Adults Only Hotels: Why Some Hotels Don’t Allow Kids
Jul, 13 2025
Picture this: you’re soaking in a quiet infinity pool, no sound except the gentle splash of water and maybe the distant hum of a cocktail shaker. Suddenly, a child cannonballs straight into your personal space—so much for serenity. This is the kind of chaos some people want to leave at home when they travel, and it’s exactly why hotels slap that adults only sign out front. It’s not about being anti-family; it’s about carving out a different kind of experience. But how did this trend start, and what can you realistically expect from a place that promises no kids allowed?
What "Adults Only" Really Means—And Why Hotels Say It
The words 'adults only hotel' might sound loaded, but there’s nothing sneaky going on. These hotels set a minimum guest age—most often 16, 18, or 21—so they can craft a particular vibe. They usually don’t have playrooms, children’s pools, or family entertainment. When the first European beach resorts started tossing up ‘adults only’ banners around the early 90s, they were chasing honeymooners and couples free from work or parenting stress. Fast-forward to now, you’ll find adults only places in nearly every popular vacation spot worldwide, from Thailand’s laid-back islands to Spain’s sun-dazzled coast.
What do hotels really get out of this? For one, they tap directly into the massive market of travelers craving kid-free downtime. Ask travel pollsters, and you'll find that over 50% of couples say privacy matters more than most extras—spa treatments, bottle service, or even breakfast in bed. An adults only hotel makes it easier to deliver on those dreams. Less noise, more grown-up amenities, and no worries about stepping on stray Lego bricks in the hall.
Hotels also slice costs—they don’t need to worry about kids menus or liability for slips and slides. Staff can focus on running wine tastings, late-night parties, or luxury yoga classes at dawn, without worrying about little ears or early bedtimes. Want to play loud music at dinner? Light candles by the pool? That’s easier with a grown-up crowd. Sure, you’ll pay a bit of a premium—on average, about 10-20% more than a similar family-friendly spot—but many say it’s worth it for the calm.
Let’s look at who picks adults only hotels. There’s definitely the classic crowd—honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries or “babymoons.” But you’ll also find solo travelers who’d rather avoid a family-style buffet and groups of friends hunting for a hassle-free party HQ. Business events sometimes book out these properties for retreat vibes without interruption. Even parents take breaks here—surprise!—when they want to recharge on their own.
On the other side, what about the rules? Well, the minimum age is clearly spelled out in almost every booking confirmation—but there’s a wide gray area. Some hotels set the line at 16, figuring teens can handle themselves, while others say 21 to sync up with local laws about drinking and nightlife. Most will check your ID at check-in, and you can’t sneak your toddler past the front desk. A few rare places let in younger teens for “mature” events—think family weddings—but by and large, kids are a no-go.
It’s not just about pools and late-night cocktails, either. Adults only hotels often have a whole different design approach: quieter lighting, plush lounge areas without kid stuff, and rooms with sexy open bathrooms. Service is tilted towards romance—champagne reception, room upgrades for honeymooners, and spa treatments for two. The biggest chains in the space, like Sandals, Iberostar, and Secrets Resorts, are masters of the mood, while boutique properties try for quirky exclusivity. All told, adult only properties account for about 15% of all new luxury hotel openings in resort-heavy spots worldwide, a stat that’s been climbing every year since 2017, according to STR Global.
| Hotel Type | Average Minimum Age | Popularity (% of Resort Market) | Average Price Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults Only | 18 | 15% | 10-20% |
| Family Friendly | 0 | 70% | - |
| Mixed Age | Varies | 15% | 5-10% |
Why do people insist on adult only, anyway? The same reason they might book business class: the little touches and a gentler pace. It’s the extra 30 minutes by the infinity pool with nothing on your mind except the next round, or the freedom to talk loudly at midnight without feeling guilty. Big group? Book a suite or connecting rooms. Traveling alone? Enjoy the peace and a better chance of meeting other singles or like-minded grown-ups.
