My daughter is 18 this year and wants to go to New York in September for a four-day break with a friend who will also be 18. But a lot of hotels will only accommodate over-21s and she does not want to go down the youth hostel route because it is a special occasion. Where can I get a list of hotels that would be suitable ? Paul Kilford, via e-mail

Julia Brookes, The Times Travel Doctor, replies: According to the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, minimum age requirements vary from hotel to hotel so there's no list to be had. Your best bet is contact the general manager or reservations manager of any hotel your daughter likes the look of and explain the situation.

Two hotels that do accept 18-year-olds and which she would probably like (if you're paying) are the extremely hip 60 Thompson, in SoHo, and its new and cheaper sister Smyth Tribeca. But because the minimum drinking age in NY is 21 the hotels would remove booze from the minibar in their rooms and advise their bars and restaurants not to serve them alcohol.

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