Can the hotel booking API handle bookings for families travelling with children?

Yes, the hotel booking API can support family hotel searches that include adults and children. The traveller enters how many guests will stay in each room and, where required, the ages of the children. This information is sent with the search so the hotel supplier can return rooms and rates that may be suitable for that family.

The exact result depends on the supplier and the rules set by each hotel. Hotels may use different age bands for children, and some may count an older child as an adult. A room may also have limits on total guests or on how many children can stay with the adults. For this reason, the correct guest details should be entered from the start of the search.

The API may return occupancy information, child policies and details about included bedding, but the amount of detail can vary. An extra bed, cot or suitable sleeping space is not guaranteed unless the returned room information clearly confirms it. Some requests may need to be sent to the hotel after booking, and the hotel can still decide whether it is able to provide them.

Before confirming a family booking, check that every guest has been included, that each child age is correct, and that the selected room allows the full group to stay.