Typically, 18 is the minimum age to check into a hotel. However, some accommodations demand that visitors be at least 21 years old.
The minimum age to check into a hotel in the US varies by state and general area. In most places, this is 18; however, in party hotspots like Miami Beach or Las Vegas, it is 21.
In this article, I will tell you how to book a hotel room at 18. I’ll also tell you which hotels accept 18-year-olds and what documents you need.
Can An 18-Year-Old Check Into A Hotel?
In most cases, the age requirement to check into a hotel is 18. However, some accommodations demand that visitors be at least 21 years old.
The first thing people do when planning a trip is looking at affordable hotels. And that is even more true for the younger generation.
Young adults and teens frequently travel. Children under the age of 18 travel 3.5 times on average per day.
Although there are some exceptions, most hotels only let guests at least 18 years old check-in. There should be a person over 18 years old with any person under 18.
Some hotels may raise the minimum age to 21 in a few circumstances. Others may still permit 18-year-olds to check in.
If you’re a minor trying to check into a hotel, you might be able to negotiate an exception, but this is extraordinarily uncommon and puts the hotel at risk. If you check in with a companion older than the required age, that is the most likely exception that can be made.
Who Sets The Minimum Age Policy At Hotels?
Hotels and resorts establish minimum age requirements to protect their businesses from liability. Hotel guests must be at least 18 years old in the United States because checking in is the equivalent of signing a contract.
To book and check into a hotel room on your own, most hotel chains require that you be at least 18 years old. A few hotels need guests to be at least 21 years old.
The majority of hotels have minibars in their rooms. A minimum age requirement of 18 reduces the likelihood that hotels will be held liable for guests who are underage and consume alcohol from the minibar.
Hotels could be held liable for any mishaps while underage guests stay there. When establishing a minimum age requirement, hotels consider factors such as the ability to make a legally binding contract, local laws, and the availability of alcohol.
The best course of action is to call the hotel you want to stay at and ask about their check-in requirements because age restrictions vary from one establishment to another.
Minimum age to book a hotel in every state
| State | Minimum Age To Book Hotel |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 |
| Alaska | 18 |
| Arizona | 18 |
| Arkansas | 18 |
| California | 18 |
| Colorado | 21 |
| Connecticut | 18 |
| Delaware | 18 |
| Florida | 18 |
| Georgia | 18 |
| Hawaii | 18 |
| Idaho | 18 |
| Illinois | 18 |
| Indiana | 21 |
| Iowa | 18 |
| Kansas | 18 |
| Kentucky | 18 |
| Louisiana | 21 |
| Maine | 18 |
| Maryland | 18 |
| Massachusetts | 18 |
| Michigan | 18 |
| Minnesota | 18 |
| Mississippi | 18 |
| Missouri | 18 |
| Montana | 18 |
| Nebraska | 18 |
| Nevada | 18 |
| New Hampshire | 18 |
| New Jersey | 18 |
| New Mexico | 18 |
| New York | 18 |
| North Carolina | 21 |
| North Dakota | 18 |
| Ohio | 18 |
| Oklahoma | 18 |
| Oregon | 18 |
| Pennsylvania | 18 |
| Rhode Island | 18 |
| South Carolina | 18 |
| South Dakota | 18 |
| Tennessee | 18 |
| Texas | 18 |
| Utah | 18 |
| Vermont | 18 |
| Virginia | 18 |
| Washington | 18 |
| West Virginia | 18 |
| Wisconsin | 21 |
| Wyoming | 18 |
Which Hotels Allow 18-Year-Olds To Check In?
Many hotels accept reservations from guests over the age of 18. I’ll tell you about some of my favorite ones.
| Hotels | Age requirement |
|---|---|
| Airbnb | 18 and above |
| Best Western | They don’t have a standard age limit across all locations. |
| Drury Inn and Suites | Some locations allow guests to check in at 18, while others require guests to be at least 21. |
| Four Seasons | Some locations allow guests to check in at 18, while others require guests to be at least 21. |
| Hilton Hotels | Minimum check-in ages vary by location. |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites | Some hotels will accept 18-year-old guests, while others require a guest to be at least 21. |
Policies may differ from one hotel chain to another or even between individual hotels within a chain, even in those that allow guests under 18 to check into the same chain. So, before making a reservation, you must call to find out if guests under 18 can check-in.
Documents To Carry To Book A Hotel As An 18 Year Old
You need identification documents to check into a hotel. I’ll list the identification you’ll need to fit into a hotel easily.
1. Government-issued ID card or passport
It is a way to confirm that the visitor is who they claim to be, and it aids in preventing fraud or identity theft.
2. Credit card
When you check in, most hotels prefer that you use your credit card. If you use the room while staying with them, this opens a tab for you. Additionally, it enables them to bill you for any possible damages later.
Remember to write down your booking number and full name because the receptionist will need them. It is also available on mobile devices.
The name on your reservation must also match the name on your ID or passport.
Final Remarks
Many 18-year-olds wonder if they can check in at a hotel. In this article, I discussed whether or not an 18-year-old can enter a hotel, which hotels allow 18-year-olds, and what documents are required to enter a hotel.
Here’s a quick recap.
Can You Book a Hotel at 18? Yes, the minimum age to check into a hotel is usually 18. However, some accommodations demand that visitors be at least 21 years old.
My name is Jeyn Dashner and I am the founder of WanderFever. I have worked as a travel journalist for many years, and exploring new places is my greatest pleasure in life.