How many people allowed in a room?
Dec 12, 2008, 12:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott Platinum Premier, Starwood Platinum or Gold, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 117
How many people allowed in a room?
I have what's probably a simple question, but this is brand new for me.
My wife and I had our third child this summer. We've had one trip together since then, but left the two older kids (6 and 4) at home, so having three in a room was not a problem.
My question is how does Marriott view having 5 in a room? I'm booking a vacation for next Thanksgiving (still debating between Marco Island and Harbor Beach Resort in FLL) and want to get a room with two beds plus a crib. Is this possible? Otherwise, I'm limited to getting separate rooms where the wife and I each have a kid or two, or I'll have to rent a Vacation property where I can get more people in.
On Marriott, it pretty clearly will not allow 5 people in one room, but this seems "different"? .
So you folks who have done this before, how have you done it? Do you let them know? Just say fewer kids and also ask for a crib or what?
Thanks for the insights!!
My wife and I had our third child this summer. We've had one trip together since then, but left the two older kids (6 and 4) at home, so having three in a room was not a problem.
My question is how does Marriott view having 5 in a room? I'm booking a vacation for next Thanksgiving (still debating between Marco Island and Harbor Beach Resort in FLL) and want to get a room with two beds plus a crib. Is this possible? Otherwise, I'm limited to getting separate rooms where the wife and I each have a kid or two, or I'll have to rent a Vacation property where I can get more people in.
On Marriott, it pretty clearly will not allow 5 people in one room, but this seems "different"? .
So you folks who have done this before, how have you done it? Do you let them know? Just say fewer kids and also ask for a crib or what?
Thanks for the insights!!
Dec 12, 2008, 1:06 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
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I think I'd just tell them 2 adults in the room and leave it at that. Marriott asks for "guests/room" which I interpret as adults per room.
Dec 12, 2008, 1:08 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Posts: 18
As far as I know, the occupancy policy is determined by the Marriott Hotels individually. Some allow a maximum of 2 children others allow more. Best and safest way to get a reliable answer is to contact the specific Hotel you plan to stay with directly.
Dec 12, 2008, 1:26 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Posts: 18
However you may interpret "Guests/Room", in the end only one interpretation counts: That of the Hotel.
Last edited by Yush; Dec 12, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Dec 12, 2008, 5:06 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: UA 2.2MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, National Exec, Hertz President's Club, Starwood Gold
Posts: 173
One issue to consider with 5 in the room is that at some resort hotels they issue "towel cards" when you check into the hotel. You get one per person in the room (sometimes you can get two per person), which you then trade for a towel. At the end of your stay you are supposed to return all the cards / towels or you will be charged (up to $25) per towel.
This could be an issue if you have more than four in room at a resort.
Personally I have not had a problem with this, and you'll probably get away with it, but you should at least be aware.
This could be an issue if you have more than four in room at a resort.
Personally I have not had a problem with this, and you'll probably get away with it, but you should at least be aware.
Dec 12, 2008, 5:17 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred; HH-Gold; Avis First
Posts: 3,617
I would agree that this depends on individual hotel policy. I have generally found US hotels to be less restrictive than those in Europe, where the rooms are often smaller. I seem to recall in Italy, they cite the fire code restrictions, which limit the number of "people" staying in the room, not just adults, and they strictly enforce the limits.
Dec 12, 2008, 7:50 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Central New Jersey (EWR, ABE, PHL)
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Posts: 953
In some states (and i think FLA is one of them...) it is LOCAL FIRE CODE that dictates the max # of people per room.....now with a baby in a crib, you SHOULD be OK....as long as you only need 2 beds and a crib. there are several properties that will not permit rollaways in rooms with 2 beds, and IIRC this was the case in Fla, or at least portions thereof!
HTH!
HTH!
Dec 12, 2008, 8:19 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
We've traveled with 3 kids for 14 years now and I've never once been questioned by any employee of any hotel about the # of kids in the room. Never seen a towel card either. The most I've seen (usually in Hawaii) was a wristband for the pool slide, which was usually more to keep non-guests out. Those were always obtained poolside by simply giving our room number.
