The recent announcement by Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas to become Southern California's "only adults-only oceanfront resort" has ignited a heated debate about the legality of child-free hotels in the state.
Several California hotels currently advertise as adults-only properties, including the Colony Palms, Fleur Noire, and Ingleside Estate in Palm Springs, along with the newly opened Whisky Hotel in Hollywood. However, legal experts and industry professionals remain divided on whether these policies comply with state law.
At the heart of the controversy is California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on various protected characteristics. While the act doesn't explicitly mention age as a protected attribute, California courts have previously ruled against landlords who refused to rent to families with children.
The California Hotel & Lodging Association has warned its members that discriminating against minors based on age violates the Unruh Act. Their 2023 guidance states it's "unlawful to have a blanket policy" prohibiting minors, though hotels can refuse accommodation to individual children with "just cause."
State authorities have provided limited clarity on the matter. The Civil Rights Department indicates the law's application regarding age discrimination depends on specific circumstances, while the Attorney General's office has declined to offer legal analysis.
Some hotels have found ways to restrict children's presence without outright bans. The River Lodge Paso Robles welcomes children but prohibits anyone under 21 from using pool facilities. The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur limits room occupancy to two people, effectively discouraging family stays.
Jamie Court, president of ConsumerWatchdog.org, believes these policies are "really problematic legally" and calls for the attorney general to address the issue. Similarly, travel law expert Laurie E. Sherwood suggests that excluding families with children from hotels - which are places of public accommodation - likely violates the Unruh Act.
As the debate continues, travelers are advised to verify hotel policies directly before booking, particularly when planning family vacations. Meanwhile, the growing trend of adults-only properties reflects an increasing market demand for child-free spaces, especially among honeymoon travelers.
The outcome of this legal gray area could have far-reaching implications for California's hospitality industry and set precedents for how hotels balance guest preferences with anti-discrimination laws.