Parents book air-conditioned hotels to keep babies safe during UK heatwave
During the UK heatwave, families with newborns are booking hotel rooms with air conditioning as they struggle to keep their homes cool enough for infants to sleep, with hotel occupancy and searches for filtered rooms surging.
As the UK experiences one of its hottest weeks on record, with temperatures reaching 36.9°C, hotels are seeing a surge in demand for air-conditioned rooms, particularly from families with newborn babies who cannot keep their homes cool enough for safe sleep.
Booking.com data shows that since June 1, the share of searches using the “air-conditioning” filter has tripled across Great Britain. Payment company Adyen reports that UK hotel revenue increased by 34% from June 22 to 25 compared to the same period in 2025, based on authorised transactions.
Heartwood Inns, which runs pubs with rooms across the UK, reported 86% occupancy this week, with many sites at capacity. About a third of callers ask whether rooms have air conditioning before booking. The chain noted a rise in inquiries from parents with newborns after they struggled to keep their homes cool.
Dean Culpan, general manager of Templeton Garden hotel in London, said the heatwave has driven a noticeable increase in demand, with the hotel operating at full capacity. Guests are seeking cool, comfortable spaces to relax, work remotely and escape the city heat, either in air-conditioned interiors or in the private garden, which has become an oasis. There has also been a significant rise in terrace dining and drinks.
Gemma Jones, hotel operations manager at The Feathers in Woodstock, said the heatwave has impacted booking behaviour, with an increase in last-minute bookings. Occupancy rose from 74% to 81% this week, and several guests specifically ask about air conditioning before confirming. Jones said air-conditioned bedrooms have become a real selling point. Several guests told her they choose a hotel stay over home because they know they can escape the heat. Many bookings come from couples living nearby seeking impromptu getaways, and more guests are extending one-night stays into two or more nights.
