What Age Is a Child for Hotels? Quick Guide

Planning a family break? Knowing when a hotel calls you a "child" can save you surprise charges. Different chains, countries and even individual properties use their own age cut‑offs. Here’s the low‑down so you can book with confidence.

How Hotels Define a Child

Most UK and EU hotels treat anyone under 12 as a child. Babies (0‑2 years) often stay free in the parents' bed, but you may need to request a cot. Children 2‑12 usually pay a reduced rate or are counted as one of the room occupants, depending on the property.

In the US you’ll see a wider spread. Some resorts let kids stay free up to 5 or 6 years old, while others charge a child rate up to 16 or 18 years. Luxury brands sometimes set the limit at 18 because they consider anyone under that age a minor.

All‑inclusive resorts are another beast. They often include meals for kids 12 and under, but they may charge extra for a child 13‑17 if you want a separate bed. Always read the fine print; the term "child" isn’t universal.

Booking Tips to Keep Costs Transparent

1. Check the policy before you book. Look for a "children" or "infants" section on the hotel's website. If it’s missing, call the front desk and ask outright: "What age do you count as a child, and are there extra‑bed fees?"

2. Ask about cots and roll‑away beds. A crib is usually free, but a separate bed for a child can cost £15‑£30 per night. Some places include it in the room rate; others treat it as an extra.

3. Bring ID for older kids. Hotels may ask for a passport or birth certificate for guests aged 12‑16 to verify the age. Having it handy speeds up check‑in.

4. Look for family packages. Many hotels bundle breakfast, pool access or activity passes for kids. These deals often beat paying a child rate plus extra‑service fees.

5. Read cancellation rules. Some hotels charge a full adult price if you downgrade a child’s bed after booking. Knowing the policy helps you avoid last‑minute penalties.

6. Consider location‑specific rules. In Scotland, some cottage rentals treat anyone under 16 as a child for council tax purposes, which can affect the price you see online.

By checking these points, you won’t be surprised by a hidden charge at checkout.

Remember, the definition of "child" can change from one hotel to the next. The safest bet is always to verify the age limits directly with the property before you lock in your reservation. That way, you can focus on packing the snacks, not the extra fees.