families of 5 do you really book two rooms?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand all these posts to "hide" your children and not all approach the desk together. There are legit rooms that will fit 5 (or even 6) guests.

I'm a pp with a family of 6 that has stayed all in one room. When we booked springhill suites, embassy suites, etc. with 2 queens and a sofa bed, we ALWAYS were truthful when we booked the room (online) about how many people would be staying in the room.

Not in all areas, not in all hotels, not all locations, different price points, etc.

I don't think you have to "hide" your kids. But just to avoid any issues, we won't all go to the front desk together. Usually I'll park the car while the others are checking in. No big deal.

But they don't care, anyway, as best I can tell.

+1. It’s not always possible to get a suite at every hotel. And in some locations the type of hotel is limited.

Then you don't go on that vacation. Choose a different place that has hotels that can accommodate you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about interconnecting rooms? We always do this, then everyone sleeps well. One room for 5 seems awful

Or, if you don't want to be fancy, just connecting rooms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand all these posts to "hide" your children and not all approach the desk together. There are legit rooms that will fit 5 (or even 6) guests.

I'm a pp with a family of 6 that has stayed all in one room. When we booked springhill suites, embassy suites, etc. with 2 queens and a sofa bed, we ALWAYS were truthful when we booked the room (online) about how many people would be staying in the room.

I gave that advice and I’ll give my two examples. One time we were staying at a chain hotel near phoenix airport for an early morning flight. They wouldn’t let us check in with the 3 kids who were all under 5 including a cosleeping baby. She made a big deal about it and said they didn’t have any other rooms nor did any of the other airport hotels. I under up saying I would just sleep in the rental car and she could check the rest of the family in. She then caved and said she would check us in but gave me a long lecture. The other time was a Hilton in Honolulu where we were staying for 2-3 nights before moving on to another island where we had a 2 room condo. She also gave me a problem but I can’t really remember how that resolved. I don’t think 90% of the hotel clerks care, but you just never know if you are going to get that one person who is a stickler for rules. I would feel dishonest doing this at a resort where there are activities or food included in the price but at a standard hotel where they are basically renting you two beds in a defined space, it doesn’t seem to me dishonest to apportion that space how you prefer. We generally prefer 2 rooms but sometimes it just doesn’t work out or make sense for whatever reason. At least Hilton now will guarantee connecting rooms which does make life easier.

Ok, well then in your Phoenix example, we just would have stayed in another hotel that DID accommodate all of us. I know you said there were no hotels like that close to the airport--so we would have stayed further from the airport. As far as it took until we had a legit, honest reservation.

As to your Honolulu one--I guess I don't understand why you think you were an exception? Surely you planned this trip to Honolulu? You didn't go to bed in your home in Washington DC and suddenly wake up in Honolulu, and had to figure out a plan?

People like you give "big families" a bad name.

Genuine question. Do you never exceed the speed limit?

Not intentionally. Yes, there are times where I notice I have accidentally gone too fast, and I immediately correct it. Are you insinuating that these families "accidentally" have a kid, and only realize it as they are pulling into the hotel parking lot?

No, I'm just curious about your consistency in rule-following.

You never drank before 21?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand all these posts to "hide" your children and not all approach the desk together. There are legit rooms that will fit 5 (or even 6) guests.

I'm a pp with a family of 6 that has stayed all in one room. When we booked springhill suites, embassy suites, etc. with 2 queens and a sofa bed, we ALWAYS were truthful when we booked the room (online) about how many people would be staying in the room.

Not in all areas, not in all hotels, not all locations, different price points, etc.

I don't think you have to "hide" your kids. But just to avoid any issues, we won't all go to the front desk together. Usually I'll park the car while the others are checking in. No big deal.

But they don't care, anyway, as best I can tell.

+1. It’s not always possible to get a suite at every hotel. And in some locations the type of hotel is limited.

Then you don't go on that vacation. Choose a different place that has hotels that can accommodate you.

Nah. We'll just use one room. But you do you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand all these posts to "hide" your children and not all approach the desk together. There are legit rooms that will fit 5 (or even 6) guests.

I'm a pp with a family of 6 that has stayed all in one room. When we booked springhill suites, embassy suites, etc. with 2 queens and a sofa bed, we ALWAYS were truthful when we booked the room (online) about how many people would be staying in the room.

