Do you want to travel but are worried that, as an adult, you won’t be able to book a hostel because of your age? Even though 18-year-olds are frequently permitted to book rooms and check in at many major national hotel chains, hostels, and Airbnb hosts, some individual hotels still set a higher minimum age. Please continue reading to learn more.
Why Must A Guest Be At Least A Certain Age To Check In To A Hotel?
You might be curious as to why this restriction exists before even thinking about whether you have to be 21 or 18 to check in. Hotels in the United States require guests to be at least 18 years old because checking in is the same as signing a contract. The hotel runs the risk of not getting their money back if a minor checks out without paying their bill, since it can’t enforce contracts with minors.
Second, lodging establishments could be held accountable for any mishaps that occur while underage guests are staying there. Hotels have an inherent “duty of care” toward their customers, regardless of age. In the case of an unaccompanied minor, this is even more serious.
Finally, you probably already know that most hotels provide minibars in each guest room. Hotels are less likely to be held liable for underage guests who consume alcohol from the minibar when there’s a minimum age requirement of 18. This is part of why some hotels insist that guests checking in alone be at least 21.
What Age Is The Minimum Requirement To Check Into A Hotel?
The minimum age to check in alone at hotels is usually 18. Since the legal drinking age in most other countries is 18, this rule tends to be close to universal outside the United States.
The legal drinking age in the United States varies by state. It’s 21 nationwide, but hotels in so-called “party destinations” like Miami Beach and Las Vegas will sometimes set a higher check-in age of 21 as well, even though it isn’t legally required. This shields the hotel more broadly from liability while guests go out and drink or party in the city.
Who Sets The Age Restrictions In Hotels?
Frequently, the individual hotel property makes the decision rather than the corporation. A few hotels let 16-year-olds check in while traveling, but they’re few and far between.
It really comes down to the specific hotel. It’s best to confirm with the property directly before booking, since policies vary even within the same chain.
Are There Age Check-in Requirements For Hotels Globally?
Europe, Canada, and Mexico all tend to follow the same standard of 18 as the minimum age to check in. If you’re heading somewhere else, it’s worth checking with your specific hotel ahead of booking, since local norms can differ.
What Hotels Can You Book At 18?
While some hotels don’t allow guests under 18, the good news is that many hotel chains do. At some properties, guests aged 18 to 21 will need to sign an “Under 21 Form” and agree not to have guests other than their own children in the room. Here’s how policy tends to look at a few major chains and platforms:
Airbnb
Anyone over the age of 18 can book on Airbnb. Hosts can set a different age requirement in the “House Rules” section of their listing, although it’s rarely done.
Hostels
For young people traveling on a budget and meeting other travelers, hostels are excellent options. Most hostels allow guests over 18 to book, since they cater to young travelers. Some may permit bookings with parental consent if you’re between 16 and 18.
Hilton Hotels
The age requirement varies by brand, but guests as young as 18 are welcome at many Hilton properties. Check the “Additional hotel policies” section of the hotel’s website for the minimum age at your preferred Hilton brand.
Hilton’s brands include Conrad Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Canopy, Curio Collection, Embassy Suites, DoubleTree, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites, Tru by Hilton, Hilton Grand Vacations, Waldorf Astoria, and others.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Policy varies by location. Some properties require guests to be at least 21, while others permit check-in at 18. Call ahead to confirm the age policy before booking.
Motel 6
While some Motel 6 locations set a minimum age between 19 and 21, most let guests check in as young as 18. There are some exceptions, such as guests with a valid military ID at certain locations. Confirm the age policy at your specific Motel 6 before booking.
Best Western
There’s no chain-wide age requirement at Best Western; each property sets its own policy. Some allow guests under 18, others require 19 to 21, and some require guests to be at least 21. Check the hotel’s website or call the front desk to confirm.
Marriott
Marriott doesn’t set a chain-wide minimum age; it varies by property. Most Marriott all-inclusive resorts allow guests under 18 to book a room, while St. Regis New York requires guests to be at least 21 to check in without a parent’s consent.
Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn doesn’t have a uniform minimum age across locations, so many welcome guests under 18. Call ahead to confirm the policy at your specific location. It’s also worth signing up for a Red Roof Inn Rewards card to earn perks on your stay.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham properties don’t share a set minimum age requirement; each hotel determines its own. Some locations, like Wyndham Cayman, require guests to be 21, while others allow check-in at 18. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts owns brands including Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Wyndham Grand, Registry, Dolce, Esplendor, Dazzler Hotels, Trademark Collection, Baymont, Microtel, Days Inn, Super 8, and Hawthorn.
Starwood Hotels And Resorts
There’s no set minimum age to book at Starwood, a Marriott subsidiary; it’s up to each individual hotel. In some locations, guests must be at least 18, while others set a higher requirement. Check the hotel’s website or call customer service to confirm.
Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts
Four Seasons doesn’t set a company-wide minimum age either. Some properties require guests to be 18, others set a different age. Contact the specific location you’re interested in for details.
What Should You Do If You Are Under 18?
If you’re under 18, checking into a hotel on your own is practically impossible. Since most states consider 18 the age of legal majority, contracts signed by minors aren’t enforceable, which leaves the hotel exposed to non-payment and liability.
That said, there are a few ways around this:
- Get written consent from an adult. Many hotels will accept written consent from a parent, guardian, or adult, often alongside a liability form the adult completes. Since hotels aren’t required to offer this option, call or email ahead to ask.
- Offer a credit card. Providing a credit card, even a parent’s, lets the hotel collect payment for the reservation and cover the cost of any damage to the room.
- Ask politely. If you’re close to 18, it can be worth a polite conversation with the front desk. Many hotels are more concerned about disruptive guests than age on paper, and a manager may make an exception if there’s no strict chain-wide policy and you can show you’re responsible.
Hey everyone! I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Colombia. I focus on places I know and love — mostly Colombia, Central America, and North America.
I’m all about discovering those hidden gems that don’t always make it into the guidebooks — think street food stalls, quiet little towns, underrated hiking trails, and the kind of real-life moments that truly capture what a place is all about.
Whether I’m wandering through vibrant markets in Guatemala, cruising across the deserts of the U.S., or hiking the Andes, I try to keep it real and useful — no fluff, just the good stuff.
When I’m not off exploring or writing about it, you’ll probably find me sipping too much coffee, editing photos, or dreaming up my next trip.
Let’s keep discovering and traveling smarter — one trip at a time.