To want a UK hotel room which sleeps a family of five

[Dishwashersaurous]

So, thinking about having a break in another UK city for a couple of days over half term just to have a break.

We're a family of five, three children primary age.

I envisaged a hotel room with two double beds, like those you get in US motels. Kids more than happy to share a bed.

We've only camped or cottages in UK before.

Now, despite searching and searching it seems that it is impossible to get a hotel room to sleep five. Which means two rooms, which obviously is much more expensive, when literally going to just be sleeping. We all happily sleep in one room in a tent.

So, good people of mumsnet, AIBU to hope someone can help me find a hotel room which sleeps five. Or don't they exist

We have this issue. We mostly just sneak into a family Premier Inn room and take an extra pillow and sleeping bag. Not only is it a cost issue, but also we want to be in one room as it makes supervising the kids of DH or I want to go to the car or make a phone call etc easier. I don't want to be constantly worried about leaving a child alone in a hotel room. I find it strange that so many places allow a 3rd child if they're in a cot then never mention accomodating them Once they're 2. Annoying!

Am also disappointed that places like Bluestone that used to let you be honest about it and pay more for an extra camp bed have now said no, on the basis of covid...

I'm not sure it works in these businesses favour as rather than us booking double, or bigger, we just don't go!

@Elodeastar

My worry with 'sneaking' kids in is that in an emergency (e.g. a fire) then they wouldn't be officially listed on the list of residents. I know most (all) parents would speak up about the extra person in such a situation, but what if the parent was somehow unable to speak up (trapped/involved) and nobody else was aware? I know this is unlikely but it could happen! Also, if you are having breakfast, then won't the hotel notice the 'extra' person?

Hotels never know who is in what room.

Yes we have the same issue, however all five of us in one room doesn't work, so we tend to go for two rooms (or if we are visiting my parents palm one of the children off). If I can get a good deal on a premier Inn it often is still cheaper to pay for two rooms then to find somewhere that takes all five of us.

We are a family of 5 as well, we've found with hotels that we have to get 2 rooms (and have an adult in each if not interconnecting).

We find it much better to get an apartment or air BnB - especially as you have separate living space for after kids have gone to bed. I find creeping around a dark hotel room trying not to wake the kids pretty grim and not at all relaxing

Not city breaks but Crieff Hydro have family rooms for up to 6. Athol Palace in Pitlochry also do large family rooms.

This place has rooms for five. Does dinner bed and breakfast deals as well. You might have to call them.

www.tlh.co.uk/

But we have also done the premier Inn 2 rooms v cheaply.

Used to be a receptionist in a well known chain.
You want a family room, or ask if they have any larger rooms - odd shaped hotels may have one or two "larger rooms" available but not officially listed online or as family rooms. Also enquire about wedding rooms as some have a larger bedroom with sitting area attached, this could be used as 2nd bedroom

Do not sneak your child in. We will know, it is dangerous, doesn't make for easy conversation 🙈

We used to sneak one into a premier inn - and took a sleeping bag and sleeping mat or they slept on the couch. Only ever for one night stopovers though

We have stayed in Youth Hostels, they have rooms with various bed numbers, are en-suite and many are in urban places.

My friend with three kids was complaining about this. She said they found Ireland much better, although I know you were looking for UK. Sorry!

The place I suggested has a double bed, bunk bed and single bed as ideal for three kids.

I stayed in family rooms in premier inn with 2 double beds and a single fold out.

The place I linked even has availability for Feb half term.

Thanks kendodd I will look.

All the family rooms I've found will only allow four people, irrespective of the size of the room

I stayed a few years ago at the Belhaven Hotel in Glasgow, good position in the West End with good transport to city centre. There is one room with two doubles and a single. It says 4 occupancy but it’s a small hotel who might well be more open to a phone call to ask if 5 can stay. They don’t do food except breakfast but it was clean and comfy.

www.belhavenhotel.com/accommodation/deluxe-suite/

Voco Reading , formerly Madjeski Hotel , stayed there numerous times ! Great for Lego land etc

Hocuspocus99. How do you book there? The website simply won't even allow me to put in three children?

Airbnb will be cheaper and much more suitable.

We have stayed at the Hilton Northampton in a large family room that makes a real effort with the kids, the Holiday Inn in Rotherham as well as Gullivers kingdom and Valley which all accommodate 2 adults and 3 children ☺️

Have you completely discounted Youth Hostels as suggested by lots of pps?

11:01skippythebushkangarootoo. How do you book for five?

I'm obviously being stupid but I can't get a single hotel website, even the ones suggested, to allow me to enter five for one room

I second Youth hostels. You can get family rooms and they’re reasonably priced. Many are really nice nowadays and are not the rough and ready hostels they’re used to be.

YHA whitby

I did a random search and found a choice of rooms at Whitby YHA. There’s also 25% discount as well now.

Hotels never know who is in what room.

@Russelhobskettle I am not sure that is actually true tbh.

(Click on the link for private rooms)