to think that a family of 5 should be able to find budget hotel accommodation when travelling!

[DorisIsAPinkDragon]

I know many will say "you chose to have 3" but surely there must be some companies that cater to the not particularly enormous family market. The average family size is quoted as over 2 (?.4) this means that these companies (Premier Inn, Days Inn and Travelodge and the like I'm talking to you!) automatically exclude a vast proprtion of travelling families. I don't want (and can't afford, the diesel cost alone is horrific) separate rooms so any suggestions welcome....

I have just tried to book at short notice for a trip to Scotland next week with 3 children (5) (3) and (1). When I last stayed with Premier Inn (4 weeks ago) we were able to book the baby in and the 2 children now their website specifically states 2 children and I can't do anything to make it take the third arrrrggghhhhhhh.

The thought of travelling 12 hours (Plymouth to Inverness) with the 3 in the back (we're not posh enough for dvd players!) and the driving alone makes me shudder aaaarrrrgggghhhh (again!)

Ultimately why oh why did my parents upsticks and move to the other bloody end of the country (oh apart from being closer to my sisters )

So AIBU and what do you do?

We only have 2 children but we always book Travelodge rooms for stopovers while travelling. On our last holiday we stopped over at the start and end of our holiday and paid £9 and £15 for our oom. If we had three children we'd have to book two rooms but if we booked them in the sale it would still be quite cheap.

The average family size is under 2 - it has been long quoted as 2.4, but it has been declining steadily since that figure was calculated - which was back in the 1930's and 40's - it is now 1.8 or 1.9.

Having said that - YANBU - there should be some way to provide accommodation to a family of 5. I can have my two teens in the same room as me, but a couple can't have 3 under 5's - which is more important?!

When we stay in an Express by Holiday Inn the fold out sofa bed is much too big for our 5 yo. If you had 2 under 5s they could both fit comfortably into the sofa bed- it's the size of a small double bed!.

We always book for 3 and smuggle DS in (22mo) with a fold up travel cot. Breakfast is a help yourself affair and is usually included in the price. We have stayed for £45 in the last six months which is pretty good- just over £11 each inc breakfast. Same scenario with Days Inn too.