I gave that advice and I’ll give my two examples. One time we were staying at a chain hotel near phoenix airport for an early morning flight. They wouldn’t let us check in with the 3 kids who were all under 5 including a cosleeping baby. She made a big deal about it and said they didn’t have any other rooms nor did any of the other airport hotels. I under up saying I would just sleep in the rental car and she could check the rest of the family in. She then caved and said she would check us in but gave me a long lecture. The other time was a Hilton in Honolulu where we were staying for 2-3 nights before moving on to another island where we had a 2 room condo. She also gave me a problem but I can’t really remember how that resolved. I don’t think 90% of the hotel clerks care, but you just never know if you are going to get that one person who is a stickler for rules. I would feel dishonest doing this at a resort where there are activities or food included in the price but at a standard hotel where they are basically renting you two beds in a defined space, it doesn’t seem to me dishonest to apportion that space how you prefer. We generally prefer 2 rooms but sometimes it just doesn’t work out or make sense for whatever reason. At least Hilton now will guarantee connecting rooms which does make life easier.

Ok, well then in your Phoenix example, we just would have stayed in another hotel that DID accommodate all of us. I know you said there were no hotels like that close to the airport--so we would have stayed further from the airport. As far as it took until we had a legit, honest reservation.

As to your Honolulu one--I guess I don't understand why you think you were an exception? Surely you planned this trip to Honolulu? You didn't go to bed in your home in Washington DC and suddenly wake up in Honolulu, and had to figure out a plan?

People like you give "big families" a bad name.

Genuine question. Do you never exceed the speed limit?

Not intentionally. Yes, there are times where I notice I have accidentally gone too fast, and I immediately correct it. Are you insinuating that these families "accidentally" have a kid, and only realize it as they are pulling into the hotel parking lot?

No, I'm just curious about your consistency in rule-following.

You never drank before 21?

nope

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand all these posts to "hide" your children and not all approach the desk together. There are legit rooms that will fit 5 (or even 6) guests.

I'm a pp with a family of 6 that has stayed all in one room. When we booked springhill suites, embassy suites, etc. with 2 queens and a sofa bed, we ALWAYS were truthful when we booked the room (online) about how many people would be staying in the room.

I gave that advice and I’ll give my two examples. One time we were staying at a chain hotel near phoenix airport for an early morning flight. They wouldn’t let us check in with the 3 kids who were all under 5 including a cosleeping baby. She made a big deal about it and said they didn’t have any other rooms nor did any of the other airport hotels. I under up saying I would just sleep in the rental car and she could check the rest of the family in. She then caved and said she would check us in but gave me a long lecture. The other time was a Hilton in Honolulu where we were staying for 2-3 nights before moving on to another island where we had a 2 room condo. She also gave me a problem but I can’t really remember how that resolved. I don’t think 90% of the hotel clerks care, but you just never know if you are going to get that one person who is a stickler for rules. I would feel dishonest doing this at a resort where there are activities or food included in the price but at a standard hotel where they are basically renting you two beds in a defined space, it doesn’t seem to me dishonest to apportion that space how you prefer. We generally prefer 2 rooms but sometimes it just doesn’t work out or make sense for whatever reason. At least Hilton now will guarantee connecting rooms which does make life easier.

Ok, well then in your Phoenix example, we just would have stayed in another hotel that DID accommodate all of us. I know you said there were no hotels like that close to the airport--so we would have stayed further from the airport. As far as it took until we had a legit, honest reservation.

As to your Honolulu one--I guess I don't understand why you think you were an exception? Surely you planned this trip to Honolulu? You didn't go to bed in your home in Washington DC and suddenly wake up in Honolulu, and had to figure out a plan?

People like you give "big families" a bad name.

Genuine question. Do you never exceed the speed limit?

Not intentionally. Yes, there are times where I notice I have accidentally gone too fast, and I immediately correct it. Are you insinuating that these families "accidentally" have a kid, and only realize it as they are pulling into the hotel parking lot?

No, I'm just curious about your consistency in rule-following.

You never drank before 21?

nope

Are you afraid to remove the tags from your mattresses?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand all these posts to "hide" your children and not all approach the desk together. There are legit rooms that will fit 5 (or even 6) guests.

I'm a pp with a family of 6 that has stayed all in one room. When we booked springhill suites, embassy suites, etc. with 2 queens and a sofa bed, we ALWAYS were truthful when we booked the room (online) about how many people would be staying in the room.