As far as your comfort, I would call the hotels you are interested in and ask what their policy is regarding having 2 beds and a crib or rollaway in the room. If you are traveling with your own 'pack-n'-play' type crib you will probably be fine. But for your own peace of mind you might want to call ahead and confirm.
Usually when you pull up Marriott rate rules, they will specify a maximum # of persons allowed in the room. Also, the room description will usually say "1 King or 2 Queens; rollaway available" or some similar wording.
Some island areas DO have fire codes that prohibit more than 4 in a room; I believe that may be the case in the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, perhaps Aruba and it may be in Cancun as well. But honestly, the hotel employees usually could not care less about how many people are in your room (as long as it's not crazy spring breakers and such), so it's up to you whether you feel comfortable violating a local code if there is one.
Especially when your kids are little (and certainly with a child under 2) you should have little or no problems staying in one room. You'll have less problems as they get bigger if two of them don't mind sharing a bed.
The real issue comes when they are all teenagers and 'need their space'
Hope that helps.
As far as your comfort, I would call the hotels you are interested in and ask what their policy is regarding having 2 beds and a crib or rollaway in the room. If you are traveling with your own 'pack-n'-play' type crib you will probably be fine. But for your own peace of mind you might want to call ahead and confirm.
Usually when you pull up Marriott rate rules, they will specify a maximum # of persons allowed in the room. Also, the room description will usually say "1 King or 2 Queens; rollaway available" or some similar wording.
Some island areas DO have fire codes that prohibit more than 4 in a room; I believe that may be the case in the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, perhaps Aruba and it may be in Cancun as well. But honestly, the hotel employees usually could not care less about how many people are in your room (as long as it's not crazy spring breakers and such), so it's up to you whether you feel comfortable violating a local code if there is one.
Especially when your kids are little (and certainly with a child under 2) you should have little or no problems staying in one room. You'll have less problems as they get bigger if two of them don't mind sharing a bed.
The real issue comes when they are all teenagers and 'need their space'
Hope that helps.
Dec 12, 2008, 9:14 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,702
We've traveled with 3 kids for 14 years now and I've never once been questioned by any employee of any hotel about the # of kids in the room. Never seen a towel card either. The most I've seen (usually in Hawaii) was a wristband for the pool slide, which was usually more to keep non-guests out. Those were always obtained poolside by simply giving our room number.
As far as your comfort, I would call the hotels you are interested in and ask what their policy is regarding having 2 beds and a crib or rollaway in the room. If you are traveling with your own 'pack-n'-play' type crib you will probably be fine. But for your own peace of mind you might want to call ahead and confirm.
Usually when you pull up Marriott rate rules, they will specify a maximum # of persons allowed in the room. Also, the room description will usually say "1 King or 2 Queens; rollaway available" or some similar wording.
Some island areas DO have fire codes that prohibit more than 4 in a room; I believe that may be the case in the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, perhaps Aruba and it may be in Cancun as well. But honestly, the hotel employees usually could not care less about how many people are in your room (as long as it's not crazy spring breakers and such), so it's up to you whether you feel comfortable violating a local code if there is one.
Especially when your kids are little (and certainly with a child under 2) you should have little or no problems staying in one room. You'll have less problems as they get bigger if two of them don't mind sharing a bed.
The real issue comes when they are all teenagers and 'need their space'
Hope that helps.
As far as your comfort, I would call the hotels you are interested in and ask what their policy is regarding having 2 beds and a crib or rollaway in the room. If you are traveling with your own 'pack-n'-play' type crib you will probably be fine. But for your own peace of mind you might want to call ahead and confirm.
Usually when you pull up Marriott rate rules, they will specify a maximum # of persons allowed in the room. Also, the room description will usually say "1 King or 2 Queens; rollaway available" or some similar wording.
Some island areas DO have fire codes that prohibit more than 4 in a room; I believe that may be the case in the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, perhaps Aruba and it may be in Cancun as well. But honestly, the hotel employees usually could not care less about how many people are in your room (as long as it's not crazy spring breakers and such), so it's up to you whether you feel comfortable violating a local code if there is one.
