20 month old suddenly distraught at bedtime

[Eggletina]

Until a couple of months ago my 20 month old always went to bed like a dream. He would just cuddle his teddy, smile, turn over and go to sleep. This all changed 2 months ago after a night spent in a hotel - since that night he gets absolutely distraught if we leave him alone in his room at bedtime. Every night myself and my partner have to take it in turns to sit in his room until he falls asleep - which usually takes about 45 mins to an hour. We're at a loss as to how to deal with this and how to help him get back to going to bed easily. We have tried (in desperation) leaving him to cry but he just gets so upset (literally being sick) that I'm really unwilling to do this. I'm expecting a baby in few weeks and am really hoping things will have improved by then - as I can't see how we can carry on doing what we're doing. For his lunchtime nap he is quite happy to be left alone in his room and will go to sleep quickly.
Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on things to try??

[sunnydayinmay]

The same thing happened to ds1 at that age, after a holiday in a hotel. The only thing that worked was gradual withdrawal, and it took weeks. Sorry.

[Eggletina]

Thanks sunnydayinmay we have just discussed trying gradual withdrawal. Fingers crossed