What To Expect at an Adults Only Hotel
If you’ve never booked one, the first surprise is almost always the peace. Corridors stay quieter, breakfast feels more like brunch, and there’s no screaming contest at the elevators. Adults only usually means clever design tailored to ‘me time’ or shared romance: think candlelit dinners, canopy beds, and spa menus straight out of a fantasy. Here’s what you can expect once you hand over your bags at check-in—no childproofing required.
Facilities get a glow-up. Pools often have swim-up bars instead of shallow ends, lounge chairs meant for sunbathing (not wrestling matches), and jacuzzis that stay open till midnight. Bars and restaurants rarely offer booster seats, so menus get bolder—more spicy, creative cocktails, fancier desserts, and grown-up flavors you won’t find in kid-centric resorts. You might see poolside yoga at dawn and music at dusk without worrying about “family hour.” Fancy a romantic dinner outdoors? Adult only hotels almost always offer more ‘private table’ options—sometimes on the beach, sometimes under the stars.
Spa treatments and wellness facilities get a serious boost, too. You’ll often find couples massages, outdoor showers, and private steam rooms, plus longer treatment hours. Daybeds and double loungers replace kiddie cabanas. Even room service is dialed in for privacy and fun—think late-night snacks, bubbly delivered on request, or personalized treats for anniversaries. Hot tip: If you want to get the best from these places, book ahead for the spa or any “special experiences.” The best dinner slots and treatments go early!
The entertainment calendar also changes. Adult only properties run theme nights—masquerade balls, dance parties, beach bonfires—aimed at adults who want to relax or flirt, not juggle childcare. Expect wine tastings, cocktail classes, and maybe even late-night live music. Forget parades of clowns or balloon animals. There may be adult games, cooking competitions, or workshops, but everything is tuned for grown-up laughs and connection. Even the resort photographers focus on glamour shots or couple memories, not family portraits.
But—and this matters—a grownup vibe doesn’t always mean wild parties. Some adult only hotels skew ultra-relaxed, while others lean party-central. This is where reading real reviews and scoping social media comes in handy before you book. Want silent yoga retreats? Those exist. Looking for clubs with go-go dancers? You’ll find those, too. It’s about choosing your flavor, not accepting a one-size-fits-all approach. Chains like Secrets and Breathless take very different approaches, so your pick changes the mood of your trip.
One thing you’ll notice is the crowd: not just the usual couples, but friend groups, solo travelers, and yes, even folks in their 50s, 60s, or beyond treating themselves. The atmosphere leans respectful, so pool shenanigans stay low-key. You’ll probably notice less random background noise and a quieter, more polished pace for everything from check-in to evening cocktails.
Rooms at adult only hotels sometimes surprise, too—they’re made for romance or solo chill, not wrestling with bunk beds. Peek into a typical suite, and you’ll see soaking tubs big enough for two, ‘open plan’ bathrooms, and balconies perfect for private sunset drinks. Lights are dimmer, linens are fresher, and you’ll find fancier toiletries (sometimes with cheeky extras, just saying).
Service tries harder to keep things effortless. Staff are trained for subtlety—room service that arrives quietly, check-ins moved along without fanfare. There’s often special treatment for birthdays, anniversaries, or even low-key proposals. It’s not unusual for staff to remember your name, your favorite cocktail, or your preferred seat at the pool, especially in boutique settings.
