Marriott Hotel discriminates against children

Butterly. I think you are right in everything you say. In countries like Spain and Italy where children are included in nearly all activities they tend to behave better and become more rounded and less brattish. The more children are isolated from adults and normal activities, the harder their transition to adulthood. I say let's give the kids a break and let them enjoy their childhood. God knows its short enough. Let's include rather than exclude and leave the Marriot to the exclusionists.

Wow, certainly there are people out there who welcome that policy and do not like to have (supervised) children around. This is disturbing to say the least.

My generation has became so self centered that many of us not only want to remain childless, but also we feel unconfortable having to listen to other people's children when we want to relax. We do not realise that time will ensure that those screaming children will have to work more and harder and pay a higher percentage of taxes to support the increasingly ageing and childless generation of today.

I find that this policy does not do any good to the already bad name of Marriott as a hotel brand. I've tried the Sheraton, which is a turly beautiful hotel, but there is such a long waiting list, guess my child and I will just have to wait and be patient.

With the closing of the Palm tree Island, there is a shortage of places where small children can run around. Especially in this country you cannot walk safely in the streets due to the driving styles and lack of street lights and peatonal areas. Parks, such as Bidda are next to roads and a toddlers could easily step onto the road, which makes it very difficult for parents to relax. Whoever says that Qatar is a good place for families is wrong.

I am sorry but I totally agree with the Marriott and some other posters here - their policy is totally acceptable. I go to the Marriott because there are NO children and appreciate so much that they provide this restriction. the amenities for children are for guests only and it is well located between beach and pool so as not to disrupt relaxation. I love swimming and other clubs have no beach and too many sprouts cluttering up the pool and sqwaking you can't relax or have a decent swim. I am surprised you slagged them off as being dirty, having been a member for three years I find the staff great and enjoy the facility. As the hygiene standards don't meet yours then really the restriction is a secondary factor.

Having spent my first three weeks in Qatar at the Marriot hotel last year, I became thoroughly sick of thr place. Although, the pool and beach areas are nice, its all very sterile and there isn't much atmosphere.

I have a 10 year old daughter and I am looking for a beach club that we can both enjoy, where kids can have have fun too and where they can have a lemonade for less than 22QR.

Pity the Doha club is closing. Garveys is okay but there is no beach. The Sheraton is ideal but there is a long waiting list. Anyone got any suggestions that won't break the bank?

thing is, those facilities are there if a family comes to qatar and requires to stay at the hotel, it has baby pool etc for only that reason.

However i do suggest that you try garvys or sheraton

What a good thing this policy is. Have you ever considered that perhaps people would like to be in a child-free environment at times and here is the perfect opportunity. Like someone mentioned earlier in the thread: there are other hotels to go to.

I am a teacher and often dread going into town or to the gym in fear of seeing a child from my school/class shout out at you and then discuss you in front of his/her fellow classmates in school the next day! I often just want time in an adult environment, safe from the prying eyes of children (not to mention the regular screaming and tears and running around etc).

I have been on several ADULT ONLY holidays where only singles or couples are allowed. It is harmonious and very relaxing...just what the doctor ordered after a hard term at school!

THink of it in a positive way rather than negative. THey arent making a personal dig at you or your child - rather trying to cater for everyones needs I think!

Obviously you haven't seen the Marriott inside, have you? The facilities include a separate playground area and baby swiming pool, so the place was designed to be child-friendly but the policy must have been changed by local managment.

There is nothing wrong with some places not being child friendly but all hotels with a certain number of stars MUST be child friendly. IT is an international policiy.

Whilst moderate drinking I do not find offensive, I would complain about adults being loud or bad language even if I didn't have my child with me. In a public place adults should behave properly even when children are not around (!!)

Maybe there are people that prefer an adult enviroment, children do not have to be everywhere. Find a club that accepts children. Sure as you show up with a child, you will complain about the other adults being loud or drinking or language, etc around your child. There is nothing wrong with some places not being child friendly.

That's sweet, you know I'd love to meet sometime, I will let you know... But that's not the point...Is the actitude of Marriot and it's silly policy...

She is just over one year old :)

Btw Butterfly, if you want to come in to the health club (pool and beach) with your little one just let me know. You just pay guest fee and can used my name as a member who signing you in. Maybe we can spend a day in there with the kiddies.

I do find it entrance fee for 5 yo a bit to steep for 80 QR.

How old is your little boy/girl?

E, I will write a quick email to HQ.Good idea.

Novita, actually I spoke to Davina on the phone this afternoon and told her how absurd and discriminatory I found her policy. Her reply? If I want a family membership, I could go to the Ritz or Intercon. The Marriot aims to offer a different product, kind of adults only, to attract more customers. It's all marketing. But I have visited the facilities myself and have seen that they do have a separate children playground area and baby pool...!

Marriott as a hotel attracts a lot of business travellers mainly servicing the oil industry..and its post 10 PM business is doing well..No wonder families are not their priority...

I just started join marriot as single ladies, mainly because it is only 5 mins drive from our house. I did require to Davina Hassel the manager about family membership. She said they don't have it for now, and i did not push it any further since i know that mainly would be only me who using it most of the time.

Did you notice the fraction of the price for single ladies and single gent? I think guy have to pay alot more to join as a single guy membership. No idea why.

Complain to Marriott HQ.