Age policy, kids and pets — what to expect
Raffles Boston is an all-ages luxury hotel that welcomes children of any age and accepts pets of any size for a non-refundable fee (service animals exempt). The standard minimum check-in age is commonly listed as 21 (some listings show 18), and the property offers babysitting/childcare for a surcharge as well as family-friendly pool access.
In this guide
Who can check in and what ID is required
Most booking sites and the hotel list the minimum check-in age as 21. Some third-party listings show a lower minimum of 18, so there is a discrepancy across sources.
Guests are required to present a valid photo ID and a credit card at check-in. The hotel asks guests to share expected arrival time in advance to smooth the arrival process.
- Common minimum check-in age: 21 (reported across Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and others).
- Some sources list 18 as the minimum — confirm when you book.
- Photo ID and credit card required at check-in.
- Standard check-in time begins at 3:00 PM; check-out is until 12:00 PM (noon).
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Minimum check-in age | Most sources: 21 (some list 18) |
| ID/payment | Photo ID and credit card required to check in |
| Check-in/out | Check-in from 3:00 PM; check-out by 12:00 PM |
Children and family facilities
Raffles Boston welcomes children of any age and charges guests aged 18 and above at adult rates. The hotel positions itself as a polished city base for families rather than a resort built around extensive kids’ programming.
Family-friendly touches are available and some services carry additional charges.
- Children of any age are welcome; 18+ charged as adults.
- Children’s games are noted among the property’s amenities.
- Babysitting/childcare is available for a surcharge — book in advance through the hotel.
| Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pool access | Indoor lap pool open to all ages |
| Babysitting/childcare | Available for a surcharge; reservations required |
| Children’s amenities | Children’s games available |
Pool, spa and age rules for wellness areas
The Guerlain Spa and the 20-meter indoor lap pool are on the hotel’s wellness floor. The pool and hot tub welcome guests of all ages and are listed as open daily with towels and loungers provided.
Spa treatments require reservations and the spa includes treatment rooms, saunas and steam facilities. Some spa areas or specific treatments may have their own age or supervision rules — check with the spa when booking.
- Indoor lap pool length: 20 meters; open daily (pool hours listed by the hotel).
- Pool and Jacuzzi: listed as available to all ages (booking.com/rafflesboston sources).
- Guerlain Spa: reservations required for treatments; has private hydrotherapy baths and saunas.
| Wellness area | Age/access notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor lap pool & hot tub | All ages welcome; towels and loungers provided |
| Guerlain Spa treatments | Reservations required; check age rules for specific treatments |
| Fitness center | Open 24 hours; equipment includes Technogym and Peloton — check staff guidance for minors |
Pets, service animals and fees
Raffles Boston states it welcomes pets of any size for a non-refundable fee per accommodation, per stay. Service animals are exempt from this fee.
Some third-party channels list a different pet policy, so confirm the current policy and fee with the hotel at booking or before arrival.
- Hotel-stated pet fee: non-refundable fee per accommodation, per stay (hotel source lists USD 150).
- Service animals are exempt from the pet fee.
- Because some booking sites show conflicting rules, call or email the hotel to confirm before arrival.
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Pet acceptance | Hotel lists pets of any size as allowed |
| Fee | Non-refundable fee per stay (service animals exempt) |
| Conflicting listings | Some third-party sites state pets not allowed — verify directly |
Room types and family sleeping arrangements
Raffles Boston has a range of room and suite types; room names include Deluxe Room, Premier Room, Grand Room, and multiple suite categories such as Premier Suite, 1 Bedroom and Raffles, Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom. Some room types offer two beds.
If you need two beds or a larger suite for a family, request a specific room type when booking and reconfirm with the hotel if you have particular bed or accessibility needs.
- Rooms with two-bedding options: Deluxe Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds); Deluxe Room (Mobility Access) and some hearing-access variants list 2 Queen Beds.
- Suites include Premier Suite, 1 Bedroom; Suite, 1 Bedroom (Emerald); Suite, 1 Bedroom (Gallery); and Raffles, Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom.
- All guestrooms include Raffles Butler Service as an included amenity.
| Room name | Sleep options (as listed) |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Premier Room | 1 King Bed |
| Raffles, Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom | 1 King Bed |
Dining, meals for kids and charges
Raffles Boston is not an all-inclusive property; meals are typically charged separately. Breakfast is available for an additional fee rather than being automatically included with room rates.
Dining outlets include La Padrona (Italian), The Blind Duck (speakeasy/cocktails), Long Bar & Terrace, Café Pastel (coffee and pastries), plus private dining and Afternoon Tea services.
- Breakfast is offered at additional cost (reported approx. USD 30–100 for adults on third-party sources).
- Restaurants welcome children of any age; children 18 and over are charged adult rates.
- Reservations are recommended for La Padrona and other popular outlets; check dress-code notes for La Padrona (smart casual/elegant evening attire encouraged).
| Venue | Notes |
|---|---|
| La Padrona | MICHELIN-recommended Italian; dinner hours and reservations recommended |
| Café Pastel | Coffee, pastries; morning hours (hotel lists 6:00 AM–2:00 PM) |
| The Blind Duck / Long Bar & Terrace | Cocktails and small plates; The Blind Duck holds Jazz Nights (Thursday) |
Practical tips for families traveling with kids or pets
Confirm details that can vary between sources: minimum check-in age, pet fee and pet rules, and whether breakfast is included with your rate. When in doubt, ask the hotel directly or your booking agent to note policies on your reservation.
Use these quick steps to prepare for a smooth stay with children or pets.
- Call or email the hotel to reconfirm check-in age and pet policy before arrival.
- If you need babysitting, request the service early — it is available for a surcharge and requires advance booking.
- If traveling with pets, ask about any room restrictions, nearby grassy areas, and whether extra cleaning fees apply beyond the stated non-refundable fee.
- For early arrivals or late departures, guests can use the Guerlain Spa, Writer's Lounge, or food-and-beverage outlets while waiting for rooms.
| Before arrival | Action |
|---|---|
| Confirm policies | Verify minimum check-in age, pet fee and breakfast inclusion |
| Reserve services | Book babysitting and spa treatments in advance |
| Room requests | Request specific bedding or accessibility needs on booking |
