finding childfree accomodations
 

While vacationing I often prefer to relax in environments that are free of obstreperous children and their stressed-out parents. I understand it's difficult for the providers of accommodations to discourage parents from bringing children to their establishments, for fear of offending the PC Police, but is there any way I can obtain listings of accommodations that favor childfree travelers?

Len, <BR> <BR>I do hope that you're wearing a suit of armour or that you have the skin of an armadillo! You'll hear it on this one! <BR> <BR>Your best chance of child-free accommodations are high class B&B's, or couples-only resorts that are in the Caribbean mainly. For instance, I don't know of a big child-free resort in Hawaii. <BR> <BR>Or rent a secluded home or cottage NEAR a big resort - so you can get away from the kids when you've had enough. Good luck!

I'm not sure of "listings" but Little Palm Island in Florida doesn't allow children under 16. Course they also don't allow phones or tvs, so you have to measure one sacrifice against another.

No offense taken! I am a mom & sometimes wish I could rent out my kids cheap - but no one would take them! As a mom with kids in school, we plan our vacation travels when school is out. So the timing of your trip to any site, during times when school is usually in session, will decrease your chances of running into families with kids. There are still those pesky preschool & homeschooled kids whose families are free to travel whenever it suits them, instead of by the school calendar, but can't control every variable!

Kona Village on the Big Island reserves 2 months a year, i am pretty sure they are may and september, for adults only. it is an amazing all inclusive resort next door to the new four seasons. we were there in october, while school is in session,and while there are kids, they have a very good kid program, one pool is unofficially the kids pool, and most of the families ate at the earlier dinner seating, so we didn't find the presence of the kids annoying at all. considering we were on our honeymoon, i think thats pretty good.

Can't you just ask the question, without taking potshots at parents or those who advocate compassion (whom you call PC Police)? Your quest is reasonable but your antagonism is unnecessary and gratuitous. <BR> <BR>In any case, ironically enough, I believe the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont (NH?) does not allow children.

As I was reading thru this string, I became increasingly impressed with the well meaning, non-judgmental, to-the-point responses one after another, such that I was getting ready to write a note of congratulations to the readers and writers....until I finally hit Cruella's note. Could be a troll note, I suppose. Regardless, Len didn't ask for anyone's judgment as to WHY he wanted the info he's seeking. So if people like Cruella don't like it, they should move on and spare the rest of us their space-wasting rants. If you have a problem with a corollary issue like travellers' opinions of others' kids, POST YOUR OWN QUESTION! <BR>Anyway, Len, as I see it there are two options, adults only resorts/hotels/BB's, of which there are several, esp in the Carribbean, California coast and New England; or stay, if an option, at more upscale properties. Kids, when around, rarely impress me as being obstreperous at such places. If I can find you a URL, I'll repost.

Len, I think you should consider areas such as New Orleans LA Provincetown, MA that tend to attract gay tourists. <BR> <BR>Although many gay couples do have children, most do not. My experience travelling to these areas has been that is a higher percentage of adults, who are definitely NOT 'stressed-out', as you describe in your post. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't include Key West in this list because more children tend to travel there with their families. <BR> <BR>I hope this helps!, <BR> <BR>Freddie

PC Cop and Len: remove the words "obstreperous," "stressed-out," "for fear of offending the PC Police" -- and even better without the entire eference to how difficult it is to discourage parents -- and you have the question as it should and could have been phrased.

But Cruella, even if Len chose to use the phrases "contemptible disgusting children" and "pitiful parents", that's not the point. Len's space is for people who have an opinion about places he might find childless accommodations. If everyone who disagrees with a poster's spelling, grammar, and background writes in to protest, the strings get sidetracked and hard to follow and become a waste of time to try to follow. <BR>If you have a problem with his verbiage, it's your problem. If you don't like it, don't post. Or write your own question. Why can't people just follow the rules here? Sheeesh!

Len, <BR> My husband and I never seek out a child-free place, but as I was thinking back on it - we usually end up in places with few families. We never, never stay in chains or large properties - especially places that offer "kid deals" like kids stay free or kids eat free. We prefer a small apartment type lodging that usually doesn't have a restaurant on the premises. We stay far away from family areas - Disney, Six Flags, Williamsburg, Destin, D. C. etc. And we never eat at fast food or family places. We also never travel in the summer or during spring break. Of course, when we do encounter families, it's not really a problem for us, but it is a lot more relaxing when we don't. <BR> <BR>I thought Freddie's comment about New Orleans attracting gay tourists was a hoot. Those of us who live in the Quarter agree that the crowds that come in for Southern Decadence (gay pride week-end) are so much better behaved and nicer to be around than those that come in for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, New Year's, Sugar Bowl, etc. The gay tourists and those that come here with families are by far the best visitors. <BR>As for Key West, all my gay friends LOVE it - they tell me it's "gay man's paradise", so I thought it odd that a lot of families go there - but I've never been, so I really can't comment on that. <BR> <BR>Good luck in your child-free travels.

Chris, I take your point but please notice my original post -- in that I did have a suggestion for Len (always amazed me re:Trapp Lodge -- Sound of Music must have been misleading!). <BR> <BR>However, there is a point to objecting to stereotyping, and why are children and parents any different than anyone else in that? What if Len had asked where he could stay to avoid mincing or flamboyant gay people, loud Italians, leering Hispanics, etc. etc.? As to following the rules, I don't recommend reading it but the "Florida Unsafe" thread is a perfect example of pushing the envelope of stereotyping offensiveness.

Nothing wrong with not wanting to be disturbed by noisy children but too many people forget that we were ALL children at one time!

I know I'll get flack from this but try Sonoma, Ca. When I recently tried to book a hotel room there they told me that my children are welcome only if they're quiet and don't run the hallways! (My kids are honor students and a bit shy but I was revolted and booked elsewhere).....Is Sonoma where you should take your secretary?

This executive secretary very much resents Cheri's "stereotyping offensiveness" above.

Cherie - I suspect that your attitude might be part of the problem that prompted the original question. Why were you "revolted" when a hotel employee told you that the hotel's expectation is that your children remain quiet and not run in hallways? That seems a perfectly reasonable request, especially since hotels are selling the use of rooms in which guests would like to rest.

Joan, <BR> <BR>I could not agree with you more! I would immediately book at a place if I knew they were so considerate of all the guests. (One of my pet peeves in life is children being allowed to run in buildings!) I wish more hotels would be so brave!

Len, <BR> <BR>May I suggest a good book entitled "The Curmudgeon's Guide to Child-Free Travel : Exactly How and Precisely Where to Enjoy Idyllic Grownup Getaways" by Jennifer Lawler. Also, amoung the better suggestions posted here are that you should avoid traveling during school breaks, and focus on upscale accommodations (the rich generally have fewer children, and people with children generally aren't looking for upscale accommodations). You can also use any of the many "where to travel with kids" books to your advantage -- each of these books is a valuable list of places you'll want to avoid. Joan, your response to Cherie was perfect. Cruella, get a life. <BR> <BR>

I was an Executive Secretary and I will not take my decent children to PreDetermined Meanies. You are all welcome to your opinions.....However, when your kids are accused not evaluated, perhaps you will think otherwise. Perhaps one day my wild kids will buy that ugly place.

Cherie, <BR> <BR>What on earth is mean about a hotel stating it's policy? They wouldn't have such a policy if it hadn't been needed! <BR> <BR>This world should be a real hoot when some of these little darlings start "running" it!