'Sneaking' two extra children into hotel room booked for two adults and two children

[AlbertCamel]

AIBU in thinking this may have implications regarding insurance etc?

Friend is off on holiday later today to a large hotel abroad with her DH and four DC aged between 4 and 16. Not a package, no meals included and flights were booked separately.

The room has a small bedroom, bathroom and living area with a sofa bed. It sleeps 4. They've booked it for two adults and two children. That's the maximum number of people allowed.

She wants to check in with DH, their two youngest boys and all their luggage, and have the two oldest boys wait outside until they're 'sneaked' in a little while later.

I think that whilst this is logistically possible, it will have implications but not sure what these implications might be. Friend thinks there's no problem with this and nobody will bat an eyelid.

AIBU in saying it's not a good idea?

16 year old must be registered: https://www.visitorapp.co/blog/gestion-viajeros-guardia-civil

I'd do it (and I think have done it) in a couple of situations, but it really depends on the setup. What's described here - no chance.

An extra small child who bedshares, I have no issue with.
A single night in a Travelodge, again no issue.

Airbnb's for group holidays. I've snuck a couple of extra small ones in, where there is genuinely enough space. Only where is independent check in, no housekeeping and it's not ban annex though.

I've done it with toddlers who are quite happy to sleep in with parents. I would have done it for a couple of young ones (under 5's) where there was a spare lounge. It's not trying to fit 6 people in a 1 bed apartment, more 14 in a 6 bed with 12 beds and half of those are small kids. The holiday fell through though.

Edited to add: obviously I'd not do it anywhere there was food included.

They seem to think they are entitled to pay the same as a family with one or two children would for some odd reason. We often stay in two rooms or two adjoining rooms. Or pay for a suit if we really want to stay together.

I feel sorry for the children having to sneak about. Awful thing to do. Cheapskates!

They categorically will not get away with it.

You need photo ID for absolutely everything now (and it is an absolute pain)

Logistically I'd have one older and one younger kid wait with one adult, and take one older and one younger in to begin with - that way when a parent comes back with the other two kids it stands a better chance of looking like the same two kids to a casual observer.

I've never done it and I'm too goody two shoes to try - I'm curious how they get on!

For children?

Honestly it will likely be fine. I wouldn't do it but I have the money to pay for all 4 of my kids. The anxiety would drive me mad.

Anyone over 14.
Or, the parents ID.

You would not get away with this.

There's always one that absolutely LIVES for berating those with more than two kids.

Either have more kids yourself if you're so bitter, or learn to move past it.

If the implicationswere insignificant, then I'd accept I was being unreasonable.

Odd response.

It's true though. I don't give a fuck how many children people have, but it's both grifting and entitled as all hell not to pay for enough rooms for them if you decide to take them on holiday.

I think you are missing the point.

Let them get on with it and if it all goes tits up tough. I wouldn't respond to any messages, texts or photos of their holiday, I can't imagine 4 kids sleeping in one room would be that great with 2 on cheap blow up lilo but each to their own. Let's hope they don't get travel tummies with one bathroom.

yeah- if they get caught out its their own fault and they can take the consequences. Personally I think they are lying thieving grifters. Let the cards fall as they may.

There are issues with drought in parts of Spain, so if they are showering, washing hands, even flushing the toilet, they are using a resource that is not freely available.
I am in the "one night one extra person in a travelodge" section of society (not done it personally but can see why people do) but not a whole holiday!

I'd like to know where you've stayed then. I have in Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden and that's just Europe in the last few years. When they take your passport at check in ? That's being supplied to the authorities.

Post EU Exit I've also been asked where I'm staying at passport control in a couple of those countries as well. Didn't have to provide or show details but did have to answer the question.

I'm Team is it worth the risk of being caught.

And I'll add the States, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius...

I suppose if she does come a cropper she’s hardly likely to admit it to the OP now but I’d love to know how they get on. High level CF in my opinion and an awful example for the kids.

I don't think it is entitled behaviour. I think it is theft.

As for how many children you have, I only care if you care and do not try to deny their existence as some dads do.

It’s not bitterness. You can’t afford it don’t do it.

Why doesn't she check in one bigger kid in and one smaller kid? That way if they are seen going through the foyer, the receptionist isn't going to know one 16 year old from another or one 4 year old from another?

I've heard of people doing this type of thing when booking into self catering lodges. I'd have thought it would be more convenient and comfortable to book into self catering when they have so many children but each to their own. Not sure how it would work in a hotel, it would depend on the size of the hotel I guess and if there is more than one entrance. I suppose many do it when they are on a night out and take someone they've just met back to their room.......

It will be interesting to know how it works out for them but definitely don't fall out with your friend over this. It doesn't impact you at all other than being an amusing story to tell other people.

FWIW there have been threads before about kids pretending to be younger than they are to avoid higher prices when travelling on trains, going into attractions, zoos etc. Its the same mindset.

Australia, America, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore are those I can think of now.

Ditto or similar. I own a house in Spain and travel over there several times a year. I've never been asked to date either, but things are definitely tightening up, and may well do so further over the next two years as the two new EU systems come in.