Now buckle up for the catch: all this romance, style, and serenity comes at a price, and most adult only hotels do charge more. You’re getting a premium experience, but you’ll need to budget for it. Most new adult only resorts opened since 2022, like the Xcaret Arte in Mexico or OBLU SELECT Lobigili in the Maldives, start at about 200-400 USD per night, but specials exist if you book early or go off-season. Here’s a breakdown of a typical day at a top-rated adults only resort:
| Time | Activity | Who's Attending? |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Yoga on the beach or spa massage | Solo travelers, couples |
| 10:00 AM | Brunch-style breakfast | Everyone |
| 12:00 PM | Sunbathing, swim-up bar cocktails | Couples, groups |
| 3:00 PM | Mixology class or private snorkeling | Friends, honeymooners |
| 7:00 PM | Candlelit dinner | Couples |
| 10:00 PM | Dance party, bonfire, or stargazing | Everyone |
Before you book, check the hotel’s website for special rules. Some properties require a dress code at dinner, or only offer certain perks to guests staying longer. If you're planning something special—a proposal or milestone birthday—let the staff know in advance. They’ll almost always whip up a surprise, whether it’s a private dinner on the sand or champagne in your room.
Tips, Misconceptions, and Booking Strategies
First off, don’t expect all adults only hotels to feel the same. Some are party spots, some are peaceful hideaways. The biggest misconception is that ‘adults only’ equals ‘party hotel.’ In reality, many target calm, romance, and even wellness. Always read plenty of guest reviews—search social media tags to get a sense of the vibe. Instagram, TikTok, and TripAdvisor are gold mines for real guest experiences. Search for hashtags with the hotel name; look at recent guest photos and videos. Are guests lounging quietly, or is there a DJ by the pool at noon?
Another common myth is that adults only hotels are “couples only.” Not true—there are plenty of solo travelers and friend groups booking these stays. In fact, many resorts have single rooms or friend-friendly suites. Some even offer meetups or hosted dinners to help guests connect in a relaxed setting. If you’re shy about traveling alone, an adults only hotel might feel more welcoming, because everyone’s there to relax, not herd kids. It’s also often safer, since there’s less chaos and more awareness among guests and staff.
When booking, pay attention to what's included. Adult only hotels often toast ‘all-inclusive,’ but that can mean different things—are dinners and drinks really unlimited? Does the package include the best spa activities? Check if room upgrades or late check-outs can be negotiated. Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel (instead of a big third-party site) gets you freebies like spa credits or airport transfers. Travel during ‘shoulder season’ (the gap between high and low tourist times) to snag deals and avoid crowds. Shoulder season varies by location—think May and late September for much of Europe, or October for the Caribbean.
One tip most people miss: sign up for hotel loyalty programs, even if you plan to stay just once. Adult only properties love rewarding repeat or direct guests with perks—like free room service breakfasts, welcome drinks, or extra spa hours. If you’re celebrating, always mention it; staff at these hotels often go the extra mile for honeymoons, birthdays, or anniversaries. Want to save? Check for package deals, flash sales, or even last-minute upgrades—hotels would rather fill a suite at half off than leave it empty.
If you have food allergies, mobility needs, or special requests, call ahead. Adult only hotels tend to be smaller and more hands-on, so they’ll usually work hard to accommodate. Communicate your preferences—if you want a quiet room away from the pool or an ocean view, ask early. It’s likely there will be fewer rooms, so first come, first served. You might even get a room tour on arrival if the hotel’s boutique-sized.
One final heads-up: policies on the minimum age can be strict. Even for weddings or events, underage guests often can’t stay on site overnight (but they might be allowed for a few hours with a guardian). Double-check before inviting extended family. If you slip and bring underage guests, be ready for possible penalties, from extra fees to refusing check-in—hotels take this rule very seriously, since their reputation (and insurance) depend on it.
Why does any of this matter in the big picture? Simple: people are picky about how they rest and recharge. Families still have tons of hotel options—they hugely outnumber adults only properties. But for travelers who want peace, grown-up fun, or a big romantic gesture, adults only hotels let you stake out a corner of the world just for adults—no apologies, no judgment, just the travel experience you want. And there’s no reason to feel bad about it. To each their own escape, right?
If you ever find yourself dreaming of a break where nothing stands between you and that cocktail except the sunset, you know where to look. The "adults only hotels" sign is both a promise and a little wink: this space, for once, is all yours.