To let two 17 year olds stay in a hotel in London on their own

[Susieblue18]

My son wants to go to an event at the O2 arena in March with a friend. They will be almost 17 but hotels are saying they can’t stay without an over 18 present. I even checked with St Christopher’s hostel and they’re the same, even with a room for 2. I know some of the premier Inns and travelodges are self check in, are they likely to get away with this? I phoned a couple of hotels but they’re said they will ask for ID.

It's a real pain in the neck for holidays abroad too, and probably affects Scottish kids a bit more, as loads of them are still 17 when they leave school. Mine had a lot of juggling for their sixth year holiday to make sure there was an 18 y old in each room on the booking.

Is this the law abroad too now? Lots of 17 year olds go abroad without parents? I didn’t know this was a thing.

There are some countries (Italy and Hungary are examples I recall) where it’s legally mandated that under 18s must be accompanied by an adult when checking into a hotel or holiday accommodation, and others (like the UK, it’s not against the law here) where it’s down to individual hotel policy but most ultimately opt not to allow it because they don’t want to assume liability for unaccompanied minors.

I have witnessed a London Premier turning away a young couple that did have proof of age. They looked around 20 to me.

It is a big risk.

“Rules are rules” isn’t quite as straightforward as it seems. My 16 yo daughter needs an accessible room and those aren’t ever shareable. I was booking a premier inn for us both and their rules say the room can only be booked when at least one of the occupants is over 18. I called them and asked what to do and they said it was fine to book it for her. She went along and did all the check in stuff and nobody challenged her.

How far away are you from where they are going? I’d say to book it and see what happens, but be prepared to go and pick them up if it all goes wrong.

Haven't RTFT, but DD and friends stayed in the Oxford street YHA when they were 17 last year, so might be worth trying others besides Thameside.

Oops that did NOT have proof of age…

Many people don't have driving licence or passport and seeing as UK don't have us cards what are they supposed to use?

Well if they don't use any, they risk being turned away. Many young people prioritise getting a provisional license because they know that official photographic ID is the only way they can get into bars. They're £34, so not cheap but doable for most.

That'd be a bit hard for them to do though - seeing as they're going to be out of the country at the same time.

Now I've got a teen in this age bracket (16-17) I feel like I'm being thrown back into that arena of judgemental parenting like having a baby or being a school gate mum all over again. I can't wait for it to be over (sadly wishing it away). Suddenly I can't stand other parents again and find friendship groups under strain. I'm way more funny about my teen being sexually active at 16 (I think it's too young) than a bit of well organised independent travel with trustworthy friends and unlike my interrail days smartphones! I did read a local post once where I live from a mum trying to find a package holiday company who would take a booking for her under 18 who had joined the military so working and paying taxes etc. Although earning he couldn't spend it on a package holiday. Made me think really.

When ds was 17 we booked him an Airbnb for a uni open day they we couldn’t go to with him, it had a self check in box and it was fine. I don’t think they’ll get away with a hotel and could find themselves stuck.

Just to update, I got in touch with the London Hilton Tower Bridge and the manager agreed to let them stay if we wrote letters of permission with ID etc. This was great as it was only a few stops away from O2 arena and they’ve been and had a good time.

Thats brilliant - well done x

I don’t think you will get round this, even youth hostels will want them to be 18. For safeguarding reasons I imagine. Similar situation - I took a day trip to London, checked them in on the machines and went home. They had the cards to access the room then, no one took any notice.

Didn't you read the update right above your post?

Brilliant ..well done for asking .
Glad it all came together.

well what do you think. ?