One other thing to think about is that with some suites and definitely with condos you get kitchen facilities. This is really helpful when you don't want to eat every meal out with an 18 month old.

I am also the parent of a kid that would not fall asleep with us in a room as long as we were still awake/up. So I understand the need for a second room. But one positive about sleeping when your kid sleeps is that you get a lot of rest!

I would look into small inns and cottages that may have the suite set up you are looking for.

I just want to wish you luck with your trip. It's so hard when you go from traveling as a couple to traveling with a toddler (at least it was for us). Our son sleeps really well at home--has been sleeping through the night since 4 1/2 months. On trips, it's a different story--he wakes up frequently, no matter what type of set up we have.

We do use suite-type hotels so we can at least put him in another "room" and not have to go to bed at 8:00 p.m. If you have a way to go with some type of suite situation or a condo, I would strongly suggest doing so. Good luck on your first vacation with your toddler! It's still a lot of fun to travel with our little guy, even if we're all a bit sleepy!

if you are stuck with one room, be creative... I have a friend who used to bring a bungee cord clothesline and attach it in a corner so the kid couldn't see them... they had to be quiet while he fell asleep, but then could turn on tv, etc.

lots of parents sit in the bathroom with the light on and read until said child is asleep

go to bed early? You'll be amazed how good you feel !

We had a room once with an ENORMOUS bathroom - put the kids pack and play in there. We just made sure we didn't have to use the facilities when she was falling asleep.

I am travelling solo this summer with my three (8,6,4). I'm not so worried about bedtimes, but in the am when the 4yo is up at 6am and the other two want to sleep... we may be pulling out the DVD player and headphones. Not looking forward to that.

don't be afraid to be creative ! (along with considerate - we were at the beach Mem Day w/e and the loud people that SHOUTED in the halls all night were amazing. not in a good way. My kids are a he!! more considerate than those folks - rant over).

This is partly why we own timeshare and stay in a resort whenever we can! We all need the separate bedroom space, plus having a kitchen is wonderful.

However, there are still no guarantees for a good night's sleep! We just stayed in Angel's Camp for a week and were woken up every morning at 6:00 am by a toddler running back and forth in the room above us! We're more night owls, and never did get a good night's sleep!

That said, it's not always possible to stay in one place when you want to travel around and see so much. After our week stay in the resort, we traveled 100-200 miles each day to see the coast of Oregon/Ca and each place we made sure to have separate sleeping rooms. Our kids are 12 and 8, so no worries about toddlers falling asleep, but everyone sleeps better when they don't have to listen to someone breathing or snoring next to them that they're not used to. (the kids slept together fine...they didn't each have a room!) We paid a little extra, yes, but it was the only way to enjoy a 2 week trip.

Hi and great getaway plan. A suite/cottage/condo/cabin is the perfect solution - meal prep on your family's schedule is very convenient and in my experience, those who are well-fed are happy. Having a separate space will give you and DH a chance to be on vacation, too. You should have no problem finding something like this - the Maine Tourism Association (800 767 8709) can send you some info or you can go on-line. NH Tourism should have something similar. VRBO will have some options for both Maine and NH. After Labor Day is best as the rates are more friendly. I must agree that keeping them close in a new setting is best - everyone will sleep better and it will be much nicer. Our best family vacations had a separate space *and* a kitchen. It will be delightful.

With all the activity of vacation, (and maybe some good pool time if you are lucky), your little guy will probably sleep like a log and you can stay up as long as you want. Of course he'll wake up early! Have fun!

Wow! Went away for a few hours and came back to 20 more responses!

All fantastic, helpful advice - I appreciate every word. We'll be nixing the B&B idea and have already started looking into condos - tomorrow is suite research.

After our 3 day stopover in the Portsmouth area it's off to Acadia for a week on the "quiet side" of the island - we'll be staying in a rental home there, so we only really have to survive a fraction of the vaca with the suite situation.

Thanks again!

Ummm. Keep him in YOUR room. He'll go to sleep. Put a sheet over the crib. Two rooms--never.

Put a sheet over the crib? Never.

Mr Senor - I'm so glad you've listened to the advice you've been given here!

(I was thinking again about the two-separate-room option, and it occurred to me -- how many times you get an electronic key and one of them ends up not working...you get that darned red light. So there your child would be crying for you while you had to call security or go down to the front desk for a replacement key -- double YIKES!!)