Adults-only hotels: Kids can’t check-in

NEW DELHI: What do you look for when booking a hotel? Price, star ratings, location? For many travellers in the country, adults only is now becoming a filter that’s just as important as free

Wi-Fi

and complimentary breakfast.


Kids playing loudly in the hotel corridors or cannonballing into the pool, splashing water into a flute of champagne, can sour the travel experience of most people, including their parents. And hotels are taking note.

The Tamara Coorg, a boutique resort, does not allow children below the age of 12 on its property. “It’s because of the steep terrain of our property and unique experiences designed for our guests like treks, forest bathing, outdoor dining, and spa treatments. Guests often come for the serenity that is offered and leave calmer,” says Shruti Shibulal, CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences. Despite this restriction, Tamara Coorg has seen the number of guests growing.

Recalling her stay at Tamara Coorg, Pavithra Nagarajan from Bengaluru says the entire area was “super quiet throughout our stay, even though the place looked fully occupied”.

Globally, adults-only travel is seeing strong growth.

Boutique hotel

specialist, iescape reported a 30% hike in the use of the search term “adults-only hotel” in 2018. Chennai-based travel portal, Pickyourtrail, has recorded a surge in destinations like Maldives for child-free accommodation. “It is an emerging segment, and they are mostly evolved travellers who have already visited most destinations and are looking for exclusivity,” says Pickyourtrail co-founder Hari Ganapathy.

The no-kids tag is, in particular, advantageous for properties that want to attract honeymooners and couples looking to spend some intimate time together around customised experiences such as champagne tasting and couples’ spa. Even couples with children opt for these getaways as it gives them a chance to reconnect.

The Park Baga River in Goa, which only allows guests older than 18 years of age, is currently running at over 85% occupancy and offers private experiences to couples and young adults. “Personalised services like intimate inroom dining with wine, candles, chocolates and flowers make it tailor-made for adults. It is a perfect fit for bachelorette parties and employee retreats too,” says Saurabh Khanna, general manager, The Park, Goa. For a niche property like

Ananda

In The Himalayas, the country’s first

destination spa

, refusing admission to children below the age of 14 is essential to maintain its chief attraction — tranquillity.

But going child-free can be tricky in India. Shimla’s iconic luxury heritage hotel, Wildflower Hall, recently revoked the rule disallowing children below the age of 10 years because of the backlash it faced. Located at an altitude of 8,250 feet, the hotel still discourages them, citing safety concerns.

Kiran Manral, author of 13 Steps to Bloody Good Parenting, is against the concept because she believes that public spaces must be inclusive of kids. “While safety is definitely an accepted reason for resorts to keep the children away from their property, it is unfair that some do it to just cater to honeymooners or people looking for a retreat,” she says.

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