Do Bed And Breakfasts Have Age Restrictions? [Are Children Allowed?]

Bed And Breakfasts
Written By Taz Zaidi

Do Bed And Breakfasts Have Age Restrictions?

Some bed and breakfasts have age restrictions.

In most countries, 18 is the minimum age to book a bed and breakfast as the primary guest (secondary guests may be younger than 18 if the primary guest is 18+). In some other countries (and parts of the USA), the minimum age to book a B&B is 21 years old.

In this guide, we’ll cover the age restrictions that could potentially exist at a bed and breakfast.

I’ll explain how age restrictions can apply to a bed and breakfast accommodation (based on local jurisdictions or a B&B host), whether children are allowed to stay in a bed and breakfast, plus whether B&Bs enforce upper age limits on their guests.

*Agoda.com is one of the best places to find and book a bed and breakfast. To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Do Bed And Breakfasts Have Age Restrictions?

Some bed and breakfasts have age restrictions.

The minimum age to book a bed and breakfast as the primary guest could be 16, 18 or 21, depending on the particular destination and host. The rules that a B&B must follow will vary based on the local law. For example, some jurisdictions require B&Bs to follow the same rules and regulations as hotels (including the minimum booking age). In other locales, B&Bs are classified differently than hotels, or may exist in a grey area (B&B hosts often live in the property). In such cases, the minimum booking age of a particular B&B could be set and enforced by the individual host.

Regardless of the local rules, those who are too young to book a B&B can typically still be part of a booking as secondary guests. For example, B&Bs may prohibit a person under 18 from booking a stay, but allow that person to be a secondary guest on a booking made by someone who meets the minimum age (if they check in together). There are various reasons why a bed and breakfast may enforce a minimum age. Typically, it’s to foster a peaceful atmosphere, as bed and breakfasts often attract smaller families and retirees - many of whom choose B&B accommodation for their calm ambience (especially in the case of staycation B&Bs).

So, what does all this mean for you?

  • If you’re 21 years or older, you likely won’t need to worry about being too young to book a B&B as the primary guest, regardless of the location.

  • If you’re between 16 and 21, search Google for, “minimum age to book a bed and breakfast in (destination)”, to learn the local law. Before you book on Agoda.com, read a listing’s house rules and description, in case it has an age restriction.

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Are Children Allowed To Stay In A Bed And Breakfast?

Most B&Bs welcome families with children.

However, some properties fully prohibit children, and others prohibit kids within an age range (for example, below 12). There could be various reasons why such a rule exists, including: valuable or fragile decor in the property, or the host hoping to maintain a setting fit for older, mature guests. Agoda.com lets you filter a search to find bed and breakfasts that accept children. Filter for “Guesthouses/bed and breakfasts”, and click “Family/child friendly” below “Property facilities”.

Do Bed And Breakfasts Have Upper Age Limits?

B&Bs typically do not enforce any upper age limits.

While some forms of travel accommodation (such as hostels) aim to maintain a younger demographic, bed and breakfasts tend to attract older guests, on average. The B&B atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and their services (tours, breakfast, etc.) often move at a slower pace than services in large hotels. Naturally, this often makes older travelers and B&Bs match well together.

If, for any reason, a bed and breakfast does enforce an upper age limit, this information should be clearly stated in the listing description for potential guests to see before they’ve booked a room. A B&B host should also notify any guests who are too old to stay in their property before they’ve accept the booking/request.

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

Bed and breakfasts typically aim to foster a relaxed, charming, stress-free atmosphere. This is why many keep a minimum booking age. To learn more about bed and breakfasts, explore our other guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

How To Find A Bed And Breakfast

Agoda.com provides bed and breakfasts for couples, solo travelers, groups and families. For today’s deals on B&Bs in your destination, click here. For a step-by-step guide showing you exactly how to find your ideal B&B, follow our B&B Booking Guide.

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Taz Zaidi [Author]
Taz Zaidi [Author]

Taz Zaidi is an American travel writer and the founder/creator of TRVLGUIDES.com. Connect with him on Instagram (@tazzaidi) or on his personal website, at tazzaidi.com.

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Taz Zaidi
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