Can you book a hotel at 18?
Preparing adequately for your trip requires one to take into account the various rules applicable to hotels and accommodation venues across the world.
We can all agree that booking a hotel is a crucial part of traveling, but what if you’re only 18 years old?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think.
In this blog post, we will explore the age requirement for booking a hotel room in the USA and ways to book a hotel room at 18.
We will also discuss the reasons for the age requirement and provide tips for booking a hotel room at 18.
Knowing the age requirement for booking a hotel room is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Can You Book a hotel at 18? The Age Requirements for Booking a hotel
So, can you book a hotel at 18? The answer is YES and NO.
The age requirement for booking a hotel room varies depending on the country, state, and hotel.
In the United States, most hotels require guests to be at least 18 years old to book a room
However, some hotels may require guests to be at least 21 years old
The age requirement for booking a hotel room is usually in place for legal, safety, and liability reasons
Hotels want to ensure that they are not liable in case of any problems that may arise during the guest’s stay.
To be sure of a hotel’s age requirement, it is best to call the hotel directly before booking.
Why Do Hotels Have a Minimum Age Requirement?
Before you travel or you consider booking a hotel for your vacation, you may ask yourself why hotels in the USA and other countries have age restrictions.
Hotels have an age restriction for a few reasons namely:
Liability Reasons
Liability reasons are another important reason for the age requirement for booking a hotel room.
Hotels have to ensure that they are not liable for any damages or issues that may arise during a guest’s stay.
For example, if a guest under the age of 18 causes damage to the hotel room, the hotel may not be able to hold them responsible for the cost of repairs.
Additionally, hotels may have to comply with laws related to alcohol consumption and smoking, which may require guests to be of a certain age.
If a hotel allows underage guests to consume alcohol or smoke, they may be held liable for any legal issues that may arise.
Therefore, the age requirement for booking a hotel room is in place to ensure that hotels are not held liable for any damages or issues that may arise during a guest’s stay.
Legal Reasons
Legal reasons are one of the main reasons for the age requirement for booking a hotel room.
Hotels have to comply with legal requirements, which may vary depending on the country and state.
For example, in some states in the United States, hotels are required to verify the age of their guests
Failure to comply with legal requirements can result in legal action against the hotel.
Additionally, hotels may have to comply with laws related to alcohol consumption and smoking, which may require guests to be of a certain age
Therefore, the age requirement for booking a hotel room is in place to ensure that hotels comply with legal requirements and avoid legal. issues.
Responsibility/Safety Reasons
Safety reasons are another important reason for the age requirement for booking a hotel room.
Hotels have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their guests.
The age requirement is one way to ensure that guests are mature enough to handle any emergencies that may arise during their stay.
For example, hotels may have safety concerns related to the use of hotel amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and hot tubs.
Younger guests may not be aware of the safety rules and regulations related to these amenities, which could lead to accidents or injuries.
Additionally, hotels may have concerns related to underage drinking and partying, which could lead to disturbances and safety issues for other guests.
Therefore, the age requirement for booking a hotel room is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests.
Alcohol Consumption
Most hotels have minibars in their rooms.
Imposing an age restriction of at least 18 makes it less likely for hotels to be responsible for underage visitors who drink alcohol from the minibar.
Generally, hotel guests must be 21 years-old (or accompanied by someone 21 years-old) to check-in but age requirements vary.
Some hotels may allow 18-year-olds to check-in while other hotels, in more rare cases, may even increase the minimum age to 25.
The age restrictions are often property specific but state laws and local ordinances can play a role in dictating the age requirements as well.
Minimum Age for You to Get a Hotel Room
In general, the minimum age requirement for booking a hotel room is 18 years old, with some locations in the United States allowing guests to be as young as 16, while others require guests to be at least 21.
However, the age requirement may vary depending on the hotel’s policy, location, and legal requirements.
To book a hotel room, guests must have a valid government-issued photo ID and a valid credit or debit card.
It is essential to check the hotel’s age requirement before booking to avoid any issues during check-in.
Some hotels may make exceptions to the minimum age requirement if parents or legal guardians put the reservation under their name and credit card.
