WIBU to book us separate accommodation?

[EndoplasmicReticulum]

Reading and posting on another thread has got me worrying about planned holiday with In laws in August. Mil booked cottage a while back but turns out there are more other relatives staying in it than I first thought and there won't be a satisfactory sleeping arrangement. There are 3 bedrooms with double beds in each, and two single sofas to sleep on in the living room.

There will be mil, fil, husband and I and two children aged 8and 10. Also 2 other female relatives who are mother and daughter ( daughter is in her 30 s). For a week. Now the only way I see this going to fit us all in is either with my children sharing a double bed ( not going to work, trust me) or them sleeping on living room sofas which means either they stay up until everyone else goes to bed or we can't use the living room in the evening.

Cottage has been booked in seaside holiday town and I just thought it might not be too late to find us ( me, husband , children) a caravan or something instead rather than all ramming in with in laws.

We were going to give mil our share of cost of cottage.

Would it be rude of me to try to find somewhere else so that we had a bit more space? And retained sanity?

Gawd - I do not understand why people insist on stuffing somewhere to the gills when it's meant to be a holiday. Definitely clarify things with your PIL before you do anything otherwise you risk causing an almighty row, but yes, I would certainly consider booking somewhere else for comfort. Do you know whether any of the double beds are actually twin singles pushed together?

And who invites extra people without consulting those already going? Family or no, this is not on.

Who wants to spend their holiday getting the kids to bed then moving them every night?

Quality sleep is worth every penny. As is not sharing a bathroom with more than 3 others.

I think booking a caravan or something for 4 of you is a good idea and definitely something I would be looking to do rather than share with 4 others. I think you would still have to pay your share of the cottage though.

I'd be annoyed about the PIL springing the extra 2 guests on you. Go for the alternative arrangements. If PIL are disappointed then tough. They should have consulted with you. Having two strangers staying now on top pf everyone else (although I'm sure they may be nice) sounds an all round horrible idea for a relaxing holiday.

For posters who can't read carefully, OP already said (in her first post) she would pay her part of the cottage.

I would book elsewhere

And surely if the two new guests pay their share then the in laws are no worse off?

Is it such a big deal? Sounds like a fun family holiday. Just email the cottage owner to ask if they have an air mattress or can supply one at cost for your arrival. Quite possibly they have one already or a foldaway bed or similar.

Other things to consider

Have a look at the living room how many seats are there? I have seen so man sleeps 8 places that have less than 6 seats in the living area. Also sleeps 8 but only 6 dining chairs. Drives me mad.

I need space on holiday, it makes a big difference. Any chance of cancelling the booking and getting somewhere bigger (? Distance selling regs if booked online)

Have you looked at alternate accommodation? Something within walking distance to allow would be best.

Sorry if I missed the answer but are you splitting the cost with MIL 50/50 or is it another percentage?

talk to the PILs.

I have down this in the past, and come across as not-laid-back, obsessed-about-sleeping arrangements, but it is just the case that my 2 boys in one bed will have fun/be noisy all night/not sleep, and all 4 of us in 1 room not an option either, so if you can afford your own accommodation go for it!

If my kids sleep badly/are up all night they turn into gremlins...and guess who has to deal with the fall-out?.... so choose your sleeping arrangements wisely [wink} is my advice.

Oops - sorry. If you are planning to hand over the share of the cost previously agreed with your PILs then YANBU to book alternative accommodation that works for you.

You would not be unreasonable to be livid though. My post was from the perspective of having to suck it up this time as it's just a week, but I agree with wowfudge, cramming everyone in is not my idea of a holiday.

YANBU to want to enjoy your holiday and if that means booking separate accommodation, so be it.

I don't think the extra relatives were "sprung" as such, all communication has been through husband and MIL probably told him, and he didn't think to mention it.

Anyway, we have solved the problem as one of the reasons for the holiday is to visit other relatives nearby, and they can lend us a couple of campbeds, so we'll take the biggest bedroom which looks massive on the website, easily enough room to all go in together.

We've hired our own car and intend to be out a lot.

Oh and costs is all very vague, I am intending to pay our share but nothing has been agreed. There are three toilets - one of the bedrooms has an ensuite, there is a family bathroom, plus a separate downstairs loo. Believe me I checked - a one bathroom would be more of a dealbreaker than the beds!

MrsJayy

"Really would the fight all night honestly put the kids in the double bed and let them get on with it"

Yes really they would fight all night. Yes they would. They are boys.

Shopping for airbeds on arrival could be fraught with difficulty though - what country is the holiday in? (and is it one where you speak the language) Could you arrange for delivery of airbeds to a nearby poste restant where you could collect the parcel on the day you arrive without having to scour local shops?

Sorry that was actually a crosspost (I know it won't look it from the time but the message was standing unsubmitted in my browser window waiting for me to press send for ages.

Glad you have a solution that works!

Have a great holiday

Mine are boys too