Traveling with family: choose rooms around each person's needs

The right place to stay starts with how the whole family will sleep, get around and spend time together.

Counting heads is the first step, not the last

When booking for a family, don't look only at the total number of guests. Children's ages, how beds are shared and each person's need for rest all affect the choice. A group with young children may need something different from a family traveling with grandparents, even with the same number of people.

Before you ask about rooms, have ready the number of adults, the number of children and each child's age at the time of your stay. This is what the team needs to check capacity and surcharges accurately.

Stay together, or book separate rooms?

The Family Three-Bedroom Villa at Romana has three bedrooms, a shared living area and a private pool. This layout is worth considering if your family wants a place to gather during the day while still having separate spaces to rest.

Even so, the number of bedrooms doesn't tell you the maximum number of guests. You still need to confirm the bed types in each room, the number of bathrooms and whether extra beds are possible. If you choose several separate rooms instead of a villa, ask for rooms close to each other; that request can only be met based on availability.

Choose a location that works for anyone who needs help

Romana sits on hilly ground, so getting around is worth discussing from the start. If someone in your group has limited mobility, or you're bringing a stroller, ask clearly about steps, slopes and the distance to the restaurant and shared facilities.

Don't rely on attractive photos or a room type name to judge accessibility. Describing your needs accurately helps the team check specific options.

A private pool still needs supervision

A pool within the villa grounds gives the family more time together. With children, adults need to stay close to them near water at all times, and ask about the depth, access and pool rules. Don't let the name “family villa” suggest that every amenity automatically suits every age.

Settle the small things before you arrive

Does your family need a crib? Does anyone have a food allergy? Are you planning to cook or have visitors over? Ask ahead, since these requests may involve house rules or additional services.

Once the basics are clear, the stay itself can be simpler: a few activities everyone enjoys, and enough time for each person to rest in their own way.