Dudemon, we mostly sell rooms based upon double occupancy, which means the rate covers two adults. Children 17 and under always stay free in existing bedding when staying with a paying adult. A third or fourth adult in a room almost always results in an extra charge. What the extra occupant charge is really depends upon the hotel as these are determined by the individual properties. There is always the odd rate plan or room type that defies categorizing, but this would be true about 90% of the time.

It is fine to book the room for the number of occupants you know will be there, but once you have a positive head count, you should call the Customer Contact Center so the reservation can be amended. As long as you do not exceed the number of occupants for the room, you should be okay. To arrive at the hotel with extra occupants in tow without notifying the hotel in advance may not necessarily cause any problems unless the room they have blocked for you does not have sufficient bedding for the number of people you may be bringing. If that happens, everyone loses.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 11-28-2001).]