Planning a trip is exciting, whether it’s a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a fun trip with friends. But one question that often pops up, especially for younger travelers, is: How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Hotel Room? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on various factors like hotel policies, location, and even the type of trip you’re planning. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about age requirements for booking a hotel room in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Whether you’re a teenager, a young adult, or a parent planning for your child, this guide has you covered.
Why Do Hotels Have Age Restrictions?
Hotels set minimum age requirements for a few practical reasons. First, it’s about legal responsibility. Minors (typically those under 18) can’t enter into contracts, and booking a hotel room is considered a contractual agreement. Hotels want to ensure that the person checking in is legally accountable for the room, any damages, or additional charges.
Second, safety plays a big role. Hotels want to maintain a secure environment for all guests, and younger guests may be seen as less experienced or more likely to cause disruptions (think loud parties or accidental damage). Finally, some hotels cater to specific audiences, like business travelers or couples, and may enforce age restrictions to align with their brand or atmosphere.
So, what’s the typical age requirement? Let’s dive in.
The Typical Minimum Age to Book a Hotel Room
In most cases, the minimum age to book a hotel room is 21. This is a common standard across the United States and many other countries. However, this can vary depending on the hotel, the chain, or even the specific location. Some hotels allow guests as young as 18 to book, while others, especially luxury or resort-style hotels, may require guests to be 25 or older.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common age policies:
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18: Some budget hotels, motels, or smaller chains may allow 18-year-olds to book and check in, especially in areas with a lot of college students or young travelers.
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19: Less common, but some states like Nebraska and Alabama have a higher age of majority (19), which can affect hotel policies in those regions.
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21: The most common age requirement, especially for larger hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, or IHG.
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25: High-end hotels, resorts, or properties in popular tourist destinations (like Las Vegas or Miami) may set the bar at 25 to discourage party crowds.
Why the Variation?
Hotel age policies aren’t set by a universal law. Instead, each hotel or chain sets its own rules based on their business model, target audience, and past experiences. For example, a hotel in a college town might be more lenient with 18-year-olds, while a luxury resort in Las Vegas might enforce a 25-and-up rule to maintain a certain vibe.
Age Requirements by Hotel Chain
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a look at the age policies of some major hotel chains. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and individual properties may have slightly different rules. Always check with the specific hotel before booking.
|
Hotel Chain |
Minimum Age to Book |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriott |
21 |
Some properties may allow 18 with restrictions; check with the hotel. |
|
Hilton |
21 |
May allow 19 in certain states; varies by location. |
|
IHG (Holiday Inn) |
21 |
Some locations allow 18, especially budget-friendly properties. |
|
Hyatt |
21 |
Stricter policies at luxury properties; may require 25 in some cases. |
|
Motel 6 |
18 |
Known for being more lenient, but policies vary by location. |
|
Best Western |
21 |
Some locations allow 18; always confirm with the hotel. |
|
Choice Hotels |
19 |
Often follows the age of majority in the state (19 in some states). |
Pro Tip: Always Call Ahead
Even if a hotel chain has a general policy, individual properties can set their own rules. If you’re under 21, call the hotel directly to ask about their age requirements. This can save you from surprises at check-in.
Can You Book a Hotel Room if You’re Under 21?
If you’re under 21, don’t lose hope! There are ways to work around age restrictions. Here are some practical options:
1. Have an Adult Book the Room for You
If you’re under the minimum age, you can have a parent, guardian, or another adult over 21 book the room on your behalf. Many hotels allow this as long as the adult provides their credit card information and signs any necessary paperwork. At check-in, you may need to show a confirmation email or a letter from the person who booked the room.
2. Look for Youth-Friendly Hotels
Some hotels, especially in college towns or budget-friendly areas, cater to younger travelers. Chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, or certain hostels often have lower age requirements (18 or 19). Do your research and call ahead to confirm.
3. Consider Hostels or Airbnb
Hostels are a great option for younger travelers, as many allow guests as young as 16 or 18 to book. Airbnb rentals also tend to have more flexible policies, though you’ll still need to be 18 to create an account and book. Always read the host’s house rules to ensure there are no age restrictions.
4. Travel with an Adult
If you’re traveling with someone over 21, they can book and check into the room, even if you’ll be staying there too. Just make sure their name is on the reservation, and they’re present at check-in.
