Age and kids policy: what families need to know
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is an all-ages resort that welcomes children and runs a Ritz Kids program for ages 5–12; there is no adults-only policy for general stays. Note the minimum age to check in is 18 (guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian) and spa and fitness facilities are restricted to guests 18 and older.
In this guide
Who can stay: age and check-in rules
The property accepts guests of all ages and markets itself as family-friendly. Children can stay in any of the guest rooms and suites once a parent or guardian has completed check-in.
The minimum age to check in is 18; anyone under 18 may only check in when accompanied by a parent or official guardian. Early check-in and late check-out are possible by request but are not guaranteed.
- Minimum check-in age: 18
- Under-18 guests must be checked in by a parent/guardian
- Early/late check-in: request only, subject to availability
| Policy | Who it applies to |
|---|---|
| Check-in minimum age | Guests 18 and older |
| Unaccompanied minors | Not permitted to check in |
| Early/late check-in | Request only; not guaranteed |
Family-friendly programs and supervised kids' activities
The resort operates a Ritz Kids Day Program for children ages 5–12 with activities such as pool swimming, beach exploration, arts and crafts, and s'mores. There is also a supervised Kids Night Out program with scheduled evening hours.
These programs provide structured options so parents can plan family outings or reserve some adult time, but availability, hours, and fees (if any) should be confirmed with the resort before arrival.
- Ritz Kids Day Program: ages 5–12
- Activities include beach exploration, pool time, crafts, s'mores
- Kids Night Out: supervised evening program (hours listed by hotel)
| Program | Typical ages |
|---|---|
| Ritz Kids Day Program | 5–12 |
| Kids Night Out | Varies (supervised evening program) |
Which areas are restricted to adults
Spa facilities (including locker rooms and many treatment offerings) and the Fitness Center are restricted to guests 18 years or older. Massages and many spa services are not available to minors.
Pools and outdoor family areas are available to children during published pool hours, but specific spa wet amenities and adult-designated spaces remain 18+.
- Spa facilities: 18+ (massages not available to guests under 18)
- Fitness Center: 18+
- Indoor pool: available to families during published hours (typically 7:00 AM–8:00 PM)
| Facility | Age access |
|---|---|
| Spa (The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay) | 18+ only |
| Fitness Center | 18+ only |
| Indoor pool | Open to families during published hours |
Room types and family sleeping arrangements
The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites that accommodate families, including room types with two beds and multi-bedroom Club Access suites. Examples include Coastal Club Access Room, Guest House Deluxe, Golf View Room, Ocean Room, and multiple two- and three-bedroom Club Access configurations.
Rollaway beds are available as an optional extra (fee applies), and larger suites such as Ritz-Carlton Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Club Access or Ritz-Carlton 3-Bedroom, Club Access provide more sleeping space for family groups.
- Rooms with two beds: many room types offer 2 Queen Beds options (e.g., Coastal Club Access Room; Ocean Room).
- Suites: One Bedroom Suite, Club Access; Ritz-Carlton Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Club Access; Ritz-Carlton 3-Bedroom, Club Access.
- Rollaway beds: available for an additional fee (optional extra).
| Room example | Possible bed configurations |
|---|---|
| Coastal Club Access Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Guest House Deluxe, Golf View Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Ritz-Carlton Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Club Access | 2 Queen Beds and 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds |
Dining with kids and meal coverage
On-property restaurants—Navio, The Conservatory, and Ocean Terrace—welcome families. The Conservatory offers daily breakfast and family-friendly hours; Ocean Terrace provides casual al fresco dining with fire pits that many families use at sunset.
Rates are not all-inclusive; meals and drinks are charged separately unless you purchase an explicit package that includes dining. Confirm children's menus, seating policies, and reservations with each restaurant before arrival.
- Navio: seafood-focused fine dining (reservation recommended; days/hours vary).
- The Conservatory: breakfast, lunch, dinner (daily); family-friendly.
- Ocean Terrace: casual, outdoor dining with fire pits; hours vary by day.
| Restaurant | Notes for families |
|---|---|
| Navio | Fine dining; reservations recommended |
| The Conservatory | Breakfast service daily; casual oceanview dining |
| Ocean Terrace | Al fresco seafood, fire pits; casual setting |
Practical tips for families (parking, beach access, gear)
Valet parking is available; self-parking is limited to Guest House stays. The resort also provides a limited number of complimentary Coastal Access parking spaces for public beach and trail access—ask the front desk for current details.
The Coastside Trail and nearby beaches (Pelican Point Beach, Poplar Beach, Half Moon Bay State Beach) are within walking distance or a short drive. The resort offers free bicycles for guests to explore the trail—confirm availability when you book.
- Valet parking available; self-parking limited to Guest House rooms
- Coastal Access parking: limited complimentary spaces—ask front desk
- Free guest bicycles: useful for Coastside Trail access
- No hotel-provided airport shuttle listed—arrange car service, taxi, or rental
| Family need | What to check with hotel |
|---|---|
| Parking | Valet vs. self-parking rules for your room type |
| Beach access | Coastal Access parking and nearest beach walk times |
| Gear rentals | Bicycle availability and tennis/golf reservations |
