Kids and Hotels

King sized beds are not very common in European hotels. And when they are available they are usually in more expensive hotels. If you want to maximize your dollars look for a triple room in hotel within your budget. It is not that difficult, we've travelled with our kids to Europe many times. Also keep in mind that breakfast is often included (not always) so showing up with an additional person that was not registered is not working. Last but not least, hotels have to abide to fire codes and cannot house more than the number of people allowed per room. It is simply illegal to let 3 people sleep in a room that is coded for 2.

Just traveled in Germany and Czech Republic with our 7 yr old. I couldn't decide if I was supposed to ask for a triple as many hotels advertise that children sleep free. A triple is for three adults (or people over maybe 13). I ended up contacting hotels directly via email and explained we had two adults and one child. Both hotels gave me a great deal with a room big enough for a junior bed or with a pull out couch. It didn't cost extra and yet she was included for breakfasts, bedtime chocolates and we had plenty of towels and pillows!

If you go on a website like booking.com, you'll be able to input that you have a child, and whether you are okay with her sleeping in your bed or if you want another bed. When our son was 3, we booked privately owned B&B's, and let them know that we had a small child with us. At the very least, they need to know that they have to provide breakfast for 3. In one place, we had a lot of blankets, so we improvised a bed for him. In another, they brought in a twin bed. In the private B&B's, we didn't have to pay extra for him. But that can vary from place to place.

Since kids usually stay free in US hotels (same room as the parents), I didn't make the distinction when I booked rooms on Orbitz for our trip to Venice in 2007. We showed up and got a severe dressing down from the receptionist about our "sneaking in" a third person. (the interloper was 6 at the time.) Since then, I have made certain to let every place know we have kid(s). Many hotels have family rooms that are quite a bit larger and not necessarily more expensive. Since triple rooms did not abound online for the places we were travelling we tended to contact hotels directly. Email booking worked great for us when we returned last summer and no lectures whatsoever:)

When planning a trip with our 4-year-old daughter, I was clear when requesting reservations that we were two adults and one small child. In almost all cases, they offered a cot for little or no extra charge. We also used the blankets on the floor from time to time. Our daughter considered it "camping out". I thought it was best to be clear up front about our number. I don't worry about it in the US because there's usually options for two queen beds.

Hi Nick! You didn't mention where you were going or for how long, but have you considered renting apartments? If you are staying anywhere for more than 3 nights its a great option (they usually have a 3 night minimum). You may also want to check out the Novotel chain - they don't charge extra for kids and have a pull out couch along with a king sized bed. Personally I love apartment rentals with kids - when they go to bed you don't need to hide in the bathroom or try and read with a headlamp! We have 9 and 7 year olds and almost exclusively do apartments now - plus they are often the same price as a hotel but with double the room! For instance, we are renting a 2 bedroom apartment in Rome this August for 115 euros a night (for 3 nights). You can check out my site www.yourfamilyineurope.com and look at the Accommodation section for some ideas if it would be helpful to you! Have fun!!