Hotel allowed underage boy to book suite without ID, parents allege

Dubai: A five-star hotel is allowing minors to reserve suites without asking for any identification documents, the parents of a 17-year-old have complained.

They alleged that the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites allowed their underage son and his friends to book a suite and organise a Christmas party on Thursday. A DJ was in attendance and alcohol flowed freely.

The parents told Gulf News that the hotel allowed more than 50 teenagers to have a party in the suite. The youngsters were allowed to bring liquor to the room right under the nose of the hotel management. The children also arranged for a DJ to spice up the party and he arrived with all his gear. The hotel management, the parents alleged, were aware of this, too.

One of the aggrieved parents said the hotel did not even bother to ask the teenaged boy who booked the suite for a passport copy or a proper ID.

"The boy, 17, a pupil of grade 11, told the hotel that he would have a party in the hotel and that more than 50 or 60 of his friends would attend," said another parent.

"Such parties should be organised in a hall or restaurants or clubs in the hotel but not in private rooms. How were the children allowed to bring liquor to the room?" the parent fumed .

Advance payment

The teenager paid the hotel Dh 2,000 as advance and, when the party started, he paid another Dh1,000.

"The cost of the suite for one night was Dh 3,000," the boy who booked the room told Gulf News.

"I was not asked for ID and I told the hotel that I was going to organise the party," he said.

The boy said the hotel staff initially asked him for a credit card.

"The hotel then said it did not need the card and that I could pay in cash," the boy said.

He said the hotel staff were fully aware of what was going on and that the teenagers were getting together for a party. "They let us bring a DJ," he said.

He said that two hours after the party began, they were asked to leave the hotel. "We were making some noise, but the hotel knew it was a Christmas party," the boy said. "The general manager asked us to leave. He used abusive words against us. He cursed us and started screaming and swearing at us."

The boy said the manager accused the group of damaging the room and demanded damages. "I was dragged to Jebel Ali police station at midnight. I called my parents who came."

Investigation

He said police took his passport, telling him that they would return it only if he paid the hotel Dh12,000 for damages caused to the room.

Jebel Ali police said they are investigating the incident.

Bill Keffer, general manager, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites, said: "We are aware of this unfortunate incident and are cooperating with the authorities in their investigation. As a public place of business, we respect the privacy of our guests and associates. As always, the well-being and comfort of our guests is a top priority for us."

However, Keffer refused to comment on whether minors are allowed to book a room under their own name without presenting any identification documents.

Keffer also refused to comment on the rules followed by the hotel regarding the hosting of parties and on whether they were to be held in designated places or in private rooms in the hotel.