I am searching for hotels using the excellent
http://www.hotelsearch-in-paris.com.

I have noticed that all of the hotels room rates are denominated in terms of
single
double
triple
quad
What do these actually mean?

My wife and I will be traveleing with two small children. If we were traveling in the US - I would just look for a room with two queen size beds. But that doesn't seem to be the way rooms are described in Europe.

Do we need a quad. That would be a shame - because they seem to be rare in the Paris city center.

A single normally has a single twin-size bed.

A double may have two twin beds, either separate or pushed together to make one bed, or a normal double bed.

A triple has some combination of the two possibilities above.

A quad also has some combination of singles and doubles.

Queen-size beds are rare in Europe (except in American-style chain hotels). The closest to it is the two twins pushed together mentioned above. The chances of getting two of those in one room are low.

Yes you will need a quad - sometimes called a family room

single = twin-sized bed. A room for 1.

double = a double bed or a queen or two twins. A room for 2 people

triple = a room for 3. Could be eithetr 2 beds or three singles.

quad = a room for 4.

But for a family w/ kids - renting a flat would usually be better than a small quad in a hotel. Many apartmens will have a double bed plus a sofa bed that sleeps two.

Thanks.

Unfortunately - I doubt an apartment will make sense for us. We will only be there for 4 or 5 nights. On our way to Provence. I assume you need to be in Paris a full week before an apartment makes sense.

yes, many apartments do rent by the week. But there are some that rent for shorter periods.

There are quite a few hotels with Quad rooms, and also with "family rooms" or "connecting rooms", all intended to serve 4 sleeping in the room.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34651208

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34656598

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34576515

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34575697

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34557450

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34528484

In Accord group (Mercure, Novotel, ...) two children up to 16 are allowed in parents bedroom at no extra cost. I stayed in Novotel Les Halles with this kind of agreement. The standard is 1 large bed plus 2 individual.

Thanks

What is a duplex? Is that connecting rooms?

I think some of those larger chain hotels do allow children for free, that might be a good idea for you. You can probably get by with a double room and asking if they can put in a rollaway for a third child, but since there are four of you, that pretty much means you must book a quad. You don't say your budget, but it's possible some of the larger, modern hotels have two queen beds -- I've heard the Holiday Inn Republique in Paris has large rooms and might have that. It's a nice location and a beautiful hotel (outside is a registered landmark, I don't know the inside rooms). that won't be super-cheap, though, as it's a 4* hotel.

As for duplex -- that is a room with two levels, one up some stairs to another floor (or at least another level).

Those terms you found just refer to occupancy, that's all--the number of people the room is for. Although it isn't relevant for you, many single hotel rooms do not have twin-sized beds as I've been in many that do not (they often have doubles, but are just a small room).

Novotel hotels often allow two children under age 16. I think Holiday Inns often have a similar policy.

Hi rholt,
I agree for Accor policy for children.

How was the gym in Aix?

Chez Vous will book apartments for as few as five nights. Because they allow shorter stays, and don't demand a security deposit (although they do require advance payment) they are more expensive than a lot of other apartment places. They have an excellent web site, www.chezvous.com, and what you see is what you get.