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AIBU?

at an advert for a Scottish hotel that says "Children welcome, aged over 10"

40 replies

pingu2209 · 13/06/2011 23:01

To me, that means children are not welcome. It was quite a surprise how many of the hotels did not want younger children in their hotels.

Why can't there be a 'nice' luxury hotel that is ALSO family friendly in the UK?

OP posts:
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begonyabampot · 13/06/2011 23:03

What was the hotel, i've always found it was smaller more family run hotels (more B+B type) that usually does this - not the big ones.

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pumpernickel10 · 13/06/2011 23:05

It's their hotel they can choose who they want I guess not sure on the laws of it

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worraliberty · 13/06/2011 23:07

Sadly if more parents kept their kids under control, I'm sure their custom would be very welcome indeed Sad

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Tuggy · 13/06/2011 23:08

Gleneagles in Scotland is very very family friendly and also very luxurious

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Mumcentreplus · 13/06/2011 23:09

and?..that's just 1 hotel...their policy their business

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Fimbo · 13/06/2011 23:10

Stuff them and go \link{http://www.crieffhydro.com/\here}. It is fab. I am 43 and first went when I was 3 and have now started taking my own children. Love it.

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DogsBestFriend · 13/06/2011 23:10

Many hotels do welcome young children. Those that don't cater to a different type of clientele and you choose according to what you want. Those of us wanting a nice hotel to take our children to can find such places, those of us who don't have/like children or want a child free break without other people's children disturbing us can opt for one like the one you speak of.

I can't see the problem. The proprietor runs and owns the hotel, not you or I, they have a right to specify their terms. After all, it's a business and they know the market they're aiming at. Similarly a soft play area aims at parents and children - you wouldn't go there if you wanted a 5 star meal and peace and quiet with adult guests, you'd choose a different establishment.

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begonyabampot · 13/06/2011 23:12

But that's it - expensive 5 star luxurious hotels 'usually' welcome any age of child.

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mumblechum1 · 13/06/2011 23:13

I think it's fair enough tbh, it's not just that small children are noisy, often the parents make even more racket. Last weekend we were staying in a v swanky hotel in the Cotswolds and woken up by some woman shrieking at her little girl right outside our bedroom window.

10 is a bit old though, I think most children are fairly civilised by about 7.

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begonyabampot · 13/06/2011 23:16

it's like flying business class - some folk think this is only for adults. The airlines don't care as long as they get the money. Big hotels usually just want the money - they don't care. Do you think Madonna and Posh hide their kids when they are staying in luxury hotels? - actually they probably do!

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pingu2209 · 13/06/2011 23:17

I was just anoyed at the wording tbh. You either are family friendly or not. Children are either welcome or they are not. I just felt the wording of the advert was a bit nasty.

OP posts:
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seeker · 13/06/2011 23:19

I've found that travelling with children the best thing is either to go absolute top or absolute bottom of the range. Both brilliant in very different ways. It's the middle range ones with pretensions that have been the worst.

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Morloth · 14/06/2011 04:54

Woolley Grange is about as luxury and as child friendly as it is possible to be. One of the Von Essen group, lovely.

I think no little kids is fine, your average 10 year old can be trusted to not break things or leak or scream or cry. Your average 2 year old, not so much.

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Omigawd · 14/06/2011 05:42

I think they should have the same rule on public transport in rush hours, and ban the 4x4 Chelsea tractor buggies too.

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meditrina · 14/06/2011 06:07

Any legal types know how this fits with the Equalities Act, which is supposed to remove proscribed discrimination - including age-based - from the supply of goods and services?

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ProfYaffle · 14/06/2011 06:12

I saw one hotel (can't remember it's name) advertising itself as 'an ideal venue for family get togethers' but 'no children allowed' Confused

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TheHumanCatapult · 14/06/2011 06:19

I have 4 kids and sorry but If i am staying somewhere for a special treat minus my own dc .

I do not want other little kids around. .So can understand why they said no under 10 . They are aiming at a paticular group of people and if they see a gap in the market then good for them .

There are plenty of other good luxury hotels that are more family friendly and not just the basic ones .

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sunnydelight · 14/06/2011 06:23

I don't think it is true that "you are either family friendly or you're not". What they are basically saying is that kids are welcome at an age when they are unlikely to disturb other guests, the age they have set might seem a bit old but I guess that is because there are an awful lot of very badly behaved little kids out there generally caused by parents who are so busy demanding their rights they overlook the rights of others.

I would far prefer a place to be totally upfront about who they cater for, that way I can make a choice and take my kids where they will be welcome. As someone with three older children I now actively look for hotels that don't have kids clubs or advertise themselves as "child friendly". Lots of families we know do the same.

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safran · 14/06/2011 06:25

One of my most favorite holidays was on a tiny island with a no under 18's policy. It was quiet, calm and the most chilled place I ever visited. Every time my DH and I get stressed with the kids I threaten to run away there and never come back!
Their hotel , their rules- I just don't see the problem.

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thumbwitch · 14/06/2011 06:28

Bibury Court Hotel is rather fab and allowed us to take our

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stuffthenonsense · 14/06/2011 06:58

Oh I am on the side of the hotel!
I have actively sought out child unfriendly hotels in the not too distant past, after all if I wanted children's noise to spoil a romantic weekend, I would not have paid a babysitter.
Of course, the romantic getaways were so romantic I am now seeking baby friendly hotels again.

As for the age discrimination issue on goods and services-i often wonder at 'free swims for under 16s/over 60s' pensioner deals on meals, and free tv Licences, I don't begrudge them at all but isn't it age discrimination?

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Hammy02 · 14/06/2011 09:07

Sometimes adults want a place of complete peace. What's wrong with that? I know some children can behave and be quiet when necessary but many cannot. Nothing pisses me off more than when I book a hotel that says it is a tranquil retreat and then some muppet thinks, 'I know, I'll ruin that peace for everyone else by taking my noisy kid'. At least some hotels are aware of their market and set rules for who can stay there.

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LindyHemming · 14/06/2011 09:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

chelstonmum · 14/06/2011 09:18

I would reccomend any of the 'hydro' hotels, Crieff and Peebles are fab for kids. Crieff has a great kids menu, leisure facilities, horse riding and a great cinema for lazy rainy nights.

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fgaaagh · 14/06/2011 09:20

well we've stayed here (for a wedding - my sister's - over a weekend) and that's a hotel that's perfectly family friendly. stayed in a few here in England too, although they've tended to be places with their own spa, and not in recent years due to DH's job.

there are plenty of family friendly luxury hotels, and plenty of family friendly non luxury ones too!

For the record, I understand (and prefer) hotels being up front about the market they cater for, and have the facilities for.

Not all hotels have lifts, not all of them have baby-friendly services like babysitting staff available round the clock - heck, I assume some restaurants don't even have high chairs if they don't actively target a family market - I'm thinking business hotels like near airports and stuff. or those near conference centers.

It makes complete sense from a business POV to operate like this - just like any other hospitality place - it's all about choosing your target market.

As long as they're not claiming to be one thing and are actually another -I'm not surprised or aggrevated that this is how businesses operate.

so sorry OP but YABU.

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