That perfect family holiday can quickly sour at the check-out counter when the final bill reveals unexpected charges. One of the most common culprits? The extra bed for your child that you assumed was included in your 'family-friendly' room rate.
The Surprise Cost in the 'Family-Friendly' Room
You booked
a room for two adults and one child, and the hotel website cheerily confirmed your family was welcome. But the term 'family-friendly' doesn't always mean 'all-inclusive'. Many parents are surprised to find a nightly charge added for the rollaway bed or cot their child used. These fees can be significant, sometimes adding 20-30% to the nightly rate. The policy 'kids stay free' often only applies if the child shares existing bedding, a detail frequently buried in the fine print. This discrepancy between expectation and reality is a common pain point, turning a well-planned budget upside down before you've even left the hotel lobby.
Why Do Hotels Levy These Charges?
While it can feel like a cash grab, extra-bed charges are not entirely without reason. From the hotel's perspective, an additional person in a room incurs real costs. This includes the labour to set up and remove the bed, extra laundry for sheets and towels, and increased utility consumption like water. If your room rate includes breakfast, the hotel must also account for an extra diner. Furthermore, some hotels have strict room occupancy limits due to fire and safety regulations, and managing these capacities is a crucial operational task. The charge, therefore, covers both tangible expenses and the use of an additional asset—the rollaway bed itself.
Know the Policy Before You Pay
Hotel policies on extra persons and bedding are not universal. The definition of a 'child' can vary significantly; one property might consider a 12-year old a child, while another charges them as an adult. Charges can manifest in several ways: a flat nightly fee for the extra bed, a per person surcharge for any guest beyond double occupancy, or age dependent fees. Some hotels may not charge for a baby cot but will for a rollaway bed for an older child. It's crucial to understand these distinctions. The key is to always read the 'children and extra beds' policy section on the booking website or call the hotel directly to ask for clarification on their specific rules.
Smart Steps to Avoid Surprise Fees
The best way to manage these costs is to be proactive. When using online booking sites, always enter the correct number of adults and children along with their ages. This helps the system show you rooms that are genuinely suitable and, in most cases, calculate the total cost including any mandatory extra person fees. However, third party booking sites sometimes fail to include these charges in the initial total, with disclaimers noting that extra fees may be payable at the property. To be absolutely sure, your best bet is to call the hotel directly before you book. This allows you to ask pointed questions: 'Beyond the room rate and taxes, are there any mandatory daily fees or extra bed charges for a child of this age?'
Consider Cost Effective Alternatives
Sometimes, paying for an extra bed isn't the most economical choice. Before committing, compare the total cost against other room types. Upgrading to a larger 'family room' or a suite, which might include a sofa bed, could be cheaper than a standard room plus the extra bed supplement. For longer stays or larger families, booking connecting rooms can offer more space and privacy, sometimes for a comparable price. Another option gaining popularity, especially for stays of five nights or more, are aparthotels. These properties offer apartment style units with kitchenettes and more space, often proving more comfortable and budget friendly for families.
