can someone explain the beds in Europe? never been there, planning a trip to Italy. i have my american queen. it sounds like the "doubles" are two twins together, much like our king size, is that correct? and what is a "french bed"? one hotel has just quoted me for a french bed, and while they say it's smaller than a double, I'm trying to understand the size based on what I know. I appreciate any feedback! Regards.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Yes, in general the beds (and most of the rooms) are smaller than in the US. A "double" room in many European countries gets you one bed that is close to what we would call a double bed. But in some areas (Bavaria for example) you sometimes get two twin mattresses side by side on one big box spring with a common headboard. Unless you're staying in a modern business class hotel, don't expect the US standard of either two queens or a single king.
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
Hi Elizabeth,
...http://live.pege.org/2005-furniture-design/french-bed.htm
... there's a photo of French bed at the above
site... bon voyage! ... P
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
61 posts
The double will be equivalent to a double here in the US and will not be two twins pushed together. My husband and I have a king, and it felt very small.
I'm not sure what a "french bed" is per se, however, I've stayed at a Hotel Sofitel (French brand) in NYC and the room had two beds that were wider then a twin, but not quite a double. However, the beds at the hotels we stayed at in France were all doubles like the doubles in the US.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Doubles compare to an American full size. European king, if available, compares to an American queen. A french bed is a bit smaller than a full, usually a difference of 8 inches less in width than a full. A double (full) is 160cm in width and 200cm in length. A french bed is only 140x200. 2.5cm = 1 inch.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I just read an article about older French women being more active sexually than their American counterparts. Maybe it's the smaller beds, hard not to get cozy.
My experience is doubles are about the size of our full. Hostels are like a twin.
Homes, bathrooms, closets, refrigerators, cars are smaller in Europe. Good thing we're packing light.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Brad, thanks for the picture...
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
A Double bed seems more like a US full size to me. Rooms and beds are smaller than in the US indead. You might need to look at some pictures before you book a hotel, if they concern you. I think a French bed refers to the type with baldaquin.