Hotel Child Age Policy: What You Need to Know Before Booking

When you’re planning a family trip, the hotel child age policy, the rules a hotel sets for how many children can stay, at what age they’re considered free or charged, and what amenities are provided. Also known as family accommodation rules, it’s one of the most overlooked details that can make or break your trip. Many hotels say they’re "family-friendly," but what does that actually mean? Some let kids under 12 stay for free in the same room. Others charge extra for cribs, charge for breakfast, or don’t allow children under 16 at all. You can’t assume anything—every hotel sets its own rules.

It’s not just about age. hotel minimum age, the youngest age a child can be to stay without special permission or extra fees varies wildly. One hotel might let a 2-year-old sleep for free with two adults. Another might charge for any child under 18—even if they’re just using a fold-out chair. Then there’s hotel family rules, the unwritten or written guidelines around noise, pool access, room capacity, and whether kids can eat in the restaurant. Some places ban kids from breakfast buffets after 9 a.m. Others require kids to be supervised at all times near the pool. And don’t forget hotel guest policy, the broader set of rules that includes occupancy limits, extra person fees, and whether unaccompanied minors are allowed. These aren’t just fine print—they directly affect your budget and comfort.

Why does this matter so much? Because a hotel that says "kids stay free" might only mean one child under 12. Add a second kid? You’re paying full price for a rollaway. Book a room for four and show up with three kids? You might get turned away. And if your hotel doesn’t allow cribs or high chairs, you’re stuck hauling gear or paying extra for rentals. These aren’t minor annoyances—they’re real costs and stress points.

The posts below cut through the confusion. You’ll find real examples from UK hotels and resorts—what they actually charge for kids, where they offer free stays, which ones have kid-free floors, and which ones surprise you with free breakfast for little ones. No marketing fluff. Just what you need to know before you click "book."