Table Showing the Minimum Age to Book a Hotel in Every State in USA
| USA State | Minimum Age Required to Book a Hotel |
| Alabama | 19 |
| Texas | 18 |
| Arizona | 18 |
| Tennessee | 18 |
| Colorado | 18 |
| California | 18 |
| West Virginia | 18 |
| Idaho | 18 |
| Maine | 18 |
| Georgia | 18 |
| Indiana | 18 |
| Delaware | 18 |
| Washington | 18 |
| Hawaii | 18 |
| Iowa | 18 |
| Nebraska | 18 |
| Massachusetts | 18 |
| Louisiana | 18 |
| Florida | 18 |
| Maryland | 18 |
| Kentucky | 18 |
| New Hampshire | 18 |
| Pennsylvania | 18 |
| Mississippi | 18 |
| South Carolina | 18 |
| Montana | 18 |
| Kansas | 18 |
| Nevada | 21 |
| Michigan | 18 |
| New Jersey | 18 |
| Wyoming | 18 |
| New York | 18 |
| North Carolina | 18 |
| Vermont | 18 |
| Ohio | 18 |
| New Mexico | 18 |
| Oregon | 18 |
| Minnesota | 18 |
| Rhode Island | 18 |
| Missouri | 18 |
| South Dakota | 18 |
| Alaska | 18 |
| Arkansas | 18 |
| Utah | 18 |
| North Dakota | 18 |
| Virginia | 18 |
| Illinois | 18 |
| Connecticut | 18 |
| Wisconsin | 18 |
| Oklahoma | 18 |
Why Are Minors Not Allowed to Book a hotel?
Minors are not allowed to book a hotel room due to several reasons, including legal, safety, and liability concerns.
Hotels have to comply with legal requirements, which may vary depending on the country and state.
For example, in some states in the United States, hotels are required to verify the age of their guests.
Additionally, hotels have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their guests.
The age requirement is one way to ensure that guests are mature enough to handle any emergencies that may arise during their stay.
Liability reasons are also a concern for hotels, as they have to ensure that they are not liable for any damages or issues that may arise during a guest’s stay.
Furthermore, hotels may have concerns related to underage drinking, smoking, and partying, which could lead to disturbances and safety issues for other guests.
Therefore, hotels have to safeguard the well-being of minors within their premises and ensure that they comply with legal requirements and avoid legal issues.
Some hotels may make exceptions to the minimum age requirement if parents or legal guardians put the reservation under their name and credit card.
What Requirements are Needed When Booking a Hotel in the USA?
When booking a hotel in the USA, there are several requirements that you need to meet:
Age Requirement: In the US, the age requirement to check into a hotel depends on the state and general location.
While most hotels you can book at 18, states like Nevada that are often referred to as “party destinations” have a requirement of 21 to check in.
Identification: A valid form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport is typically required at check-in.
Payment Method: A valid credit card is usually required for booking a hotel room.
The card may be charged at the time of booking or at check-in.
Reservation Confirmation: After booking, you should receive a confirmation number or email. It’s a good idea to have this information handy when you check in.
Agree to Hotel Policies: When you book a room, you’re agreeing to the hotel’s policies.
This can include check-in and check-out times, pet policies, and cancellation policies.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to check the specific policy of the hotel you plan to visit.
You can usually find this information in the terms and conditions during booking.
Tips for Booking a hotel at 18
Research hotels that allow 18-year-olds to book a room: Before booking a hotel room, it is essential to research hotels that allow 18-year-olds to book a room. Some hotels may have a minimum age requirement of 21, while others may allow guests as young as 16
Call the hotel to confirm the age requirement: To avoid any issues during check-in, it is best to call the hotel directly to confirm the age requirement. This will ensure that you have accurate information and avoid any surprises
Bring a valid ID and credit card: To book a hotel room, guests must have a valid government-issued photo ID and a valid credit or debit card
It is essential to bring these documents to avoid any issues during check-in.
Book through a parent or guardian: Some hotels may make exceptions to the minimum age requirement if parents or legal guardians put the reservation under their name and credit card
Book through a third-party website: Some third-party websites may allow 18-year-olds to book a hotel room.
However, it is essential to check the hotel’s age requirement before booking to avoid any issues during check-in
Be aware of hotel policies: Hotel policies may vary by location, so it is essential to be aware of the hotel’s policies before booking.
For example, some hotels may require a deposit or have specific check-in and check-out times
By following these tips, 18-year-olds can book a hotel room with ease and avoid any issues during check-in.
Can You Book a hotel at 18? Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Stay Alone at a Hotel at 16?
YES, a 16-year-old can stay alone in a hotel.
However, the policies may vary depending on the hotel.
For instance, Travelodge’s terms indicate that you can only make a reservation if you are 16 years old or over.
If you happen to arrive at the hotel and are under 16 years of age, you will not be permitted to stay alone.
