RE: London - I would pay for the nights at Maida Vale and not use the pts. The consideration I would make is that you are staying 4 nights and "lose" the 5th night free. I think you are going to have to pay somewhere and having stayed at that hotel, that is where I am leaning for a similar trip with my family next year. However, I have a big chest of PC points, so I can spread across multiple chains.

Considering you have a 6 yo boy, are you going to go to Legoland and/or Windsor Castle ? I have two young boys as well. My plan is to arrive Heathrow and then stay in that area for the first two days before moving into London. The Heathrow/Windsor Marriott Hotel is a cat 4, has a pool and has very cheap pay rates (60-80 quid). I have not stayed there personally.

It certainly is tough finding good hotels on points with 4 people in Europe. I can feel the pain....It's too bad Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel is not available on your dates. They have family rooms with 2 doubles that are usually 35,000 pts + 50/90 Euro supplement. I would keep searching to see if anything opens up for your dates.

You'll have a great trip no matter what you do.

Cheers.