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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To leave my 14yr old alone in a travelodge?

66 replies

beingchampion · 26/10/2019 22:46

For a few hours tomorrow while I drive 25 miles away down the M1 for a couple of hours. He's very sane and sensible and would rather stay in the warm and dry on his tablet. Is it the done thing or should he come with me? Will stick do not disturb on the door and he'll have food, money and phone, but nowhere to go. Do I tell reception?

OP posts:
bewilderedhedgehog · 26/10/2019 22:52

Assuming he's a sensible 14 year old he will be absolutely fine. I wouldn't tell reception, but good that he will have his phone just in case. Wish I could spend a few hours relaxing in a travelodge - sounds nice! x

Original poster
beingchampion · 26/10/2019 22:55

Not with the noisy buggers next door it isn't!! My kids are already sleeping, theirs appear to be partying with dad. Knobhead!

OP posts:
Spacerader · 26/10/2019 22:58

I’d be happy to leave my 14 year old in a hotel room alone for a few hours.

In fact he’s prob rather be left alone

Potentialmadcatlady · 26/10/2019 22:58

You can get reception to put a note on their records that in the event of a fire etc your room will require special assistance. I did this when I was leaving my 16year old. Gives you peace of mind

ThreeLittleDots · 26/10/2019 22:59

Ah twats! Is there an adjoining door (locked obvs) perchance? Hate those for sound carrying. Complained last time and we got moved!

Cuddling57 · 26/10/2019 23:01

I think it's fine.
If you go to reception and complain about the noise next door they will have a polite word with them. It's late and it's meat to be quiet so people can sleep!

safariboot · 26/10/2019 23:04

14 would be fine generally. My only concern is if it's a motorway services and he needs to leave for whatever unforseen reason. Does he have enough money (cash or card) to get a taxi if need be.

Original poster
beingchampion · 26/10/2019 23:07

Strangely paranoid that next door was on mn while dad and kids dicked around, it went quiet straight away....

OP posts:
Original poster
beingchampion · 26/10/2019 23:08

And yes, always has Bank card.

OP posts:
inwood · 26/10/2019 23:15

@safariboot why would a motorway services be any different to any other hotel - why would he need to suddenly leave?

Bluerussian · 26/10/2019 23:21

He'll be fine on his own.
Hope you are enjoying yourselves.

MissMarpletheMurderer · 26/10/2019 23:21

@inwood no public transport, can't walk anywhere.

category12 · 26/10/2019 23:21

Where are you going that he can't/doesn't want to come with you?

wasgoingmadinthecountry · 26/10/2019 23:27

No issues here. Money for soft drink/food if necessary otherwiseall good.

Unlike some panic causers I have 4 children aged 25,23,22 and 15 who have successfully survived most scenarios x

AtSea1979 · 26/10/2019 23:30

That fine. I would leave my 14 yo

Drinkciderfromalemon · 26/10/2019 23:31

I would, my 14yo would rather sleep than go on a boring errand with me, as long as there was sufficient food to keep her going for the 2 hours if she stayed awake Hmm

Howisitparentseveningagain · 26/10/2019 23:38

I feel obliged to say this is the height of irresponsibility, don't you know a fire only takes seconds to take hold, what if your WiFi signal breaks up, what if you're in an accident, no one would know where he was, you need to have them in the same room as you until their 6 (million) months old and I can't believe you needed to askGrin

He'll be fine!Smile

Fishcakey · 26/10/2019 23:39

I would leave mine. I agree notify reception in case of fire but mine would be much happier lay in bed watching TV than going somewhere boring with me

EvenMoreFuriousVexation · 26/10/2019 23:42

He'll be fine, but you have to promise that when you get back to the room you sing the finale of Travelodge's current advertising campaign:
"THAT'S TRAVELOGICAL!"

This will reassure him that you're still an embarassing parent :D

jennymanara · 26/10/2019 23:43

I am taken aback that someone told reception that their 16 year old was alone in a hotel room for a bit. I was working full time and looking after young kids at this age.

Wheat2Harvest · 26/10/2019 23:48

I would leave mine. However, I have found a 'Travelodge Hotel Terms' document online which includes the following:

"We do not permit people under the age of 16 to stay alone in our hotels. You must not leave children unattended in any rooms or public areas at any times."

www.travelodge.co.uk/terms/files/TermsAndConditions_Mar2012.pdf

If this is still current it means that you can't let Reception know in case of conflagration or nuclear war that your 14-year-old is alone in the room as they will say you can't leave him.

Of course, I wouldn't suggest that you pretend he is older than he is. Grin

Supersimkin2 · 26/10/2019 23:48

Be Travelogical, he'll be fine.

greypetex · 26/10/2019 23:49

You can get reception to put a note on their records that in the event of a fire etc your room will require special assistance. I did this when I was leaving my 16year old. Gives you peace of mind

WTF Hmm

Why would an able bodied teenager need special assistance? Do you also notify someone when you leave them home alone?

Wow Mumsnet is one weird place Confused

Yes OP your son will be fine, I leave mine from 14 upwards in hotel rooms if I am doing something they don't fancy.

jennymanara · 26/10/2019 23:52

And a 14 year old should be perfectly capable of leaving the room and going downstairs if the fire alarm starts ringing.

Lizzie0869 · 27/10/2019 00:06

Of course he'll be fine. I travelled by plane on my own several times as a teenager.