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Original poster

Can two 15 year olds stay in a youth hostel? (in London if that makes a difference)

18 replies

emsiewill · 30/05/2014 20:24

Dd2 & her friend have tickets for the Summer in the City festival in London in August. We normally stay with my brother & family when in London, but very inconsiderately, they will be away on holiday at that time.

We don't really know anyone else in London well enough for them to stay with, so we are looking at Youth Hostels. They say the age limit is 16, but does anyone know how strict they are about checking ID?

Dd looks at least 16 if not older (has terrible trouble when buying child train tickets), & is sensible & street wise enough to look after herself. So I'm not concerned about her doing this, just don't want to book & pay for rooms for her to be turned away on the day.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of Youth Hostel policy? I know I stayed in one with a friend & my brother when I was 16 & he was 15, but that was (quite obviously) a long time ago when things were perhaps a little more lax...

TIA for your help.

OP posts:
Original poster
emsiewill · 30/05/2014 20:45

Bump...

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Original poster
emsiewill · 30/05/2014 21:41

Anyone?

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Original poster
emsiewill · 31/05/2014 07:48

Morning bump

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DrewsWife · 31/05/2014 07:51

husband is a londoner. he said no. he doesnt feel safe in London as an adult never mind teens. cant an adukt go with them. sleep over and just be there as back up

fridayfreedom · 31/05/2014 08:05

Think 16 is the age limit and they do check ID especially in London hostels.

fridayfreedom · 31/05/2014 08:10

Just checked, you have to be 16 or have someone 18+ with you.

Original poster
emsiewill · 31/05/2014 10:42

Thanks, I knew the age limit is 16, but it was whether they enforce it was the question...not sure about the safety aspect of it, but happy to take in board advice.

Dd's friend's dad lives in London, so I'm hoping he will be able to accommodate them, but dd says "it's complicated".

We aren't free that weekend to go with them, so that's not going to work.

Will keep thinking.

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glorious · 31/05/2014 16:19

How annoying, that must be a new policy (or London specific) as I stayed in tonnes of hostels alone or with friends before I was 16. Such a shame that's not possible now.

glorious · 31/05/2014 16:20

Btw I don't think London is any more dangerous than any other large city here for a tourist Smile

DrewsWife · 31/05/2014 16:25

I dont think it is either, but they are 15 not 18. and im sorry but I saw Taken at the cinema!!! Shock

Original poster
emsiewill · 31/05/2014 19:11

I don't think any possible danger would be more in London than here in South Wales where we live (last year we had a drive-by shooting outside our house Shock), but I think it would be dangerous for dd & her friend to be turned away with nowhere to go, so would rather know now if it's not going to be possible.

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mary21 · 01/06/2014 11:41

From what I can remember they check your yha membership on arrival or if you are not a member you fill in a form which includes your date of birth so they will need to lie. Or you will when they join yha.
Another option would be to book them into a travel lodge or similar . None of the options will act in loco parent is
When language students come to UK they get put up with families. Is there any kind of family stay organisation

mummymeister · 01/06/2014 12:48

travelodges, premier inns etc all have terms and conditions about under 16 staying without parents as well. its all to do with insurances, you cant get insured if people under 16 are staying without direct supervision. have a look at their t's and c's and you will see this is the case. sorry, but personally think there is no option but to send them with an adult, or to stay with an adult.

DurhamDurham · 01/06/2014 12:54

Drewswife......... Noticed you mentioned Taken. My two girls, 20 and 17 are off to Barcelona tomorrow and I keep reminding them about that film and pointing out that their father is definitely not of the Liam Neeson variety. I may have to shut up now as I fear I am taking all the joy out of their trip.

AreYouFeelingLucky · 01/06/2014 13:00

No, they won't get away with it at a youth hostel or a Travelodge in London.

They get less vigilant outside of London, but it's still a risk. You'd need a good backup.

MrsDavidBowie · 01/06/2014 13:05

Your husband doesn't feel safe in London drew? My teens spend their life there with no problem. I dont worry about them..they are 15 abd 17 .What is he afraid of?

ThingsThatShine · 01/06/2014 13:07

I assume you are joking about "very inconsiderately" on holiday!?

In pretty much every hostel I have ever been in you have to show your passport and fill in passport details, so no chance of getting away with lying about ages.

Original poster
emsiewill · 01/06/2014 20:16

Yes of course I was joking about my brother being inconsiderate & going on holiday!

Seems like the hostel (& had already ruled out a hotel) is a no-no.

Neither Dh nor I can go with them that weekend, we have guests here. Hopefully dd's friend's dad will be able to have them.

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