How many beds?

Question

We have a 2 bedroom house with a loft that can function as a third bedroom. We have a king in biggest bedroom, queen in other bedroom and a sleeper sofa in the loft as of now. We are wondering if we should put another bed in the loft (queen).

We can obviously boost our capacity by adding the other bed, but when is it too many beds and too many people for occupancy sake. Obviously we don’t want to have large crowds and parties and I’m thinking having that many beds may encourage that. What are your thoughts?

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Justin Melton, so I agree with @Mike Grudzien on this, but first, how big is the loft?

Does it have reduced headroom?

Where is the rental located? There are a several things to think about. Yes more heads in beds is better overall.

If you want to cater to families, then maybe adding a bunk bed up there would be a good idea. Assuming you can protect from kids falling out of the loft (if it is open) etc.

Or, if the space is big enough, maybe move the king up there and make it the master space, then put 2 bunk beds in one of the main floor room. Especially if there is a bathroom up there.

Mike Grudzien · Answer

Justin,It sounds like you are considering adding the queen to the loft area, along with the sleeper sofa remaining.  If the loft area reasonably accommodates both pieces of furniture and still provides a living area that flows, why not?

Beds and occupancy are based on the space itself and the architecture of the place.  Also, even though a party can be thrown anywhere, party groups are more likely to book 3-4-5 bedroom places vs.a 2 bedroom.

As a Host, you determine, AND list prominently in your description the total booking occupancy.

Does this all make sense?Did this help?

Mike

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Some people are just all about the 'heads-in-beds' thing and cram as many beds in their houses as will fit. It's more wear, more cleaning and a bigger chance for parties. So if that's your goal and are ok with the added wear and risk, then it's fine, just charge more for the extra costs you will incur.

I've always taken the other approach, which is more sensible IMO. I want people to feel like they're walking into their own house, not some frat house with beds in every corner..... Just my $0.02.

John Underwood · Answer

So our cabin has king bed suites.

Our Lake House has 2 beds in every bedroom. No kings  We stay full with zero complaints. I guess large people don't come t9 the lake as much.

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

The best way to answer this question is to look at the square feet of the home and how many can comfortably fit in the common areas...i.e. dining room, living room, outdoor spaces, etc. Then you would decide how many to sleep based on that. You want your guests comfortable not crammed, especially if repeat guests and 5-star reviews are important to you!

Jon Martin · Answer

On top of everything above- keep in mind that with every "head in bed" you need to scale up the number of seats at the dinner table, space/seats living room, towels, plates etc etc. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing and should pay for itself, but you are ripping your guests off if 8 people feel crammed and there isn't enough plates and room at the table for them all to eat together.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

How many bathrooms?  If it is a 2/1 I would say the place could accommodate 6 max.  If it is a 2/2 perhaps 8.

Adding beds is a fine line between maximizing the space without crowding it and keeping it a reasonable ratio to the other features of the house like parking, seating space, bathrooms, etc.

However, just because you add a bed does not mean you need to up your occupancy.  I look at it like you want to cast a big net to try to catch as many reservations as you can.  One day your STR may be a used by a family for a vacation, the next day by a guys gold trip.  One group may be ok doubling up in beds and the others may be seeking a bed or even a bedroom per person joining.

Justin Melton · Answer

It does have reduced headroom but there is room for a bed.  I think we’re gonna just stick with the sofa bed.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Yes it's a fine line.....think about how you would like the house to look if you were a weekend guest walking through the door. And you don't necessarily make less money with less beds, just charge more for the nice house you're providing them....

How many beds?

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