Hotwire Hotel: Hotwire with Kids in Europe

[sc_momma]

I am trying to book hotels in London and Paris for an upcoming trip. My husband and I are traveling with our 2 kids, ages 5 and 1. If I search hotwire with 2 adults and 2 kids, I get very few options. However, I noticed the hotwire search only asks for the number of children from ages 2-17. When I search with only 1 child, I get a few more options. Does anyone know -- if I book a room as only having 2 adults and 1 child will I have any problems? Would they have a problem with bringing us a crib, etc? Do all of the accommodations that allow 2 adults and 1 child also allow 2 adults, 1 child, and 1 baby?

Thank you!!!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

It depends upon the level of risk you're willing to accept, but i would be fairly comfortable purchasing thru HOTWIRE as 2adults/1child, since you're searching as per HOTWIRE's stated terms (children being ages 2-17). Then once a hotel is won i'd call/email the hotel and confirm the bedding arrangements and if you'll be needing a crib. Any problems you can then call HOTWIRE explain the situation and have them straighten out with the hotel before your arrival. No guarantees, but if there is a problem my guess is that the most likely scenario is that HOTWIRE will straighten it out with the hotel OR would offer you a refund. Getting it all settled may require a bit of legwork and explaining your situation to a few people at the hotel and/or HOTWIRE, but it should ultimately work out, imo. As well, you'll need to win a hotel at least a week (preferably more) before your trip to give you time to contact the hotel to confirm a room that can accommodate all four of you and then give HOTWIRE time to resolve the issue (if there is one)

Let us know if/how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[Adeleg]

Europe in general has VERY small hotel rooms, almost none with 2 double beds and most having two twins or one double.

The reason you are getting more options for 3 than for 4 is because this would be a regular room with one extra bed and I do not recommend booking for 3 and arriving with 4, as fire regulations can allow the hotel to turn you away and cancel your res or make you pay full rate for a larger or an extra room

As much as I love pricline and hotwire for "bidding" you are never gtd of the bed type and sadly some hotels will give "discounted guests" the smaller rooms (although occassionally you may find yourself with an upgrade - RARE!!)

I am having the same issue as I will be traveling with my aunt and HAVE TO have 2 separate beds and even this is difficult when bidding

Remember in Europe a DOUBLE room means it is for 2 people, it does NOT mean it has 2 double beds

Your best bet is booking direct with the hotels in this case, and often the chains (Best Western, Choice, Marriott, Accor) are the ones where you will find the larger rooms although some hotels offer family rooms. Sometimes if you call the hotel directly they will give you a good rate on a 2nd room but remember CONNECTING IS NEVER GUARANTEED ... unless you are going to the Ritz ... Four Seasons etc

Trust me .. I have worked in hotels all over the world for 25 years as well as having managed reservations departments