Especially when your kids are little (and certainly with a child under 2) you should have little or no problems staying in one room. You'll have less problems as they get bigger if two of them don't mind sharing a bed.
The real issue comes when they are all teenagers and 'need their space'
Hope that helps.
Dec 13, 2008, 5:09 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South America
Programs: AA Platinum 1MM - Marriott Silver
Posts: 353
In some states (and i think FLA is one of them...) it is LOCAL FIRE CODE that dictates the max # of people per room.....now with a baby in a crib, you SHOULD be OK....as long as you only need 2 beds and a crib. there are several properties that will not permit rollaways in rooms with 2 beds, and IIRC this was the case in Fla, or at least portions thereof! HTH!
However, there are some properties that explicitly allow 5 people (no matter their ages) in a room. I currently have a booking for 5 at the Springhill Suites Ft. Lauderdale. The SS chain has 2 double beds and a sofa bed in a separate area so you may want to consider them although I agree that a Vacation Club will be perfect for your needs.
Dec 13, 2008, 8:46 am
#11
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When I made award reservations last week, there was a "room details" link that showed maximum occupancy - usually 4 or 5. It also identified how many rollaways (one) or cribs (one). This applied to Marriotts, Fairfields and Residence Inns; I did not look at other properties.
Dec 15, 2008, 1:40 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott Platinum Premier, Starwood Platinum or Gold, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 117
Thanks for the input everyone. I believe I will not worry about it. I'll be booking two beds and a crib and for all anyone knows, there could be just one kid in the second bed. Safe travels!
Dec 15, 2008, 7:47 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Central New Jersey (EWR, ABE, PHL)
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Posts: 953
This is correct.
However, there are some properties that explicitly allow 5 people (no matter their ages) in a room. I currently have a booking for 5 at the Springhill Suites Ft. Lauderdale. The SS chain has 2 double beds and a sofa bed in a separate area so you may want to consider them although I agree that a Vacation Club will be perfect for your needs.
However, there are some properties that explicitly allow 5 people (no matter their ages) in a room. I currently have a booking for 5 at the Springhill Suites Ft. Lauderdale. The SS chain has 2 double beds and a sofa bed in a separate area so you may want to consider them although I agree that a Vacation Club will be perfect for your needs.
MN---have a great time!!!
Dec 18, 2008, 1:45 pm
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott Platinum Premier, Starwood Platinum or Gold, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 117
So a follow up question.
I am unable to reserve anything (cash, points, trade for children, etc) a room at Harbor Beach Resort the week of Thanksgiving. I figured maybe they don't book ahead as far as basically every other Marriott hotel. I called to ask why I couldn't book a room there for TG. The hotel reservations agent said she wasn't sure. They showed availability through December 5, but maybe they hadn't decided on rates yet. I pointed out that every other Marriott I've looked at is able to determine what price they want to charge for that week. She had no idea. Does anyone know why a hotel would not show availability? I'm just confused, and hoping I can book this at a "standard" rate prior to January 15th. Marco Island is always double the points, so if we do decide to go there, I can book that after the "enhancements". Which, in this case, actually would be an enhancement.
Now I'm rambling.
MN Traveling Man
I am unable to reserve anything (cash, points, trade for children, etc) a room at Harbor Beach Resort the week of Thanksgiving. I figured maybe they don't book ahead as far as basically every other Marriott hotel. I called to ask why I couldn't book a room there for TG. The hotel reservations agent said she wasn't sure. They showed availability through December 5, but maybe they hadn't decided on rates yet. I pointed out that every other Marriott I've looked at is able to determine what price they want to charge for that week. She had no idea. Does anyone know why a hotel would not show availability? I'm just confused, and hoping I can book this at a "standard" rate prior to January 15th. Marco Island is always double the points, so if we do decide to go there, I can book that after the "enhancements". Which, in this case, actually would be an enhancement.
Now I'm rambling.
MN Traveling Man
Dec 18, 2008, 7:41 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
I would make an alternate reservation elsewhere and keep checking Harbor Beach every couple of days.