Caligula

Hello All,

This is NOT another question about the endless single vs. double misunderstanding - I understand the difference between the two quite well.

My question is this: as a solo traveller, I have far too often booked single occupancy rooms and sometimes ended up in rather Lilliputian quarters. This time for my upcoming trip to Spain, I have booked a room at Madrid's Preciados for two people, but it will be just me. This is almost too obvious to ask, but - there will be no problem when I check in on my own? After all, the cost presented to me upon booking was a total for the room and not per person. I am certain I will have no problems, but would just like a reaffirmation from the seasoned Fodorites.

Thank you in advance.

StCirq

No you won't have a problem. Why would you? People do this all the time and the hotel is getting paid more for your stay. No issues at all.

Rastaguytoday

If you want to book the Presidential Suite, then go for it.

francophiletasmania

Is there any reason you can't ring the hotel and check with them if you are concerned?

Cowboy1968

I don't see a problem.
In addition, websites like booking.com often show the options of reserving either a single room or double rooms with single occupancy. Have done that many times when the single rooms were really small.

Caligula

Thank you to all for the kind responses - just as I had thought.

anyegr

Why would you need to actually tell them you are alone? Unless they need to know how many people there will be for breakfast, I can't see any reason to say anything.

nytraveler

When traveling alone I always book a double room for one person. This is often slightly cheaper than just booking a double - since they are providing only one breakfast - not two. If breakfast is not included - then the price will be the same.

And no - there won;t be any problem with the hotel.

I have found that booking as a woman alone in a double room they often give me an upgrade to a deluxe room or even sometimes to a small suite. Have no idea why they do this - and would definitely not expect it if it's high season and the hotel is crowded.

And they will find out how many of you there are when they ask how many keys you want.

NeoPatrick

When traveling to Russia I noticed more and more hotels offering single travelers two options -- a single room, or a double room for single occupancy. Of course, the latter was more spacious, but considerably cheaper than the same room booked for two people. I'm not sure if I've encountered that in other countries as well, but it sure worked for me in Russia.

Christina

I hardly ever book a single room, and most websites don't even ask you how many people there are -- you either book a single, double or triple. Some websites ask the number of people but you still can book a double and a few hotels give you a little discount for a single in a double room. But those choices are obvious on the website when booking.

I do not always tell a hotel there is only one person, as I have had one hotel that immediately put me in the smallest (and worst) double room available because I was a single even though I was paying for a double room and paying as much as anyone else. A lot of websites don't ask the number of people, just type of room.

What are they going to do, anyway, refuse to give you the room you paid for? To avoid any problem, if you want, at check-in, just say, oh, there will be only one person after all, the other one couldn't make it.

And hotels do want to know who is in the room, of course, they are required to know legally.

emily71

In Spain, I had double rooms and all I was ever asked was how many keys did I want. As long as you're willing to pay for a double room, the hotel will be willing to take your money!

I'm surprised the website didn't ask how many people were traveling?

Caligula

Thank you all for the responses.

Yes, they did ask - and I indicated two people.

Christina - that's precisely why I've indicated two people this time. I don't want the smallest room on the fringes of the hotel.

Anyway, I think my question was silly to begin with. I indicated there would be two guests and if there is just me, who cares? I am still paying the price that I would pay if I had another person with me.

Thanks to all of you for sharing. Happy travels!