Travelin’ with Kids

Hotels are tricky, especially with a big family!! Many hotels only allow 4 people/room, it’s fire code. But Holiday Inns typically allow 5. So as a family of 10, we need 2 rooms.

We love Holiday Inns and use them 90% of the time! One reason is that if you book at a Holiday Inn Express and Suite, many times they have a family suite which is 2 queen beds and a pullout sofa. If that room type isn’t available, I pack a bin with 2 blowup twin mattresses, an air pump and 2 sheets. It’s an alternative for the 5th person in the room! But often times, I specifically book on at the Holiday Inns that have 2 family suites available!

The next reason we prefer this hotel is…free breakfast! Our kids aren’t big breakfast eaters but on days that we travel early, they have 2 choices….eat breakfast or be hungry, because we aren’t eating lunch until early afternoon! It saves us on 1 meal.

We also love that most Holiday Inns have a fitness room, pool and sometimes hot tub!!!! The kids love pool time!!!

Lastly, be sure to become a loyalty member! You gain points with every stay and those points add up to get free rooms and upgrades! All these little things add up to make a better experience when it comes to your overnight stay.

My only downfall not only for the Holiday Inn but for most hotels, as a large family we always need more than 1 room. Hotels will not guarantee adjoining rooms which is HUGE PAIN! We have had to split up with the kids many times because we are separated from one another. If you need multiple rooms and need adjoining rooms, be sure to request it at time of booking (which isn’t guaranteed) then call early the morning if arrival so they can try to honor your request as they’re planning room assignments!