EHT

Hi, my family and I (2 adults and 1 child (6 year-old)) are planning for a trip to Europe (Amsterdam, London, Italy, Switzerland, Paris) in mid April. We are now in the process of booking our accommodations. Due to our late planning, we found a lot of the better hotels / hostels in our destinations are fully booked / do not have family room for 2A1C anymore. I would like to know if it is OK to book a double room (i.e. only declare that 2 adults are staying at the point of booking) and stay 2A1C in the hotels in Europe. Many thanks in advance for your kind assistance.

swandav2000

Hi EHT,

Unfortunately, no, it's not ok to do that. Many hotels charge by the person, not by the room, so you would be committing a fairly serious offense. In addition, hotels have to limit occupancy due to fire regulations -- so many of the hotels are centuries old with very small rooms.

Best if you tell them the true number in your party and then ask if they offer a cot for your child.

s

janisj

>>I would like to know if it is OK to book a double room (i.e. only declare that 2 adults are staying at the point of booking) and stay 2A1C in the hotels in Europe.<<

Absolutely not. But you can look for a double room that allows additions of a rollaway (for an extra fee)

Or even better, rent apartments - many studios or 1-bdrms sleep three.

But never (ever) try to sneak your child in.

>>ask if they offer a cot for your child.<<

Be careful w/ that - make very clear what you are requesting. In a lot of places a 'cot' is a baby crib and won't work for a 6 yo. You want a rollaway or child's bed - not always a 'cot'.

KTtravel

I have found that some hotels that seem to be limited to double rooms do have "family rooms" available if you email and ask them. Also, often they can bring in an extra bed (if there is room) to a double room.
As the above posters have stated, you do have to honestly disclose how many people will be staying.

Odin

Yes it is ok to book a double room and request a rollaway for a child. Sometimes the rollaway is a chargeable extra.
Sometimes children under a certain age stay free if using the existing bedding in the room.

janisj

>>Yes it is ok to book a double room and request a rollaway for a child<<

Yes - but to clarify, that must be done at the time of booking - no 'secrets'.

What you cannot do is what you asked . . .>>i.e. only declare that 2 adults are staying at the point of booking<<

StCirq

No, you cannot book a double room and sneak an extra person of any age in. First of all, the hotel staff will notice immediately and can just boot you out (for fire code violations among other things). Second, the hotel is charging by head count, so you would have to pay more even if you disclosed you had an extra person. You must be absolutely clear from the start how many people will occupy the room.

Alec

Most hotels state on their website the maximum occupancy per room, and if an extra bed can be provided. Many can't because of room sizes. You are more likely to be allowed to have a child sleep with you in a B&B than a commercial hotel. Many French motels have a room with a bunk bed above a double, ideal for you.

iris1745

In any of the cities you are visiting, you can look at all the options on booking.com and it will show if three are allowed in a room. Just need to add your dates and the city.

As suggested, the cost will usually be more for a room for three.

Many times it will specify a family room.

If you are not sure of your exact itinerary, make sure it shows, 'free cancellation'.

You can use the site for information and then call the hotel or just book. Very reliable booking site.

EHT

Hi all, thanks a lot for the helpful info. I shall book triple rooms / family rooms.

girlonthego

We were staying at the Hilton in Paris and the room had two double beds with three as the max capacity. Our kids were too young to be on their own at the time, and prices very high. I called Hilton and asked if it was going to be a problem and they said no because they could note it in our file. And it wasn't a problem thank God.

But I do think getting triples will be a good plan. Sneaking a child in small hotels will not go unnoticed. You need to make sure you are not 3 in a double bed. Nobody sleeps then anyways.

dutyfree

In Italy, your passports are sent through to the local police so definitely don't hide the fact that you have a child with you.