Minimum Age Rules You Should Know Before Booking

If you travel with kids, the first thing you’ll hear is a question about age. Hotels, glamping sites and holiday cottages often have a "minimum age" rule that decides when a child is considered a guest, when they pay extra, or when they stay for free. Knowing those rules saves money and prevents surprise charges at check‑in.

How Hotels Define a Child

Most hotels use a cut‑off age of 12 years, but you’ll also see 10, 11 or even 13‑year limits. Below the cut‑off, kids usually stay for free on a parent’s room. Above it, they need a separate bed and a child rate, which can be 30‑50 % of the adult price. Some chains ask for a birth certificate or ID to verify the age.

Glamping and Holiday Cottage Rules

Glamping sites tend to be stricter because of safety and equipment limits. Many require guests to be at least 16 years old to book a tent alone; younger teens need an adult present. Cottages often have a minimum stay age of 18 for the primary renter, but children of any age can stay as long as the owner approves. Check the listing for terms like "no children under 5" or "infants not allowed".

Airbnb‑style rentals may set a minimum age of 21 years for the booking person. This rule doesn’t stop kids from staying, but the renter must be old enough to sign the contract. Some owners charge a cleaning fee per child, especially for families with toddlers.

Why do these policies exist? Safety is the biggest reason. Pools, fire pits and loft beds need supervision. Insurance providers also set age limits to manage risk. Knowing the reason helps you explain the rule to the property manager if you need an exception.

Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:

• Hotel child age: usually 12 or younger stays free.
• Glamping: 16 or older to book solo; younger guests need an adult.
• Cottage: primary renter 18 or older; children of any age OK if allowed.
• Short‑term rentals: primary renter often 21 or older.

When you book, always read the fine print. Look for phrases like "children under X not permitted" or "extra charge for children over Y". If the information isn’t clear, send a quick email to the host. A short, polite question usually gets a fast reply.

Planning ahead can also avoid extra fees. Bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate, especially for international trips. Some hotels ask for it during check‑in, and having it ready speeds up the process.

If you travel with a baby, many places provide cribs or cots for free, but only if you request them in advance. Not asking early can mean you have to bring your own, which adds packing hassle.

Finally, remember that the minimum age rule can differ by season. Resorts in ski areas sometimes raise the age for kids staying in loft rooms because of cold‑weather safety. Always double‑check the policy for the exact dates you’ll be traveling.

Understanding minimum age requirements lets you pick the right accommodation, keep the budget in check, and enjoy a smoother check‑in. Use this guide the next time you search for a hotel, glamping spot, or cottage, and you’ll never be caught off guard again.