what is the deal with holiday inn, are you not allowed 3 adults to stay in the same familey room?

I am guessing you are confused. The room rate is based on 2 adults and if a child needs a cot that would be a different rate. They probably have a blanket rule about 3 adults per room to prevent loss of revenue to book another room. They should be able to accommodate any special needs by arranging 2 rooms that have a connecting door. You could have the door between rooms open. That should take care of you. I do not know about Holiday Inn, but I have been on a business road trip and we had to "bunk-it". 2 males per king size bed. 2 beds per room. Same deal for the females on the trip. 4 females per room. No big deal.