5. Look for Special Circumstances
Some hotels make exceptions for specific groups, like military personnel, college students, or employees traveling for work. If you fall into one of these categories, mention it when booking or checking in. You may need to provide proof, like a student ID or military ID.
Age Requirements by Location
Hotel age policies can also vary by country or region. Here’s a quick look at how age requirements differ around the world:
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United States: Most hotels require guests to be 21, but some states (like Nebraska and Alabama) have a higher age of majority (19), which can affect local policies.
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Canada: Similar to the U.S., most hotels require guests to be 19 or 21, but some budget chains allow 19-year-olds to book.
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Europe: Many European hotels allow 18-year-olds to book, as 18 is the legal age of adulthood in most countries. However, luxury hotels may still require 21.
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Asia: Policies vary widely. In Japan, for example, 20 is the age of majority, but many hotels allow 18-year-olds to book. In contrast, some resorts in Thailand or Singapore may require 21.
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Australia: The minimum age is typically 18, aligning with the legal age of adulthood.
If you’re traveling internationally, research the specific hotel and country’s policies. Language barriers can make this tricky, so consider using a translation app or contacting the hotel via email for clarity.
What Happens at Check-In?
When you arrive at the hotel, the check-in process is where age requirements are enforced. Here’s what to expect:
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ID Check: You’ll need to show a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or passport) to verify your age and identity.
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Credit Card Requirement: Most hotels require a credit card for incidentals (like room service or damages), even if the room is prepaid. If you’re under 21, this can be a hurdle, as many young travelers don’t have credit cards. Some hotels accept debit cards or cash deposits, but this varies.
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Parental Consent: If you’re under 18, some hotels may require a signed letter from a parent or guardian, even if an adult booked the room.
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Reservation Confirmation: Make sure the reservation is in the name of the person checking in, or you have documentation from the person who booked it.
Tip: Bring Backup Documentation
If you’re under 21 and trying to check in, bring any documentation that might help, like a student ID, military ID, or a letter from a parent. It’s better to be over-prepared than turned away at the front desk.
Special Considerations for Minors (Under 18)
If you’re under 18, booking a hotel room is trickier but not impossible. Here are some scenarios where minors might need a hotel room and how to handle them:
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Family Vacations: If you’re traveling with family, the adult booking the room (usually a parent) will handle everything. You won’t need to worry about age restrictions.
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School or Sports Trips: For group trips, hotels often allow minors to stay if a chaperone (like a coach or teacher) is present and takes responsibility.
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Solo Travel: If you’re under 18 and traveling alone (e.g., for a competition or family emergency), you’ll likely need a parent or guardian to book the room and provide written consent. Some hotels may not allow solo minors at all, so call ahead.
Safety Tip for Parents
If your child is traveling and needs a hotel, book the room in your name and contact the hotel to explain the situation. Provide a credit card for incidentals and a signed letter giving your child permission to check in. This can help avoid any issues.
Common Questions About Hotel Age Requirements
Can I book a hotel room online if I’m under 21?
Yes, many booking platforms (like Expedia, Booking.com, or the hotel’s website) don’t check your age when you book online. However, the issue comes at check-in, where the hotel will verify your age. If you’re under the minimum age, they may refuse to let you check in, even if the room is prepaid.
What if I’m traveling for work?
If you’re under 21 and traveling for work, some hotels may make an exception, especially if you have a company credit card or a letter from your employer. Contact the hotel in advance to discuss your situation.
Can I use a prepaid card to book a hotel?
Some hotels accept prepaid cards for booking, but they may still require a credit card or cash deposit at check-in for incidentals. Check the hotel’s policy beforehand.
What happens if I book a room but get denied at check-in?
If you’re denied check-in due to age, the hotel may cancel your reservation and issue a refund, but this depends on their policy. To avoid this, always confirm the age requirement before booking.
Conclusion
Booking a hotel room as a young traveler can feel daunting, but with a little planning, it’s entirely doable. The key is to understand the hotel’s age policy, prepare the necessary documentation, and explore options like budget hotels, hostels, or having an adult book for you. By calling ahead and being upfront about your age, you can avoid surprises and enjoy a stress-free trip.