Page 22 | to still book our DS (16) as a 15 year old at a Premier Inn?

VioletOrange · 2023-08-02T08:49:21+00:00

I’m probably going to get a flaming for this but here goes. We only have DS, he can’t stay in a PI by himself until he’s 18. If we booked him in as an adult, as he’s classed as one now he’s 16, we’d have to pay for another room. So for now, while we can still just about get away with it, we book him in as a child stating he’s 15. In one PI where we’ve stayed many times over the years, a couple of the regular staff are aware but they’re ok with this. He doesn’t get up for breakfast so doesn’t benefit from the ‘kids eat free’ deal. AIBU to carry on doing this for as long as we can get away with it? Not that he’ll likely still want to come away with us in the next few years. My personal opinion is that on the one hand they class 18+ as adults but want to charge a 16 year old adult prices.

GlomOfNit · 06/08/2023 14:12

I blithely get DS1 in as a 'child' whenever I can, as he's shorter than average and has never minded, but sadly now he's 15 he has a most impressive 'tache and beard and I just can't get away with it! 😂

I do not think that I am the reason that massive corporations etc are failing.

This is a useful thread actually, as DS2 is autistic and has LDs and will need an adult with him forever, so it's a good heads up that some places might not be flexible about two adults in the room with him.

AllyCart · 06/08/2023 14:14

@Meanoldlady

Noone who works there (myself included) care.

I'm not sure what weight working there adds?

It's like saying the shop floor staff at Tesco don't care about shoplifters; it doesn't make it ok.

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 06/08/2023 14:55

AllyCart · 06/08/2023 14:14

@Meanoldlady

Noone who works there (myself included) care.

I'm not sure what weight working there adds?

It's like saying the shop floor staff at Tesco don't care about shoplifters; it doesn't make it ok.

Exactly. It's not up to them to undermine corporate policies.

ConcreteUnderpants · 06/08/2023 15:43

This massive pile on of sneering and ridiculing people who disagree is really bad, and IMO says an awful lot about people.

Ok, you might do it and feel ok about it, but why can’t PPs seem to accept that some people find taking food you haven’t paid for as dishonest?

To you it might be ok as it just a breakfast or ok because the company makes millions, but to others it doesn’t matter. To them taking things you haven’t paid for it wrong, whatever.

Why can’t you seem to understand this and accept their position?
Why is honesty being rewarded with such disdain and ridicule?

NewNovember · 06/08/2023 15:54

MillicentTrilbyHiggins · 06/08/2023 13:59

Can't you book and pay for breakfast separately?

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No not online you can when you get to the hotel but it's not guaranteed at busy hotels in peak times.

EhrlicheFrau · 06/08/2023 15:58

ConcreteUnderpants · 06/08/2023 15:43

This massive pile on of sneering and ridiculing people who disagree is really bad, and IMO says an awful lot about people.

Ok, you might do it and feel ok about it, but why can’t PPs seem to accept that some people find taking food you haven’t paid for as dishonest?

To you it might be ok as it just a breakfast or ok because the company makes millions, but to others it doesn’t matter. To them taking things you haven’t paid for it wrong, whatever.

Why can’t you seem to understand this and accept their position?
Why is honesty being rewarded with such disdain and ridicule?

Agreed. I have said several times that while I wouldn't lie/bend the truth regarding age (or take 'leftovers' that, to me, aren't really leftovers at all etc), I am not judging those who do - we each make our own choices, and face the consequences of those choices). I do wish those who do think it's ok to lie/bend the truth would offer me the same courtesy. Perhaps the constant justification of it being something 'everyone does', or vilifying those who don't do it, is actually subconsciously driven by a niggling doubt that it is a little bit dishonest after all.

Original poster

VioletOrange · 06/08/2023 16:02

ConcreteUnderpants · 06/08/2023 15:43

This massive pile on of sneering and ridiculing people who disagree is really bad, and IMO says an awful lot about people.

Ok, you might do it and feel ok about it, but why can’t PPs seem to accept that some people find taking food you haven’t paid for as dishonest?

To you it might be ok as it just a breakfast or ok because the company makes millions, but to others it doesn’t matter. To them taking things you haven’t paid for it wrong, whatever.

Why can’t you seem to understand this and accept their position?
Why is honesty being rewarded with such disdain and ridicule?

Not sure who you were aiming your post at but just to be clear, as I stated in my op, DS does NOT have a free breakfast.

I haven’t seen a massive pile on, some of those having a different opinion have called pp scabs, grifting mingers, shoplifters, fraudsters etc, perhaps that then leaves their reply open to ridicule. Do you think it’s ok to name call in this way?

I do accept their opinion, they’re entitled to it, doesn’t mean I have to agree with it, just as they don’t agree with mine.

I haven’t piled on any poster, neither have I called them insulting names, that IMO also says a lot about people!

