Finding accommodation for 30-40 people requires evaluating capacity, bathroom configuration, and common spaces differently than smaller groups. Properties that sleep 40 but seat 20 for meals create immediate problems. This guide covers what actually matters when booking for large groups in the Belgian Ardennes.
Capacity vs. Maximum Capacity
Properties advertise "sleeps 40" in different ways. Some mean 40 actual beds in dedicated bedrooms. Others squeeze people into sofa beds, shared spaces, or creative configurations. The difference affects comfort and scheduling.
For groups of 30-40, verify:
- Bedroom count: Properties with 18-20 bedrooms accommodate 40 assuming 2-3 per room. Advertisements claiming "sleeps 40" with fewer bedrooms typically rely on sofa beds or shared spaces.
- Dedicated beds: Ensure every guest has an actual bed, not a sofa bed or makeshift arrangement. Multi-day stays require proper sleeping arrangements.
- Meeting/dining capacity: Properties that sleep 40 but only seat 20 for presentations or meals create scheduling conflicts. Verify common areas fit your entire group simultaneously.
Private Bathrooms: Why They Matter
Sharing bathrooms among 40 people creates morning queues and scheduling conflicts. Properties offering private bathrooms for every room eliminate this entirely. See our guide to private bathrooms for large groups for detailed analysis.
Exclusive Use vs. Shared Properties
Having the entire property prevents interruptions from other guests during meetings, meals, or activities. Exclusive use enables:
- Confidential discussions without other guests overhearing
- Flexible meal times without coordinating with other groups
- Full access to amenities (pools, grounds) without competing for space
- Control over noise levels for meetings or celebrations
Common Spaces That Actually Fit 40
Properties advertising "sleeps 40" with dining space for 20 create scheduling problems. Verify common areas accommodate your full group:
- Dining tables seating all 40 simultaneously (not in shifts)
- Meeting spaces fitting all attendees for presentations or discussions
- Kitchens equipped for preparing meals for 40 (or catering arrangements)
- Recreation areas where the full group can gather without crowding
Comparing Options: Manor vs. Hotel vs. Airbnb
Different accommodation types handle large groups differently. Hotels fragment groups across floors. Airbnb requires multiple properties. Private manors keep everyone under one roof. See our comparison guide for detailed analysis.
What to Ask When Booking
Verify capacity claims with specific questions:
- "How many actual bedrooms (not sofa beds) accommodate 40?"
- "Are bathrooms private or shared? How many total?"
- "Can all 40 dine simultaneously? What's the meeting space capacity?"
- "Is this exclusive use, or will other guests be present?"
Location and Accessibility
The Belgian Ardennes, near Vielsalm, sits 2-3 hours from Brussels and Luxembourg. Properties in this area offer:
- Accessible by car or train from major European cities
- Proximity to hiking trails and natural attractions
- Nearby services (restaurants, shops) while maintaining rural settings
Budget and Pricing
Large group accommodation pricing varies by property type, season, and included amenities. See our guide to manor rental costs for 40 people for detailed pricing breakdowns.
Key considerations: Exclusive-use properties typically cost €4,500-€6,500 per weekend for the property itself, with catering and activities as optional extras. Weekend rates exceed weekday rates by 20-30%.
Final Considerations
When evaluating options for 40 guests, prioritize properties with private bathrooms for every room, genuine capacity for comfortable accommodation (not maximum squeeze-in), and exclusive-use options for privacy. Properties that simply "fit" 40 people create queues, scheduling conflicts, and compromises that impact the experience.
For corporate retreats, see our corporate retreat planning guide. For family reunions, see our family reunion planning guide.
If you're organizing accommodation for 30-40 guests in the Belgian Ardennes, check availability for exclusive-use properties that combine proper capacity, private bathrooms, and adequate common spaces.