Can children be prohibited by hotels in law?
With the instant and not far from spring break, the problem is confusing that the range of California travelers is widespread – parents book their next family vacation and looking for adults without children to escape. The answer is complicated.
Problems broke out in February when Arila Maria Beach Resort, part of the Hyatt Empire, announced it would Exclude children from overnight gueststhus becoming a self-proclaimed “a adult-only beachfront resort in Southern California only.”
The move sparked debate on state laws and hotel obligations at high-profile waterfront properties and turned to other California hotels that do not include children. In the Palm Springs area, Colonial palmthis Fleur Noire, this Ingleside Manor and La Maison Palm Springs It is one of the places on the website that says they are only adults. The Whiskey Hotel opened in Hollywood on March 12, also promoting itself.
“We are only suitable for adults because that’s our vision,” said Alan Esparza, general manager of the Whiskey Hotel. Still, Esparza said in a pinch, “We’re the exception.”
The focus of the conversation is Chapter 51 The state’s Civil Code (Citizens Act) is designed to prevent discrimination from race, religion, sexual orientation and 10 other “protected characteristics.” Lawyers, industry veterans and consumer advocates cited the bill when they assert that banning children’s hotels is illegal.
However, Section 51 does not specify age as a protected attribute, and state officials do allow car rental companies to refuse rent to drivers under 25 years of age. But California courts have decided that Inruh Act prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to families with children.
Alila Marea beach resort in Encinitas.
(Alila Marea Beach Resort)
When asked whether it is legal to ban children from California hotels, a representative of the state’s civil rights department said via email: “The application of the law for age discrimination depends on specific facts and circumstances.” The state Attorney General’s Press Office also vaguely stated: “We cannot provide legal advice or analysis.” None of the agencies cite legal precedents or earlier cases.
With more clarity on state officials, industry veterans and consumer advocates advise families should be careful about ensuring hotel policies before booking. This could mean talking to the booking agent before booking online.
“I think there are indeed problems in the law” and children are prohibited. “I’m not sure why I haven’t been challenged before,” said Los Angeles president Jamie Court. commuterWatchDog.org. Hotels “are a place for public accommodation that you can distinguish based on family status.”
The court held that if the hotel does not retreat after warning, it should be the attorney general.
In a 2023 handout to its members, the California Hotels and Accommodation Association. Hotel operators warn that the Unruh Act “prohibits hotels from discriminating against minors based on age,” some accommodation operators believe that hotels have the right to refuse accommodation because certain young children or other minors may engage in misconduct. ”
Even if minors are not accompanied, the association wrote: “It is illegal to develop a package of policies.” But, the association said that if “it’s exactly why” the hotel “can refuse to accommodate individual children and their parents.” A spokesperson for the association declined to comment on any specific case.
Another industry veteran who was surprisingly well-known was Laurie E. Sherwood, who said: “My initial gut reaction was that hotels were places for public accommodation.
Many California hotels solve this problem by restricting children’s access without banning them. Some hotels, e.g. River Lodge Paso Robleschildren are officially welcome, but swimming pools and hot tubs are prohibited for those under the age of 21. Other hotels, such as Elite Post Ranch Inn In Big Sur, occupancy is limited to two people per room.
In a vacation rental property, families may find mixed information. Airbnb’s Non-discrimination policy U.S. hosts are prohibited from banning children or “collecting fees for guests of a specific age.” However, Airbnb hosts often describe its characteristics as “inappropriate” for children under the age of 12.
General Manager Richard Sorensen did not respond to a request for comment at Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, which recently banned children. Alila Chain is a high-end international sub-brand of Hyatt Hotels, including hotels Big Sur ((“In adult experiences of 18 years and older”) and Napa Valley (bookers say families allow families, but all rooms and suites are limited to two residents).
Meanwhile, some consumers have visited social media to talk about how children can ruin the hotel experience. Wowowlo written by reddit users Theme thread The child was just noisy and messy, and did not belong to a five-star hotel at all.
In addition to California, many destinations allow hotels to ban children. this sandals The resorts are all located outside the Caribbean Sea, making the lack of children a key part of their identity.
“There is definitely a need for a childless space, especially when we talk about things like honeymoons,” International Metropolitan Travel In Northridge.
