Lodgify
Property Management

What is a Room Type?

Updated 2026-06-02

A room type serves as a template for a category of similar or identical lodging units. Instead of listing each individual room or apartment separately, a property manager groups them under a single room type.

When a guest reserves a specific room type, they are guaranteed a unit with all the specified features, but not a specific, pre-assigned room number.

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How it works

A property owner or manager first identifies groups of units with identical characteristics. For each group, they create a room type, such as 'King Studio with Ocean View' or 'Two-Bedroom Apartment', within their property management system (PMS).

This room type is then pushed to various booking channels with the total number of available units in that category. When a booking is made, the availability for that room type decreases by one across all channels.

This allows for pooled inventory management, which can be automated using a channel manager to prevent double bookings.

Why it matters

For operators with multiple similar units, using room types significantly streamlines property management. It eliminates the need to create and manage dozens of individual listings, reducing administrative work and simplifying rate and availability updates.

This model maximizes occupancy by allowing any available unit within a category to be booked until the entire room type is sold out, which optimizes revenue potential.

Examples

  • An aparthotel with 30 identical one-bedroom suites lists them under a single room type called 'One-Bedroom Suite', showing 30 available units on booking platforms.
  • A resort with various cabins creates three distinct room types: 'Lakeside Cabin with Hot Tub,' 'Forest View Cabin,' and 'Family Bunkhouse,' each with its own pricing and availability.
  • A property manager overseeing ten studio apartments in the same building, all with the same layout and furniture, groups them as a 'Standard Studio' room type.
  • A boutique hotel has eight rooms: four with king beds and balconies, and four with queen beds and no balcony. They create two room types: 'King Room with Balcony' and 'Standard Queen Room' to differentiate them for guests.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a room type and an individual property listing?+
An individual property listing represents a single, unique rental, such as 'The Elm Street Cottage.' A room type represents a category of multiple, interchangeable units, like 'Deluxe King Suite,' where the guest books the category, not a specific unit number.
When should I use room types instead of individual listings?+
You should use room types when you manage multiple, functionally identical units within the same building or complex. If all your properties are unique and located in different places, you should manage them as individual listings.
How do room types affect pricing strategy?+
Each room type has its own independent pricing. This allows you to implement a tiered pricing strategy, charging more for room types with superior features, such as a better view, more space, or premium amenities like a private hot tub.
Can I still assign a specific room to a guest who books a room type?+
Yes. The room type system manages booking availability for the category. After a reservation is confirmed, you can assign a specific unit number (e.g., 'Room 305') to that booking in your PMS before the guest's arrival.
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