2 bunk beds

Room 3: 1 king bed

I was thinking bunk beds would work well because you can fit a couple more guests in the house. I'm starting to second guess this setup as none of the comps around me do it. It seems like bunk beds are usually just in cabin STR's.

I’m starting to lean more towards two doubles or queens in room 2 and maybe getting a couch that can pull out into a bed.

What are everyone’s thoughts? Trying to find a balance of increasing the number of people that can stay while also keeping the place classy.

Just to state my main question: Should I ditch the bunk bed idea and move forward with the other setup I posted above?

Would love to hear everyone’s opinion!

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

You need to get very very clear on your guest avatar and who you want to stay in the property! Then the answer of bunk beds or no bunk beds, should become rather clear.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I would pass on the bunk beds unless at a mountain/lake. More 'heads-in-beds' is not always the best goal. Make it classy...

Matthew Paul · Answer

Bunk Beds at my age .............hell no .      I just stayed at a SRT in San Juan , and it had 1 room with bunk beds , it was the smallest room in the house .

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Brendan Connolly, so we have a lake house and have 2 bunkbeds. You are right that it seems to be a feature of cabins and vacation type places.

Do you expect that you will get families with kids? Kids love bunk beds.

So far adults don't have any issue sleeping in them either.

If you get some, make sure they are rated for the weight for adults. Ours are good for 300lb per bunk.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

In Tampa we have two rather distinct submarkets, basically urban and beach.  The urban houses do it bunk beds less as the demographic is usually younger and in town for events, business, etc.

The beach is primarily multi generational families with children, and it is a good idea to have them there.

To sell any product including a stay in your STR you have to know your audience!

Shannon OKelley · Answer

I agree with everyone above who asks about your target demographic, but also would suggest thinking about other aspects of your property and how many people it can comfortably accommodate. If your listing says it can accommodate 10 people then you don't want guests to get there and discover that there are beds for 10, but only 4 people can eat breakfast at the dining table or that only 5 people can sit in the living room. Also think about bathroom usage. Do your bathrooms have double vanities? Separate toilet closets? And is there enough storage for extra linens for that many beds? You may have already thought of all of these things, but it's something that many of my clients don't initially think of. Hope that helps and best of luck with your endeavor!

James Wise · Answer

Bunk beds are always a good feature to have for STR's.

Gabe Capoferri · Answer

Bunk beds can be nice in cabin/lake/ocean areas. Biggest issue I face is the cleaners hate doing turnovers with bunkbeds. I've done some turnovers myself and I agree it is a pain. I also fear the possibility of injury (why insurance is important). Another option is a trundle bed. We have some at a few of our properties. I am not in love with them in terms of the aesthetic, but they can be a good choice depending on the room.

Tyler Winget · Answer

Just looking at it from a high-level overview....> Why are people traveling to your area? On a hyper-local note. Is it for business? Is it people visiting family? Is there a big hospital right nearby?

I'd answer those questions first, and then have that lead to your answer. Sounds like you already have more than enough beds for people and guests to sleep. Something unique is always a little movie-cove, with a couch and bean bag chairs and comfy rug, some fairy lights dangling from the ceiling. Black painted walls and ceiling. Movie posters. Another idea is a desk/office area. For traveling professionals obviously this is of utmost importance. You could have a desk and maybe some light workout equipment? A couple weights and yoga mats with a mirror, nothing crazy. Lastly, maybe it's a nursery, with a crib and child toys. A lot of investors forget to cater to kids sometimes rather than just adults.

Hope this is helpful!

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