Are there any worthwhile hotel points programs for family travel in Europe?
I collected miles the hard way for years, relatively new to the game. Between my wife and I, we have 320K AA miles, 112K SW miles and a companion pass, a few other small balances, 40K Chase UR points, 50K AMEX points.
We are planning a trip to Europe next March, with our 10 and 12 year old sons. Preliminary schedule: one night in Paris, two nights in Basel (or one in Basel and another elsewhere in Switzerland), one night in Venise, Mestre or Verona, three nights in Catania. We travel coach and have no interest in luxury sleeping arrangements but wouldn't mind them if they are free or close to it.
The problem I am having is that except for Best Western Mestre, I can't find any 4-person rooms except at Novotel and similar budget European chains. I'd be happy to hear from anyone who travels as a family and knows of hotels that work with points (for 4) in Europe!