pg

The for of us (incl two 5-yr olds) are planning a 14 night plan for Italy early March. Generally we return to our hotel only for sleep and as such don't spend too much of our 'awake' time in the room.
My kids can share a bed. I am unable to decide if I should be shopping for triple rooms or would doubles with extra bed suffice. I don't want go with the double+extra bed option if it is going to be too tight, but at the same time wouldn't mind saving a bit on a double over a triple.
Please share information.

Travelnut

A "double" will not do. That will be either one double bed (a U.S. version full bed, maybe queen if you're lucky), or it will be 2 single/twin beds. Also, the room rate is typically based on the number of people in the room, not the number of beds (I think).
At best you should expect a triple, which will be a)one full and one twin, or b) 3 twins.
By the way, re: "double + extra bed" - the extra bed will be a cot, not even a twin bed.

nytraveler

What you need to look for is a quad room - or family room (and then make sure it has enough beds). A triple will work only if both kids can share a single (single referring to size - not single meaning one) bed.

Also, if breakfast is included in the rate you must get a quad rom - or you will get only 3 breakfasts.

pg

Does a "cot" means something like a folding-bed with light Aluminium frame (with a string or banded mesh)? If so, then that doesn't sound such a good idea.
In a "triple" or "quad" rooms, is the third/ fourth bed as sturdy as the main double bed? Thanks much.

LoveItaly

Hi pg, I have never had a quad room in Italy but have rented triple rooms many times when our daughter traveled with us. The triple room all had substanial beds so can only assume that the quad room would also.

As others have said you cannot squeeze 2 adults and 2 children into a double room. First of all most (not all of course) hotel rooms in Italy are smaller than we normally anticipate.
And if you get a room that includes breakfast than, as mentioned, that presents a problem.

I would look for hotels that have quad rooms. If that is not possible to find the only other thing I know to do is get two double rooms with a parent and child in each double room. Not the best solution I know.

BTW, are you talking about March 2005 or 2006? Reminder, it is almost the middle of January so if you are going March 2005 better get those rooms worked out . Do have a wonderful trip. I am sure the Italians will be fussing and spoiling your 5 years old night and day. And how they will love the gelato. Happy travels!

Fodorite018

Which cities are you headed to?

I agree that a quad would be the best option. We have traveled with our two children and always get quad rooms.

In Rome we stayed at the Hotel Miami which we loved. Walkable to everywhere, although not smack dab in the middle of the tourist stuff. The hotel was very nice, the staff were very friendly and spoke to the kids as well. We would definitely go back!

In Florence we stayed at the Hotel Casci. Not fancy, but clean, super location, and again the owners/staff were incredible.

Both hotels actually had fairly large rooms, but European standards, and that was a nice plus with 4 of us in there.

Hope some of this helps.

KathrynT

I also agree with the Quad room approach. We found that many single beds in Europe are actually smaller than a typical twin bed here and wouldn't be pleasant to share.

Have a great trip!

Frances

Something which hasn't been mentioned is the attitude of the hotel owner to you turning up with one more person than you have booked for.It is quite possible that hotel rooms will have a maximum occupancy-for example for Fire Regulation purposes. So a double room may allow for a rollaway as well but not for two people in it turning it from a room for 2 to a room for 4.You could conceivably be turned away unless the hotel owner is agreeable to you topping and tailing your children.

sandi_travelnut

We've stayed in many triples (which is how I always ask for them). Soemtimes it's an additional twin bed, sometimes it's something less substantial. You never know till you get there.

SloJan

Sorry, I don't agree. We have two children, ages 5 and 6. When we travel, we often get a double room with an extra bed. If they offer an extra bed, the room will be big enough. One child shares the big bed with us, and the other gets the bed. It has always worked. Also, we discuss it with the hotel and follow their lead.

Where are you going in Italy? Sometimes, the same hotels may have adjunct apartments that work out cheaper than the rooms, plus you get a mini kitchen.

Cheers,
Jan

pg

Thanks to all for suggestions thus far. We are planning overnight stays at:
Milan, Venice, Florence, Assisi, Naples and Rome.

Looking around at apartment rates, they seem to be nearly 50-90% more than that of a triple (for 14 nights it adds up). Except for Rome (4 nights) we are not staying for more than 2 nights in any other town. Given that, apartments may not be feasible.

Frances - I agree with you - I would hate to "surprize" the hotel?

SloJan - Do you call several days before when making a reservation? Does that mean I abandon the Internet for Hotel Reservations and start calling. Or would it just be easier to uniformly shop for triple. Based on what you say, I think a triple may be doable (our kids turn 5 a few days before our trip) and the hotel may not feel "taken" when they see two 5-yr olds instead of a full grown adult.

nytraveler - I am not much concerned about 3 (vs. 4) breakfast(s). The general reaction to breakfast at Italian hotels is not positive - I think no matter what - we can't hope to get a hearty breakfast at our hotel, after which, we can go for a late lunch, as we have done travelling to other countries in Europe. In fact, I am really considering not asking for the breakfast rate - instead eat a good breakfast outside, or get some from grocery the night before (as time permits).

mari5

The Novotels (mostly in FRance) almost always have a double AND a nice sized twin bed. Don't think they have many in Italy, but there MAY be an Italian Chain that has this same "arrangement".

Huitres

You should definitely tell the hotel that you have 2 bambini (children). Usually hotels will provide an additional bed(s) knowing this for a nominal charge. As a single mom with a 4 year old, I get a double room (which often means a double bed, that suits us fine) but in some cases has provided us with 2 beds (which would work well in your case). Ask about the arrangements before agreeing to a triple or even a quad room. No sense being overcharged for extra beds and rooms that won't be needed! Sometimes you can get by with just a double room, with extra bed brought in for like 10 extra euros a night.

P.S. Re: breakfasts, my daughter just loves Italian yogurt and fortunately, it is made in smaller, kid-sized containers there. I stock up on the 6-pack flavors in banana-strawberry, coffee (her fav!), and lemon. Her breakfast consists of one of those yogurts with a "brioche" (as they call the sweet breakfast rolls) or some sliced fruit (apple). It provides a more than ample start for our day.