Why is it so difficult to find two bed properties?

[purpleprincess]

We are family of four with 2 DCs 10 & 13 wanting to go on holiday for a couple of weeks somewhere hot with facilities etc. it seems that the default option for 4 is a one bedroom with sofa bed. I'm sorry but I don't want to sleep on a sofa bed for two weeks and have to put it up and down etc. appreciate we can hopefully afford to have an extra room but finding it very frustrating searching on websites and finding that two bedroom properties don't exist or they are 'special request'

Have thought about owners direct as have lots of friends who have used it and been to great places but don't think that the kind of resort we are looking for with big pool and stuff to do for kids is on owners direct?

Sorry felt like a bit of a rant ,...but welcome to hear from any travel agents!

I feel your pain OP, and have only started looking tonight! It's our first ever family holiday abroad this year; hoping to go away April or May.

Our children are 15months and 4years. We'd like a separate room so we can put them to bed at 7/8pm whatever, then relax in the living area. No way we want to be faffing around with a sofa bed. I had no idea it would be sooo difficult to find a two bed property (we want All Inclusive, so even harder).

Looks like there are some lovely AI hotels in Portugal which have two bedrooms, and are in budget (circa £2k) but they look like they might be a bit secluded/quiet? And we've never been to Portugal before - have you purpleprincess? Would you mind linking to where you've booked please? Congrats on finally booking your holiday!

We have just returned from a cheap and cheerful week in Lanzarote.
We went to Puerto Del Carmen before and I hated it, did Playa Flamingo this time, very quiet area, lovely coastal walk, beautiful beaches.
We had a bungalow, it had two bedrooms, large living area and two bathrooms, really it is two bungalows opened out IYKWIM? They do cots etc for little ones.
Lovely swimming pools, very friendly staff, all inclusive, not high end cuisine but nice.
Called Relaxia Lanzasur.
£1700 for 5 of us all inc. and inc. flights!

Where in Portugal are you looking at Slinky ? I live in the Algarve

The Algarve did come up Costa, would you recommend it? I liked the look of this place in Carvoeiro but am worried it'll be too quiet and there won't be anything to entertain the 4yo in the evenings?

123Jump wow that sounds perfect! The last time dh and I went abroad was to Lanzarote, when I was pregnant with ds1 five years ago. We were looking to go somewhere different for a change, but I'll have to have a little Google of where you went and bear it in mind - thanks!

I think it will be a high standard of accommodation, but it's quite far out of town, so you'd need a car if you wanted to see more of the area. I live in Carvoeiro!!

We'll come visit you then Costa! Do you like living there? It was the high standard of accommodation that attracted me. We'd love to go, but think it's more for couples looking for a quiet getaway

Is car hire expensive? And do child car seats come included? As have a 1yr old and 4yr old with us. Dh is a bit nervy too, as he's never driven on the right before.

Oh yes, we first came on holiday in 1988, then moved permanently in 2003!

I don't think car hire is particularly expensive, and I'm sure they can provide car seats or you can bring your own. If you haven't driven on the right before I'd suggest getting a transfer from the airport then just hiring a car for a few days and just pootling around locally. From that development you can walk to a pizza/pasta restaurant, and there is a small shop and a couple of local restaurants a bit further away, but it's not walking distance of Carvoeiro village or any beaches.

Carvoeiro is more of a villa/apartment holiday location, there aren't many hotels so AI isn't that common. There are lots of restaurants in the village and the villas/apartments have maid service, so self catering doesn't have to mean domestic drudgery.