I need to book rooms for a family of 4 (kids ages 6 & 8) for Venice, Montreux and Luzern this August. At their age we typically book a 2 bed queen or double room in the U.S., but I understand the arrangements in Europe are different. I have found some accommodations that specifically advertise "family" rooms which could accomodate the 4 of us, but more often I see listings for "triple" rooms. Does this mean 3 separate beds? Or 3 people max.? (regardless whether kids or adults). What size are the beds? Can I book 4 people into one of these rooms?

I guess I'm looking for a rule of thumb for this issue, if there is one! It would save me a lot of individual emails/calls to know.

Thank you!

a triple is a triple (three places to sleep - could be a double and single or three singles), a quad is for 4 people.

But you need to contact each hotel on a case by case basis because some triples will have room for another bed to be added for a child.

Thanks for the reply janisj. (Especially now that I realize my subject line didn't clearly state what I was asking!)

I had heard of people requesting a cot/3rd bed in a double room for just one child, but I hadn't thought to consider asking for that in a triple. I'll check that option out as I research.

Thanks again!

If you ask for a cot you will get a crib for an infant. Make sure you ask for an extra bed.

Hi kikianne,

Hotels in Switzerland usually charge per person, so even if you have a room that fits four, it may be as expensive as two rooms.

Just read the websites and/or e-mail messages carefully! Look for the small print that says *per person*.

s

Thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to read the fine print and stay away from "cots"!