Getting frustrated with the cribs hotels provide (they're always play pens, not cribs!) Can anyone recommend a good, inexpensive, lightweight travel bedside crib?

I'm not sure if you can find a travel crib which isn't made of wood and is lightweight and doesn't look like a playpen. Most travel cribs resemble playpens so it can be easily assembled, stored and carried around. The closest I can find is Delta Baby travel cot which doubles up as a diaper bag. http://www.deltababy.be/our-products/travel/nursery-bag-carrycot/nursery-bag-carrycot-1.htm?lng=en

My friend, a frequent traveller, uses and swears by the Brica Fold N Go Travel Bassinet. It is light, folds down to be really flat and despite all that, is super sturdy. She bought it on Amazon.com Below is a picture of how the Bassinet works.

Apart from the recommendations suggested above, some hotels do provide bed guard rail. You can check with the hotel.

thanks