'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?

Crack on, just don't complain when the prices increase or there's not enough staff to pander to your every whim, because they've been cut back to cover your free hotel room, or when there's less choice as places have closed because you've decided you don't need to pay for something you're using and deserve a free ride.

Or to put another way, condone theft. The value of which is probably a lot more than is stolen in one shop theft, or a stolen train ride, or even what insurance would pay for a stolen mobile phone.

Well said @CoffeeGood

Yes great post coffee.

It’s not a way of “sticking it to the man” things have to be paid for or they can’t survive. A much enjoyed local festival that has been going 10 years has just announced its finished for good. Second festival I go to that’s folded this year. Just not making enough money. People behaving like this friend contribute to this

Yeah we’ll enjoy our two hotel rooms, which we can easily afford to pay for. Two suites last week actually. You enjoy your free hotel room with kids cramped all over the floor. Sorry it’s not for me, you should absolutely do you though.

And I don’t need anyone to hold my hand btw. I moved abroad by myself when I was 19 and traveled by myself or with friends all over the world for many years. Still do. Met my dh on the other side of the world, and guess what..our children don’t need hand holding either. They have also been around the world, dd recently on her own and ds backpacking with a friend. I think it’s you who see the world through your eyes only and that’s a bit sad, but hey, maybe you can work on it.

@Anotherparkingthread I was actually talking to my dad the other day. He is 80 and sadly only have weeks to live. He started working at the age of 14 and eventually had his own business which went very well and he could retire early. He is a very smart man. He commented on how happy is what that my nearly adult children are such decent and fair people, and he is so proud over them. I told him that it’s because I got it from him, and passed it over to them and I thanked him for giving me such a good upbringing where he taught me the importance of such things. It’s a conversation I will always remember.

Absolutely. I don’t want to be the sneaky cheaty type of person that does this especially not involving my kids in it. They will either end up like that too or judge you for doing so.

Well said.

Morally and socially just wrong.

Additionally, we will all be paying for these extra snuck in guests. Her teens. (and others)

The hotel will have annual running costs, made greater by the number of unpaid guests that are using the hotel services. (wear and tear, electric, water, pool cleaning, cleaning hours, materials. etc).

Just two extras for this family, but I wonder how that multiplies out for a hotel, over a year.

If just one family a week, sneaks two guests into a hotel, that is about a hundred extra unpaid for guests per year.
If two families do this, it is 200 extra guests etc.

It mounts up, and therefore so will the running costs of the hotel.

Hotel prices, need to cover all running costs, at the very least or they go out of business. Hotels prices will be set to cover at least costs.

Prices charged to us are more.

We are all paying for her ‘freebies’.

It’s dishonest.

It's morally wrong but then everyone has a different line. I certainly wouldn't do it myself but nor would I stick my beak in.

I certainly wouldn't trust your friend financially in other ways.

Just don't put yourself in a possition whereby trust and money are concerned.

How long do you think they would rummage in a smoke filled room looking for someone who have gone out for dinner? Or someone who popped into their friends room for a chat?
That should waste their time nicely.
Luckily that's not how it works

So does that mean that I’m allowed to do this too cause if my friend hears and posts about it on here you’ll defend me when you reply and say it has nothing to do with my friend? Good to know i think I’ll do this aswell I clearly have your approval

Thank you posters for your contributions. 83% so far saying I am not being unreasonable. Much as I thought, though wasn't sure if it was a regular 'thing' to do when booking hotels or not and so that's why I posted.

What I find odd is that some people have said that I shouldn't have made any comments to my friend about it at all, perhaps just responded with, ''Sounds great! Hope you have a good time.'' Surely conversations between friends are a two-way communication of thoughts, opinions. If you have a good, long-standing friendship you should feel able to do this. And our friendship has always been like this, very honest and open, known each other years and years. What I didn't get was why my friend reacted in the way that she did. I think, judging by her actions being quite out of character, she must've had some doubts about what she was doing.

Anyway, all is fine judging by posts and photos and they've been on the beach today. No mention of inflatables.

People get aggressive when called out when they know they are in the wrong really and feel bad about it

That's a lovely collection of stories.

I don't have any kids nor do I want any, so none clogging up any places I might want to stay.

Oh goodness you are a hoot aren't you.

You feel pity for me, who has no problem affording and paying for my hotel room while you sneak and hide and squish yourself into a room to get it free.

Bless your cotton socks

And what about bed linen? Your friend is crazy!

And what about bed linen? Your friend is crazy!

Quite simply fraud.

That is such an stupid idea for safety reason the hotel needs to know whos there in case of fire or something also 4 children 1 aged 16 all sleeping together on an sofa bed so wrong.

Their choices don’t have consequences for you. Why do you care if they are thrown out of hotel, charged extra, die in a fire… being dramatic with the last one I hope they are fine. I think it’s not about being cheap but a matter wanting all the kids in the same room as them for safety. It’s very hard for hotels to manage anything with more than 2 kids in a group. Especially in another country I’d want the kids in the room with myself. Not next door.

It's totally stupid if she is found out she will be kicked out. Anyway it's defrauding the hotel she should have booked 2 rooms not one.

I work as a chambermaid/housekeeper and HATED people like your friend. Too many people in a too small space, garbage and towels overflowing, and not given credit by management for the work I had to do. She is a thief of services.