Discover what “free stay for your child” means, age rules, and top family-friendly hotels where kids stay free. Save more on your next family vacation.
Traveling with children can be costly, but many hotels offer a valuable benefit—free stays for your child. This means children under a certain age can stay in the same room with their parents without extra charges. However, not all hotels follow the same rules, and understanding age restrictions, room limits, and booking policies is essential for a stress-free stay.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- What does “Free Stay for Your Child” mean
- Age criteria used by hotels
- Tips for finding child-friendly hotels
- A list of hotels offering free stays for kids
What Does “Free Stay for Your Child” Mean?
When a hotel advertises “free stays for your child,” it typically means children under a specific age can stay in their parents’ room for free, usually without needing an extra bed. The goal is to make family travel more affordable and convenient. To take the double advantage of saving money with your child, find budget hotels.
However, this policy varies by hotel. Some allow only one child per room to stay free. Others may charge if an extra bed or meals are required.
Key Considerations:
- Include your child during the booking process to avoid being charged.
- Most hotels do not charge for children under 12 years, but this varies.
- Some hotels allow two adults and one child per room only.
Tip: Always check the specific hotel’s child policy before confirming your reservation.
What Age Is Considered a “Child” When booking?
There is no universal age—each hotel sets its own definition of a “child.” Here’s how it commonly varies:
| Hotel / Region | Child Age Definition |
| Budget Hotels (India) | Under 8 or 12 years |
| Mid-range Chains | Under 12 years |
| International Chains | Often up to 16–18 years |
| Western Countries | Under 18 years |
| India (General) | Usually under 12 years |
Some hotels define a child as under 6, 8, 9, or 12 years, depending on the property and location. Policies may even differ within the same hotel chain depending on the city or country.
What is the child policy of the hotel?
The kids can stay in the same room with their parents without any additional charges. If in case an extra bed is required, you have to pay extra charges as per the rules of hotel. The number of kids permitted for free stay depends on the rules of the hotel, but a maximum of 2. Kids can stay free in family-friendly hotels. Follow these tips to get luxury hotels at chip and enjoy your trip with your loved ones without spending more.
How to Find Child-Friendly Hotels
Not all hotels are kid-friendly. Some are designed primarily for business travelers or adults, while others welcome families with open arms.
Steps to Find Child-Friendly Hotels:
- Search “child-friendly hotels in [city]” on Google.
- Use filters like “Family Rooms” or “Kids Stay Free” on hotel booking sites.
- Visit the hotel’s official website to check child policies and amenities.
- Look for hotels offering kids’ meals, activities, and entertainment zones.
These features indicate the hotel is designed with families in mind.
You can also visit Treebo Hotels, which is a budget-friendly hotel in India
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Free Child Stay Offers
✔️ Read the hotel’s free stay policy—it varies greatly
✔️ Check the eligible age for free stays
✔️ Verify how many children are allowed to stay for free
✔️ Find out if meals are included or cost extra
✔️ Confirm if an extra bed is free or chargeable
✔️ Look for child-specific amenities (kids’ menu, play zones, etc.)
✔️ Book early—family rooms are limited and fill fast
How to avail a free stay for kids on MakeMyTrip?
• MakeMyTrip offers a free stay for kids under 10 years.
• To avail the free stay for kids, on the search page, add the city, guest, and guest details, including children.
• Tap on “All filters” and select the “Free stay for kids’
• Find the hotels with free stay
• Book the hotel
Can children under the age of 12 eat lunch and dinner free in a hotel?
Maximum hotels allow 2 children aged below 12 years to enjoy complimentary meals. This is the normal policy. But this is not always true. Some hotels will charge 50% of the relevant buffet price. But the policy varies greatly by hotel chain and specific property, with some offering free meals while others charge discounted or full price. So it becomes important to check the kids’ policy before booking a hotel.
List of Hotels That Offer Free Stays for Children
1. Fab Hotels (India)
- Children up to 8 years old stay free with parents.
- Only one child allowed per room, free of charge.
- Continental breakfast included at select properties.
- Check availability, as not all properties offer this.
2. Fern Hotels & Resorts (India)
- Children under 6 stay free without an extra bed.
- Kids aged 6 to 12 pay 50% of the adult rate without a bed.
- Extra beds are charged separately and depend on the room type.
3. WelcomHeritage Hotels (India)
- Two children under 5 years old stay free with parents.
- Meals for young children are included in the parents’ plan.
- Extra bed charges apply for children above 5.
4. Strawberry Hotels
- Two kids under 9 can stay free if sharing a bed.
- Children over 9 years are charged based on the hotel policy.
5. IHG Hotels (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, etc.)
- Up to two children under 18 stay free when sharing a room.
- Kids aged 11 and under eat free in many IHG locations (USA, Canada, etc.).
- Offers kids’ menus and fun activities for families.
6. Taj Hotels (India)
- Children under 12 stay free with two adults.
- Extra bed provided free of charge in most properties.
- Can save families up to ₹8000 ($100) per night.
7. Syncotel.ru (Dubai)
- Kids under 6 stay free without an extra bed.
- Ages 7 to 12 pay 500 rubles for extra bedding.
- Breakfast for kids is charged separately.
8. Centara Hotels & Resorts
- Up to two children under 12 stay free with parents.
- Free meals are included at select hotels.
- Features include kids’ clubs, playgrounds, and creative activity zones.
- Properties across Thailand, Asia, and the Middle East.
9. Choice Hotels
- Children under 18 stay free when sharing a room with parents or grandparents.
- Offers kid-focused attractions like zoos, theme parks, and waterparks.
10. Novotel
- Children up to 16 stay and eat breakfast for free when sharing a family room.
- Offers 50% off on a second room in select regions.
- Available across Europe and North Africa.
11. Extended Stay America
- Children under 17 stay free.
- Kid-friendly suites come with kitchenettes—ideal for long stays.
- Offers budget family packages and discounts.
12. Iberostar Resorts
- Free child stays are available seasonally, not year-round.
- Locations: Spain, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Montenegro.
- Offers kids’ pools, kids’ clubs, children’s menus, and playgrounds.
- Ideal for seaside family holidays.
Comparison table summarizing hotels, age limit, number of kids allowed
| Hotel Name | Age Limit | Free Meals | No. of Kids Allowed | Extra Bed |
| Fab Hotels | Under 8 | Yes (some) | 1 | Extra cost |
| IHG | Under 18 | Yes (under 11) | 2 | Varies |
| Novotel | Under 16 | Yes (breakfast) | 2 | Extra room 50% off |
Conclusion
“Free stay for your child” is a fantastic way to reduce travel costs when vacationing with your family. However, age limits, room capacities, and meal inclusions vary from hotel to hotel. Always read the terms, check availability, and choose a hotel that offers the right mix of affordability, comfort, and kid-friendly features.
By choosing wisely, you can enjoy a family trip that’s both memorable and budget-friendly.
FAQ
Q1: Do hotels in India allow two children to stay free?
A: Most hotels allow only one child to stay free. Some chains, like IHG and Novotel, allow two people, depending on the room and location.
Q2: Are meals included in free stays for children?
A: Not always. Some hotels offer complimentary meals for children (e.g., Novotel, IHG), while others may charge a separate fee.
Q3: Can I request an extra bed for my child at no additional cost?
A: Usually, extra beds cost extra, even if the stay is free. Always confirm with the hotel before booking.
Final Suggestion:
Have you stayed at a hotel where your child stayed for free? Share your experience in the comments!
By