OP posts:

Original poster

VioletOrange · 06/08/2023 16:10

EhrlicheFrau · 06/08/2023 15:58

Agreed. I have said several times that while I wouldn't lie/bend the truth regarding age (or take 'leftovers' that, to me, aren't really leftovers at all etc), I am not judging those who do - we each make our own choices, and face the consequences of those choices). I do wish those who do think it's ok to lie/bend the truth would offer me the same courtesy. Perhaps the constant justification of it being something 'everyone does', or vilifying those who don't do it, is actually subconsciously driven by a niggling doubt that it is a little bit dishonest after all.

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I would neither vilify your decision and I would offer you the same courtesy if you wouldn’t feel comfortable to ‘bend the truth’ - absolutely! Fill your boots.

Tbh I really don’t know anyone in RL who would be aghast at me doing this, no one in my circle of friends, work, family, I really don’t. I can’t imagine anyone spitting venom, calling me a scab etc?

OP posts:

ClairDeLaLune · 06/08/2023 16:15

We blagged DS in when he was 17. Told him to have a shave before we went! Otherwise we would have had to have an extra room for him and DD14, when they’re quite happy to bunk in with us.

We were sat enjoying our breakfasts, free for the kids, when the manager came over very apologetic that there wasn’t the usual choice and he would refund us the cost! He was very surprised when guilt-stricken me insisted we still play!

EhrlicheFrau · 06/08/2023 16:17

VioletOrange · 06/08/2023 16:10

I would neither vilify your decision and I would offer you the same courtesy if you wouldn’t feel comfortable to ‘bend the truth’ - absolutely! Fill your boots.

Tbh I really don’t know anyone in RL who would be aghast at me doing this, no one in my circle of friends, work, family, I really don’t. I can’t imagine anyone spitting venom, calling me a scab etc?

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If you were my friend I'd tell you honestly that I couldn't do it (lie/bend truth), and I have been honest with friends/acquaintance in the past when they suggest I/we do things that just feel 'dishonest' to me. I might also joke with you a bit about it if you were going away and planning to 'stretch' the truth a bit regarding child's age. I wouldn't ever call you a bad name like some of the ones that have been used here though! I think there has been mud-slinging in both directions on this thread, and some of the references to 1930's Germany were OTT (I think those have mostly/all been deleted), but it definitely seems to be more directed at those who wouldn't lie/bend truth in the latter comments.

BlastedIce · 06/08/2023 16:37

EhrlicheFrau · 06/08/2023 16:17

If you were my friend I'd tell you honestly that I couldn't do it (lie/bend truth), and I have been honest with friends/acquaintance in the past when they suggest I/we do things that just feel 'dishonest' to me. I might also joke with you a bit about it if you were going away and planning to 'stretch' the truth a bit regarding child's age. I wouldn't ever call you a bad name like some of the ones that have been used here though! I think there has been mud-slinging in both directions on this thread, and some of the references to 1930's Germany were OTT (I think those have mostly/all been deleted), but it definitely seems to be more directed at those who wouldn't lie/bend truth in the latter comments.

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I think you’ll find it started when someone called people like OP and me grifting mingers actually! I won’t be name called and fight back, because that’s how bullies win.

BlastedIce · 06/08/2023 16:38

ClairDeLaLune · 06/08/2023 16:15

We blagged DS in when he was 17. Told him to have a shave before we went! Otherwise we would have had to have an extra room for him and DD14, when they’re quite happy to bunk in with us.

We were sat enjoying our breakfasts, free for the kids, when the manager came over very apologetic that there wasn’t the usual choice and he would refund us the cost! He was very surprised when guilt-stricken me insisted we still play!

In future leave him in the car whilst you check in, then let him come straight to the room!

EhrlicheFrau · 06/08/2023 16:44

BlastedIce · 06/08/2023 16:37

I think you’ll find it started when someone called people like OP and me grifting mingers actually! I won’t be name called and fight back, because that’s how bullies win.

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I saw that, and it was uncalled for to be so OTT about it, but since then there have been loads of folk criticising those who don't do lie/bend truth (including the now deleted 1930's Germany comments).

Boysgrownbutstillathome · 06/08/2023 18:28

GlomOfNit · 06/08/2023 14:12

I blithely get DS1 in as a 'child' whenever I can, as he's shorter than average and has never minded, but sadly now he's 15 he has a most impressive 'tache and beard and I just can't get away with it! 😂

I do not think that I am the reason that massive corporations etc are failing.

This is a useful thread actually, as DS2 is autistic and has LDs and will need an adult with him forever, so it's a good heads up that some places might not be flexible about two adults in the room with him.

My autistic and LD son and I regularly go away with other similar families and stay in Premier Inns. One family is two parents and their 29 year old LD daughter. She is always allowed in a room with them.

BlastedIce · 06/08/2023 19:22

EhrlicheFrau · 06/08/2023 16:44

I saw that, and it was uncalled for to be so OTT about it, but since then there have been loads of folk criticising those who don't do lie/bend truth (including the now deleted 1930's Germany comments).

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Yep and OP has been called the underbelly of society, which is bloody hilarious and made the poster look bat shit crazy and I believe was deleted, but still should not have been said.

