[DaveStPaul]

Hi everyone. I am trying to arrange a nice 4-day holiday, from Hong Kong to somewhere beach-y, for my wife and I and our two children. It's our first vacation since we've moved here, so for now we'd prefer to stay somewhere not too difficult, family-logistics-wise. I've been checking hotels like Sofitel, Hyatt, Hilton, and Anantara, in places like Phuket, Ko-Samui, and Hua Hin.

The big issue is that none of these places have let me choose "2 adults 2 children" when I try to book a room. (This is all on-line.) Once I add that second child they all say, "Too many people," or, "Second room required," or something like that.

Can this possibly be true? Do those of you traveling with two elementary-age children actually have to get TWO rooms? (A total of FOUR beds?)

Thanks for your time.

[KnowItAll]

You can get a small suite and be comfortable.

By the way Allamanda has some nice large family suites in Phuket.

Allamanda Laguna Phuket - Accommodations

I recall some friends had a suite at the Marriot Resort in Bangkok which was shared by four people... so its not that uncommon.

[saphireruby]

I had the same problem when I booked the Shangri-La in the philippines. I phoned the hotel and they said it's fine just book it and they'll make a pencil note (for towels etc.,) as long as there's two double beds (twin room) you'll be fine.

[KnowItAll]

Allamanda Laguna Phuket - Golf Package

Maximum suite occupancy is:

* Junior Suite – 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 child (3rd adult paying extra person charge)
* 1 Bedroom Suite – 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 child (3rd adult paying extra person charge)
* 2 Bedroom Suite – 5 adults or 4 adults + 2 child (5th adult paying extra person charge)

[jgl]

I'd second the Allamanda (with some conditions). I went to check it out last year.

They hotel is pretty cheap compared to its neighbours, and the 2 bedroom suites are formatted with 1 big bed and 2 smaller ones in the other bedroom. Lots of living room space, decent quality furnishings and quite comfortable. It's across the road from a big golf course, if that's your thing.

The downsides are that there is no direct beach access- you have to bus to one of the other hotels in the area. And the pool is a bit sucky compared to its neighbours. It's really more of a hotel and less of a resort, so you'd want to spend most of your time off the grounds.

Another option in that area are some townhouses that are 2-4 bedroom. More expensive, but they're very plush. The people at the Allamanda can also handle bookings for these.

If you've got 2 kids, why not just call up the hotels and ask over the phone? The internet isn't the best way to look for flexible accommodation options.

[DaveStPaul]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. It makes it a lot easier knowing there are ways to make it work. Wish me luck.

[Star Gazer]

try the cathay pacific holiday website... they have family packages ie. 2 adults 2 kids