Opinion on hotel stay

[AdviceNeededT3]

NC

Looking for opinions on whether I'm BU to consider taking my DC to a hotel for a night or two. We are in tier 3 and I've read the rules on government website but still unsure.

The background is my DC is on the brink of an ASD diagnosis. Struggling with every day life at the moment refusing school, several meltdowns a day and huge sensory problems with food, noise and change to routine.

My stepDC are due to stay for a week, completely out of the norm as usually EoW. They are boisterous and excitable and will be really keen to spend time with my DC but I'm so worried DC will get overwhelmed and may even hit out at them. Don't want to suggest they don't come as DH rightly wants more time with them during the holiday. DH is also really supportive of my DC and would understand me removing us from the situation.

But would this fit in the rules? We'd drive there, get food delivered if possible or collect or take our own with us and not go anywhere else.

Please don't flame as I'm done in with worry in general right now.

You can't travel to a tier 2 area though and hotels aren't open in tier 3 areas.

It's an option. I've stayed in hotels this year - some in the middle of full lockdown (exceptional reasons) and another time for fun. Neither was like a normal hotel stay, limited with food/drink, no 'maid' service etc but pleasant enough. I'd question whether your son would like the change of scene as it's quite full on sensory wise but if you think he would then it's an option. The best thing I've found is to contact the hotel directly. You don't have to give reasons but say you're thinking of a hotel stay and they'll confirm if it's ok with rules and what to expect.

You write that your child has problems with change of routine (ami hat of list of things) so because step children are coming for a week rather than a weekend, you want to take your child to a hotel - a complete change of scenery and routine.

I think the better option is staying out in your own home, in your own child’s routine, have the step children fit in with your child’s routine and your DH to take his children out for long walks to give your child the break they need rather than totally disrupt your child. If the weather is just tar too bad, then some games or other activity at home but away from your child as and when your child needs down time.

Going to a hotel is complete disruption for them.

www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert#travel

Accommodation
Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close. These premises can only open for a person, who:

is unable to return to their main residence
uses it as their main residence
needs it while moving house
needs it to attend a funeral, linked commemorative event or following a bereavement of a close family member or friend
is isolating themselves from others as required by law
is an elite athlete (or their coach) and needs it for training or competition
needs it for work purposes, or to provide voluntary or charitable service
was staying there immediately before the area entered Tier 3
needs it to attend education or training
is a carer for someone they live with and is seeking respite
needs to attend a medical appointment or treatment
They can also open:

to enable voting, including an overseas election
as a women’s refuge or a vulnerable person’s refuge
for any purpose requested by the Secretary of State, or a local authority