Travelodge/premier Inn with 3 kids - how?

[StarlightMcKenzee]

AIBU to think there should be a way to get 3 kids and 2 adults into a room. We're not exactly a 'large' family.

For various logistical reasons, (ages of the kids mainly - all little/one with ASD) it would not work if we booked 2 rooms (quite apart from the additional expense) as one adult could not leave their charge, and would not leave them alone, even if sleeping, to keep running back to other room to get whatever items might be needed etc. as we pack as one family.

It just seems to me to be so bonkers that I'm wondering if there is like an unwritten rule that means that the websites don't actually reflect reality and most people with 3 kids do actually all share a room!?

[IvyWall]

Book two rooms. If they are not adjoining, put the three children in one room with one adult and the other adult takes the other room. Then the lone adult can move between rooms if necessary without leaving a child alone

[StarlightMcKenzee]

I suppose I could also book 1 room, and if they fuss, book another (if available) and then still sleep all in one room.

The kids fit. We often all sleep in the same king-size bed at home.

[StarlightMcKenzee]

'Book two rooms. If they are not adjoining, put the three children in one room with one adult and the other adult takes the other room. Then the lone adult can move between rooms if necessary without leaving a child alone'

This is pretty much what toomuch suggested, except unlikely that lone adult would spend much time in own room. Kids are well behaved and quiet but it takes two of us to make it so.

[Groovee]

Express by Holiday inn do ajoining rooms. The only way travel lodge and premier inn allow 3 children is if one is in a travel cot. We've found it a bit claustrophobic in a premier inn room recently with the 4 of us.

[ChipsOnChips]

Have you tried calling the premier inn direct? I thought they all had family rooms but certainly I've stayed in two recently with 3x DC slightly older than yours. One in London one in Cardiff.

They both had two double beds and provided an extra roll out bed. Excellent value and far more room and convenience than many 4/5 star places I've stayed in the UK.

[StarlightMcKenzee]

'We've found it a bit claustrophobic in a premier inn room recently with the 4 of us.'

he he. It will be bigger than the tent we'll be sleeping in for the following 21 days.

[StarlightMcKenzee]

No. I might give some a call. I know the one in Colliers Wood take down the children's ages and chuck you out if you have an additional one. However, I put that down to London attitude.

[crazykat]

Phone them and ask. We tried booking online when we had three dcs and it wouldn't let us book online with three kids. We phoned to ask if it would be okay as they were only little and they said it was fine and booked us in over the phone.

[crazykat]

Forgot to say we stayed in a premier inn.

[thewalrus]

As pp said, worth contacting the hotel you're interested in directly - we have had premier inns agree to fit the 5 of us in a family room (though also quite a few have said no.

Connecting doors work brilliantly, though more expensive obviously and quite a few have them - again you need to phone the hotel directly.

Agree it is a pain - hope you get something sorted!

[MsAspreyDiamonds]

A bit off the wall suggestion but how about a youth hostel. The YHA have dormitory style rooms with about 3 (3x2) bunks to a room.

[StarlightMcKenzee]

We love Youth Hostels Mrs but they don't tend to allow to check in during unsociable hours.

[scarlettsmummy2]

Stayed in premier inn in Cheltenham last week with three children! Sneaked the eldest in behind a big group! Two youngest shared a single and husband and I had an amazing king sized bed. It was fine for one night.

[tropical1]

We recently stayed in a travel lodge with 3 dc, I only put 2 on booking.
We went in & out to car with different children but I don't think staff on reception were bothered. We took a ready bed for youngest. We didn't have breakfast though as left very early for ferry, think it would have been more noticeable then!

[SorchaN]

We used to do the same thing: two parents and three young kids (one with ASD) in a Travelodge.

We found it was actually easier to use two rooms than one room. Each child had a very small bag with pyjamas, toothbrush, book and teddy etc. No tablets/DS consoles etc (had to warn them of this but they accepted it). We also took croissants etc to have for breakfast. I shared a room with the two girls and my husband shared with our son.

In the morning we'd put our son in the bath, where he happily stayed for a couple of hours while the rest of us got ready to leave. Obviously he had to be supervised by my husband, but the girls and I could get the rest of the stuff back in the car.

My youngest was 8 before we were able to do the whole 450-mile journey in one go.

[mummymeister]

we are a family of 5 too and have had to go with the two room scenario - 1 adult 2 kids in one room and 1+1 in the other. the staff and the companies involved are restricted to the numbers that each room will sleep by their fire risk assessment. if they say a room sleeps 4 then that's what it has to sleep or if there is a problem insurance is invalidated. I know what lots of people will say - unlikely to happen, surely its up to me if I overoccupy etc but at the end of the day if you run a business, any business you have to do it within the confines of your insurance. if you only book one room then you risk being refused and if they are full as often happens at holiday times/weekends then you are a bit stuffed. just wouldn't risk it personally.

[manicinsomniac]

Youth Hostels usually have 24 hour check in, don't they? I always use youth hostels (3 children but I'm a single parent so it's a bit easier) and have never had a problem using them all over the world. You can't get into the room 24-7 but you can at least leave your luggage and go off.

[sanfairyanne]

the trick is lying. staff couldnt care less. just go in separately. one checks in with one child and gets room number. other one follows a few mins later with 2 kids.

[littlejohnnydory]

You sneak one in. We have four dc and we just don't tell them. I took 3dc away alone and just had to pretend I only had two. I could hardly send one dc to a room on their own!

[AndNowItsSeven]

Premier inn will let you take three if you say you co sleep with three year old. Also you don't line up for head count at check inn!

[LaLyra]

Depending on the hotel some Travel Lodges and Premier Inns have connecting rooms, you just need to phone them and ask.

I think you'd be fine in a family room. 2 adults and toddler in kingsize bed and other 2 kids on the singles. Unless you are in a very popular touristy area then you are unlikely to get a staff member to refuse to check you in at silly o'clock.

[littlejohnnydory]

We had breakfast and nobody said a word.

[Georgethesecond]

I know this is no help for this year, but to be honest with three kids one of whom has SN you need to plan ahead to get the hotel rooms you need. Last minute is no good with three kids - as you have found out, these rooms take four and no more. Surely booking ahead would make it less stressful for you.

[BinToHellAndBack]

Wetherspoons family rooms are fab (atleast the one I stayed in was, don't know about swansea) and a comparable price to Travelodge etc - £70ish.

Double bed, plus a comfy sofa with a pull-out bed in a drawer (so essentially two singles). Loads of floor space to bring you own blow up mattress or travel cot type thing.

[StarlightMcKenzee]

No. We can't plan ahead as DH only finds out his diary availability a few days or so before in many cases (it depends on his workload iyswim). So things we can and do, but not usually for short visits/breaks.