I gave that advice and I’ll give my two examples. One time we were staying at a chain hotel near phoenix airport for an early morning flight. They wouldn’t let us check in with the 3 kids who were all under 5 including a cosleeping baby. She made a big deal about it and said they didn’t have any other rooms nor did any of the other airport hotels. I under up saying I would just sleep in the rental car and she could check the rest of the family in. She then caved and said she would check us in but gave me a long lecture. The other time was a Hilton in Honolulu where we were staying for 2-3 nights before moving on to another island where we had a 2 room condo. She also gave me a problem but I can’t really remember how that resolved. I don’t think 90% of the hotel clerks care, but you just never know if you are going to get that one person who is a stickler for rules. I would feel dishonest doing this at a resort where there are activities or food included in the price but at a standard hotel where they are basically renting you two beds in a defined space, it doesn’t seem to me dishonest to apportion that space how you prefer. We generally prefer 2 rooms but sometimes it just doesn’t work out or make sense for whatever reason. At least Hilton now will guarantee connecting rooms which does make life easier.

Ok, well then in your Phoenix example, we just would have stayed in another hotel that DID accommodate all of us. I know you said there were no hotels like that close to the airport--so we would have stayed further from the airport. As far as it took until we had a legit, honest reservation.

As to your Honolulu one--I guess I don't understand why you think you were an exception? Surely you planned this trip to Honolulu? You didn't go to bed in your home in Washington DC and suddenly wake up in Honolulu, and had to figure out a plan?

People like you give "big families" a bad name.

Genuine question. Do you never exceed the speed limit?

Not intentionally. Yes, there are times where I notice I have accidentally gone too fast, and I immediately correct it. Are you insinuating that these families "accidentally" have a kid, and only realize it as they are pulling into the hotel parking lot?

No, I'm just curious about your consistency in rule-following.

You never drank before 21?

nope

Are you afraid to remove the tags from your mattresses?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a fire code issue...get a suite

We usually do this but it’s nyc there are no suites!

There are definitely suites in nyc. Pricey but most hotels have them. We have 4 children so generally get a suite plus an adjoining bedroom.

[Anonymous]

OP we are a family of 5 traveling to NYC soon, and I’m like the PP’s husband who is worried we’ll be kicked out in the middle of the night for rule breaking. I realize this is unlikely, but my anxiety is better when I plan ahead. We ended up booking a suite at the Gardens Sonesta. I think Sonesta is a newer (or lesser known?) hotel chain. Reviews on trip advisor looked decent and I like that it’s super close to Central Park/Zoo. Plus it has a kitchen, so seems family-friendly.

[Anonymous]

Depends on where you're traveling! In the US, of course you can sleep 5 to a room (especially with kids those ages) - most hotels will provide pack in plays (or just bring your own). Just ask for two beds. Worse case, you pile the extra pillows and blankets on the floor to make an extra bed. We do this even now, and our kids are 12, 10, and 7. We do try to book a suite at this stage, but can always make a double room work if we have to.

That said, in Europe, you really must book two rooms. The rooms are tiny and cannot accommodate a family your size. We traveled extensively there when my kids were the ages of yours, and we always tried to get connecting or family rooms. Sometimes we had to have two separate rooms completely, with one adult in each room with the kids split up.

[Anonymous]

So, confession time. I once stayed five years in a row for a conference in the same Marriott. Really nice suite. DH and DD came along for the ride and did tourist stuff during the day. Because I normally travel solo, I didn't change the number of people when I booked and left it at one. Year 6...I finally remembered to put three people, and that's when I learned that particular suite didn't allow children and only allowed two people tops.

Oops.

[Anonymous]

We are family of 4 and until my kids were teens, we did not book seperate rooms. Usually we book a suite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends on where you're traveling! In the US, of course you can sleep 5 to a room (especially with kids those ages) - most hotels will provide pack in plays (or just bring your own). Just ask for two beds. Worse case, you pile the extra pillows and blankets on the floor to make an extra bed. We do this even now, and our kids are 12, 10, and 7. We do try to book a suite at this stage, but can always make a double room work if we have to.

That said, in Europe, you really must book two rooms. The rooms are tiny and cannot accommodate a family your size. We traveled extensively there when my kids were the ages of yours, and we always tried to get connecting or family rooms. Sometimes we had to have two separate rooms completely, with one adult in each room with the kids split up.

Newer hotels have family rooms now. We stayed at one this summer in fact. Great option!

[Anonymous]

Mostly we do VRBO/AirBnB because cramming five people into a single hotel room isn’t fun, especially as kids get older and larger and want privacy.

A night or two, fine, we smuggle in a kid. Any more than two nights and we do suites, VRBO, etc. I don’t find being cramped relaxing at all.

[Anonymous]

What US cities are you guys going to that you can't find ANY hotels that legally/legitimately sleep 5 in a room?