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How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Hotel: Age Requirements for Booking Rooms

Policies · By The Wellesley Inn & Suites Team · 6 min read

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Contents

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When planning a hotel stay, check the minimum age for booking a room. In the US and most countries, guests usually must be at least 18 to check in without an adult.

Hotel policies vary, though. Some properties set their minimum age at 21.

Key Takeaways

  • Guests usually need to be at least 18 to book a hotel room.
  • Some properties set a higher minimum, usually 21.
  • International travelers should review regional laws, as they can differ.

Age Requirements for Booking a Hotel

Age rules are set by each property, and the legal age of adulthood differs by country. Young travelers should check the policy and bring proper identification.

General Age Policy

Most hotels require you to be at least 18 years old to book a room. IHG, for example, says most of its US hotels use 18 as the minimum to check in without an adult. Some properties set 21 as a house policy.

It’s essential to check with the specific hotel beforehand to confirm their age policy.

Hotels tie their minimum to the legal age of majority, which is 18 in most countries and most US states. That is the age at which you can sign a binding contract, such as a hotel room rental agreement.

A few US states set majority higher. Nebraska’s is 19, though Nebraska law still lets 18-year-olds who are not wards of the state sign binding contracts.

Government-Issued ID Requirements

When checking into a hotel, you will be asked to provide a government-issued identification to confirm your age and identity.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • State ID card

Your ID needs to be valid and clearly show your date of birth. Without proper ID, the hotel can refuse your check-in, even if you meet the age requirement.

Hotel Chain Specific Policies

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When booking a hotel room, you’ll find that age requirements may vary by hotel chain. It’s essential to acquaint yourself with these policies to ensure a smooth check-in experience.

Hilton: The minimum age is set by each hotel. Many use 18 and some use 21, so check the property’s policy page.

Marriott: Also set per property. Some locations require 18 and others 21.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group): IHG says most of its US hotels, including brands like Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, require guests to be 18 to check in without an adult. Some allow under-18 guests who are accompanied by an adult over 21.

Hotel ChainMinimum Age Requirement
Hilton18-21 (varies by hotel)
Marriott18-21 (varies by hotel)
IHGMostly 18 (varies by hotel)

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Age requirements vary by location, but 18 is common.

Choice Hotels: This includes Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, and Econo Lodge, among others. Most expect guests to be at least 18, but some hotels set their minimum age at 21.

Contact the hotel you plan to stay at for its exact age requirement. A valid ID is required at check-in regardless of the chain.

Checking in Around the World

A passport and a suitcase sit on the hotel check-in counter, with a sign stating "Minimum age for hotel check-in: 18 years old" displayed prominently

When traveling internationally, the minimum age to check into a hotel can vary. In most cases, you will need to be at least 18 years old, the most common standard age of majority. However, the legal age of adulthood isn’t 18 everywhere, and each hotel sets its own policy.

A few examples of how majority differs:

  • United States: 18 in most states, higher in a few such as Nebraska (19)
  • Canada: 18 or 19, depending on the province
  • Japan: 18, lowered from 20 in 2022

Some hotels abroad also set 21 as a house rule. Check the specific hotel’s policy before you book.

Regardless of destination, you must present a valid, government-issued ID upon check-in. This ID confirms your age and identity, and failing to provide it can result in denied check-in. It’s crucial to check the specific hotel’s policy and local laws before making a reservation to ensure you meet the minimum check-in age requirements.

Considerations for Young Travelers

A young traveler approaches a hotel reception desk, asking about the minimum age requirement for check-in. The receptionist explains the policy while handing over a brochure

When you travel as a young individual, understand that hotels have specific age requirements and policies that can influence your ability to make a reservation and stay without older companions.

Restrictions and Liability

Age Requirements: Most hotels require guests to be at least 18 years old to book a room. However, some require you to be 21 or older, sometimes because alcohol is stocked in minibars or available in the hotel.

  • Reasons for Age Restrictions:
    • Legal liability
    • Financial responsibility
    • Minimizing the potential for damage and disturbance

Documentation: Be prepared to show identification upon check-in to verify your age.

Payment: Most hotels want a card for the deposit. Card issuers generally can’t open a credit card for anyone under 21 without independent income or a co-signer, so ask whether a debit card works.

Children and Accompanied Minors

Booking for Minors: If you are under the hotel’s minimum age requirement, a parent or legal guardian must typically make the reservation for you.

  • Requirements for Accompanied Minors:
    • Children must usually stay with an adult.
    • A few hotels may allow older teenagers (16-17) to stay alone with written permission from a guardian, but this is uncommon.

Accountability: The adult making the reservation is generally held liable for any damages or incidents that occur during the stay. Ensure that the adult’s contact information is listed on the account linked to the reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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In this section, you’ll find concise answers to common questions about the minimum age requirement for hotel bookings in the United States.

Are there any states that allow 18-year-olds to check into hotels?

Yes. Most hotels in every state accept guests who are 18. Whether you can depends on the individual hotel’s policy, since some properties require 21.

Age restrictions are typically in place to ensure that guests are legally able to enter into a binding contract, which includes being responsible for any damage incurred during the stay and adhering to hotel policies.

Does the hotel age requirement vary by state or is it consistent nationwide?

States don’t set hotel check-in ages, so the requirement comes from each property’s policy. Most use 18, and some use 21. State law matters mainly through the age of majority, which is 18 in most states.

What identification do you need to present at a hotel if you’re a young traveler?

As a young traveler, you need to present a valid government-issued photo ID. This could be a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. These will be used to verify your age and identity when checking into a hotel.

Sources

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