Anonymous
Post 05/09/2025 12:08     Subject: How do you book a hotel room for a family of 5?

AirBnB's end up being usually cheaper for a family than renting 2 rooms or a family suite.
Unless you are staying somewhere for a night or 2, I'd say rent an AirBnB. If not, rent connecting rooms. One room usually has a king size bed and the other has 2 doubles, and you can add a rollaway bed to either room.
Anonymous
Post 05/09/2025 11:48     Subject: How do you book a hotel room for a family of 5?

Anonymous wrote:You may want to verify this, but I heard from a friend that has close relatives that work for major national chains and they are not allowed to deny a family of five occupancy of one room. I have a family of four so I have not researched this further and I'm guessing it is only true for minor children.

This is not true at all. If a guest lies about the number of guests, and it’s above the occupancy limit for that room, they can be denied (without a refund) or kicked out if it’s determined post-check in. It depends on the specifics - if the fire code occupancy limit is above 4, but they’ve stated occupancy of 4, they can charge you an additional per diem fee for the extra guest(s). If it’s over the fire code limit, you can be forced to vacate. I absolutely wouldn’t risk this. We are in the hotel industry and have had to kick our guests when cleaning has reported that it’s clear too many are in the room. We won’t risk licensing or code or insurance violations. Also, if you were to get away with your lie and anything would be happened, you wouldn’t be covered and could be liable.
Anonymous
Post 05/09/2025 11:41     Subject: How do you book a hotel room for a family of 5?

never in my life did we get anything but a room with two doubles or queens with three kids. why do hotels have roll-aways?
Anonymous
Post 05/09/2025 11:37     Subject: How do you book a hotel room for a family of 5?

We get suites with two rooms, or we get two adjoining rooms. Most often, though, we get an Airbnb so everyone gets a good bed. Staying in a cramped hotel room is not a vacation, but if you have to do it, gettwo2 adjoining rooms if a suite is unavailable.
Anonymous
Post 05/09/2025 11:31     Subject: How do you book a hotel room for a family of 5?

Anonymous wrote:As others have said, depends on the location. We lived in Europe for four years and traveled quite a bit with our three kids who were very young. We almost always had to get two rooms, and we just split up. Sometimes they were adjoining, but usually they were not. Truth is that most European rooms don't accommodate more than 2 people, but our youngest was in a pack and play.

In the US, though - one room usually suits us. Splitting up sucks, and even if it is tight (our oldest is now 12), one kid is always fine piling pillows on the floor if there isn't a couch. Ideally, though, we always try for a suite or family room.

To your question, though, I always start a search with 5 people, but if a room isn't available, I say we're only 4. US hotels do not care about this the way European ones do.


Hawaii fire codes do. Plus one wouldn't get a wrist band for the pool hardy har har.
You had a third kid. Own it and pay up.
Anonymous
Post 05/09/2025 11:30     Subject: How do you book a hotel room for a family of 5?

Fire codes may limit one room to 4 humans regardless of age or what they sleep on. You had 3 kids. Book 2 rooms or a suite.
Anonymous
Post 05/09/2025 11:12     Subject: How do you book a hotel room for a family of 5?

Anonymous wrote:Your family has outgrown a single hotel room. You need a second room or a suite.


This