Some hotels like Premier Inn’s terms and conditions state that children under 16 are not permitted to stay in a Premier Inn hotel unless a parent or guardian is also staying in the hotel.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific hotel beforehand to understand their policies.
Are There Exceptions to the Minimum Age to Check into a Hotel?
Yes, there are exceptions to the minimum age requirement to check into a hotel.
The age requirement can vary depending on the hotel and location.
In general, the minimum age to check into a hotel is 18 years old if you travel alone.
However, in some locations, hotels require their guests to be at least 21 or sometimes even 25 years old.
In the United States, the age requirement to check into a hotel depends on the state and general location.
While most hotels allow bookings at 18, so-called “party destinations” like Las Vegas or Miami Beach will ask you to be 21 to check in.
Some hotels may have different age requirements for different properties.
For example, Hyatt’s terms and conditions state that you need to be at least 18 years old to use their site, but the minimum age to reserve a guest room at Hyatt is generally 21 years old.
However, this age may vary by hotel.
Marriott’s policy states that the minimum age to check into a hotel is set by the hotel itself.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific hotel beforehand to understand their policies.
Can a 17-Year-Old Stay in a Hotel Abroad?
Yes, a 17-year-old can stay in a hotel abroad, but it depends on the hotel’s policy and sometimes the country’s laws.
Some hotels allow 17-year-olds to stay with permission.
For instance, MEININGER Hotels state that 16 and 17-year-old teens can stay in a private room with their parents’ or legal guardians’ permission.
However, you need to ensure you have submitted to the hotel the relevant documents to allow an underage person to travel.
Unfortunately, without these documents, they cannot proceed to the check-in process.
There are also hotels where two 17-year-olds can stay.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific hotel beforehand to understand their policies.
Can You Be 18 to Book a Hotel in Vegas?
Yes, there are some hotels in Las Vegas that allow 18-year-olds to book a room.
However, the majority of hotels in Las Vegas require guests to be 21 or older to check-in.
Here are some examples of hotels that allow 18 to 21-year-olds to rent a room, as long as they have a valid ID and a credit card in their name:
Hampton Inn Tropicana: Although it may not be in the middle of all of Vegas’s beautiful debauchery, the Hampton Inn Tropicana does provide a free shuttle to The Strip as well as to McCarran International Airport.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Convention Center: Just one mile away from the Las Vegas Strip, the Embassy Suites is still well within reach of the many entertainment options that Sin City has to offer.
Hyatt Place Las Vegas: Located next to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Hyatt Place Las Vegas is a six-story non-gaming hotel that also offers airport and Strip shuttle service.
Skylofts at MGM Grand: Located on the southern end of The Strip, The Skylofts at MGM Grand provide a 24-hour personal concierge and butler service, in addition to the rooms that have bright, spectacular views of the entertainment below.
Please note that policies can change anytime.
So, be sure to call the hotel ahead of time to verify your young age is not a problem for them.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific hotel beforehand to understand their policies.
Can a 17-Year-Old Check into a Hotel in New York?
In New York City, the general rule is that hotels do not allow 17-year-olds to check in.
According to several top travel forums like TripAdvisor the answer is NO. 18 is the minimum age even for hostels.
However, there might be exceptions, and it’s always a good idea to check with the specific hotel beforehand to understand their policies.
It’s also worth noting that some universities, like NYU, may have arrangements or suggestions for incoming students who need temporary accommodation.
How Can I Check into a Hotel Without an ID?
If you don’t have your ID with you, it’s still possible to check into a hotel if you can provide alternative forms of identification. Here are some tips:
Gather What You Have: Consider what you have access to.
If you’re at home, gather any other forms of identification you might have.
Do you have any of these TSA-acceptable forms of identification?
- Military ID or Veteran Health Identification Card
- Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign IDs: Most hotels will accept any form of government-issued ID2.
However, some folks may run into problems when they present a non – U.S issued ID.
In most cases, hotels accept foreign identification documents.
Prepaid Reservations: Most hotels will still ask for identification for prepaid reservations made on such sites as Priceline and Hotels.com.
Age Requirements: Hotels often have different policies regarding the minimum age of a guest.
By being proactive, having alternative forms of identification, and working with the proper authorities, you can still make it to your destination — even without your ID.
To be sure of your ability to check into your hotel, it’s always best to call ahead of time and inform the hotel that you will be using a non – U.S issued ID.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific hotel beforehand to understand their policies.
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