So touché .

Meanoldlady · 06/08/2023 19:26

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 06/08/2023 14:55

Exactly. It's not up to them to undermine corporate policies.

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But Tesco don't hand out free groceries to all children or to anyone who has experienced a minor inconvenience. The two aren't remotely comparable.

Meanoldlady · 06/08/2023 19:28

I missed the 1930s Germany comment. Peak mumsnet on a thread about a bit of free bacon 😂

Beety3ly · 07/08/2023 07:26

NewNovember · 06/08/2023 13:57

What I find irritating is you can't book 1 adult and 3 children in a room this causes breakfast issues as we use 2 rooms for 3 adults and 5 children which should mean paying for 3 breakfast but the system charges for 4.

You can I often stay with my 3 (4) DC !

Teateaandmoretea · 07/08/2023 19:41

EhrlicheFrau · 06/08/2023 16:17

If you were my friend I'd tell you honestly that I couldn't do it (lie/bend truth), and I have been honest with friends/acquaintance in the past when they suggest I/we do things that just feel 'dishonest' to me. I might also joke with you a bit about it if you were going away and planning to 'stretch' the truth a bit regarding child's age. I wouldn't ever call you a bad name like some of the ones that have been used here though! I think there has been mud-slinging in both directions on this thread, and some of the references to 1930's Germany were OTT (I think those have mostly/all been deleted), but it definitely seems to be more directed at those who wouldn't lie/bend truth in the latter comments.

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The most ridiculous are the ones wittering on about fraud/ theft 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

Ask yourself if Premier inn reported them to the cops what would happen? These people are nuts, no more or less.

The premier inn need to challenge CF’ers if they have a problem. If they don’t then the OP and co can crack on, simple as that.

Onelifeonly · 07/08/2023 23:13

Zoda8 · 04/08/2023 11:30

I feel like there is an interesting philosophical question lurking beneath the OP’s question, which has faded into the background as people argue ‘this is the same as this’ ‘no it isn’t’. I think the field is called ‘ethics’. One of the problems of ethics is called ‘The is/ought problem’. Logic alone can’t carry you from any ‘is’ statement to any ‘ought’ statement. So you have to start from agreed ground rules. One rule that has been relied on here is ‘never tell a lie’. Most people would acknowledge there may be exceptions to this. If a hitman asks you ‘is your husband in?’ you are not morally obliged to say ‘he’s just popped upstairs for a wee’. If your wife says ‘Do I look alright?’ you don’t have to say ‘you’d probably look better without that angry pimple on your nose’. So telling a lie is not of itself always wrong. Clicking ‘15’ as a child’s age when they are 16 feels worse because it is a deception aimed at securing a financial benefit. One ground rule here that people might rely on is ‘don’t break the law’. It is against the law to obtain services by deception. Again, this is not an absolute rule. It was against the law to hide Anne Frank. It was against the law for a person with mental health issues to come out of their tiny London flat and sit in the middle of an empty field during COVID unless they were doing buttock clenches, because otherwise they were not doing exercise. This seems worse because there is at least the possibility that Premier Inn will somehow lose money as a result of a lie on their online booking system. An employee of Premier Inn has posted on this thread that they do not care if children are over 15. Other posters have stated they have been encouraged to bypass/ignore the rule by Premier Inn employees. There is no indication from the booking in process, checks or the complete absence of any enforcement that the management of Premier Inn or even their beloved shareholders care. When I used the word ‘technically’ I used it in this sense - a rule whose maker has no apparent interest in securing compliance. This is not the same as shoplifting - all shops are desperate to stop shoplifting, it’s just very hard for them to control. Premier Inn could fairly easily tighten up on children in rooms if they actually cared about it.
I think it unhelpful to suggest that every breach of the law is the same as every other breach of the law. Stealing property and money from churches, hotels and shops involves appropriation of goods, which is not the same as avoiding incurring an additional fee for a sleeping child.
I think this question boils down to a value judgement for each parent. Is it more important to follow the rules and the law, even if never enforced, because generally speaking that makes for a better working society, or is it more important to save money for your family?
I don’t think the mention of shoplifting is a complete red herring in this debate, though. In the current food crisis there are more Jean ValJeans in need of bread than ever, and no doubt they are each faced with choices about what to do, so perhaps we should be slower to judge Each person until we know the circumstances.

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Great post! You explained what I meant by 'technically dishonest' far better than I could have done . Perhaps it's also that there's a moral difference between the sins of omission and commission. Both could be bad but omitting to do something can be a lesser evil than committing an action. (E.g. omitting to turn off an appliance that eventually caught fire wouldn't be as bad as setting the fire in the first place.)

No I'd never steal from a shop but many years ago I allowed myself to be charged less as the shop assistant didn't see one of my purchases. In my mind at the time (I was very young) I saw it as her error and not one I needed to mention since plausibly I might not have been paying attention and so might not have noticed.

In the PI example, I might have ticked two adults and a child because I naturally saw my 16 year old as a child.