Planning a family vacation for a big family of 5, 6, 7, 8 can be challenging, but one overlooked detail could make or break your trip: the sofa bed. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sleep.
With over 8,000 hotel properties in our database that can accommodate families of six, and some even up to eight or ten, finding a hotel for your large family might seem straightforward. However, there’s a crucial amenity you need to scrutinize before booking: the size and style of the sofa sleeper.
Many hotels offer sofa sleepers, but their size and configuration can vary significantly. For families with teens, this can spell disaster, leading to uncomfortable nights and strained tempers when the expected sleeping arrangements fall short. Ensuring the sofa sleeper fits your family’s needs is essential to avoid a ruined vacation.
Let’s review three types of hotel sofa sleepers that might not fit your big family if you have teens.
1. Small Sofa Sleepers: Why Sofa Size Matters
Small sofa sleepers can be a major issue for families with teens. Often designed for smaller spaces, these sofa beds can be significantly narrower and shorter than standard beds. While they might work for younger children, they are usually too cramped for teenagers, who need more space to sleep comfortably.
When you arrive at your hotel and find that the sofa sleeper is too small for two teens, it can lead to a frustrating start to your vacation. To avoid this, always check the images of the hotel property. Some hotel brands are good at labeling small sofa sleepers as sleeping one instead of two.
2. Sofa and Chaise Sleepers: Comfort vs. Space
Hotel listings are periodically reviewed to ensure the property still accommodates at least six people. Properties that no longer meet this requirement without using rollaways are deleted from our database. During these reviews, one redesign trend I’ve noticed is the replacement of queen-sized sofa sleepers with new sofa/chaise combo sleepers. While this update makes the room more comfortable for lounging, it significantly reduces the size of the sofa bed.
For families with teens, this can be a serious drawback. The divided space created by the chaise and sofa bed often results in a much smaller sleeping area, unsuitable for older kids who need more room. While younger children might find the division of the chaise and sofa bed fun, teens will likely struggle with the limited space, leading to uncomfortable nights and potential conflicts. To avoid this issue, always verify the type of sofa sleeper in your hotel room and ensure it meets your family’s sleeping needs before booking.
3. Fancy Couches: Stylish but Impractical for Teens
While aesthetically pleasing, some fancy couches, such as the curved sofa sleepers found in some Courtyard hotels, are not practical for families with teens. These stylish designs often compromise functionality for appearance, resulting in a smaller and more awkward sleeping space.
For families with small children who get along well, these sofa sleepers might be suitable, as the unique shape can be a novelty. However, for older kids and teens who need more space and comfort, these crescent-shaped sofa sleepers can be a significant problem. The limited and oddly shaped sleeping area can lead to restless nights and grumpy mornings.
Review the Pics Before You Book
When adding hotels to the site, I make an effort to include pictures of the room’s sofa sleeper whenever possible. This helps you better evaluate and choose rooms that will work for your family. Additionally, I encourage you to upload pictures of sofa sleepers when you leave your hotel reviews. Your photos can assist other families make informed decisions and help avoid any unpleasant surprises. By sharing and reviewing these images, we can collectively ensure that families find accommodations that truly meet their needs.
The Comfort of a Perfectly Sized Sofa Sleeper
Now imagine the relief of walking into your hotel room and discovering a spacious sofa sleeper that can comfortably accommodate your big family. Gone are the worries of cramped sleeping arrangements and potential deal breakers. With a sofa sleeper large enough to comfortably accommodate your teens, you can rest easy knowing everyone will have a good night’s sleep during your vacation. No more ruined vacations or stressful nights trying to figure out alternative sleeping solutions.
Our goal is to provide you with a room that caters to the needs of your big family, alleviating any concerns you may have had about finding suitable accommodation. We understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, especially when traveling with 3-6 kids, and we strive to ensure that every member of your family feels comfortable and well-rested. So go ahead and start planning your next adventure, knowing there is room for your big family. Relax, unwind, and create lasting memories with the peace of mind from knowing you’ve found accommodations that fit your big family.
As always, help other big families like yours; leave a hotel review!
