Booking a hotel seems simple—pick a room, pay, and enjoy your stay. But what if you’re underage? Many travelers face frustration at check-in when they don’t meet the hotel’s age requirements, leading to last-minute cancellations and wasted money.
Hotels enforce minimum age policies to ensure legal responsibility for payment and adherence to rules. Without knowing these requirements beforehand, travelers can be denied access or face unexpected complications.
Understanding the typical age requirements, exceptions, and how to navigate hotel policies lets you plan ahead, avoid stress, and confidently secure your stay—no surprises at the front desk.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Book a Hotel?
i. General guidelines
- Most hotels require guests to be at least 18 years old to check in, as this is the typical legal age of majority and means you can sign a binding agreement.
- Certain locations and properties may raise the minimum age to 21 or even 25, especially in areas known for nightlife, liquor availability, or gambling.
ii. Regional & destination-specific rules
United States
- Generally, 18 is sufficient to check in.
- In “party destinations” like Las Vegas, Miami Beach, or spring-break hotspots, many hotels require guests to be 21 or older.
- In places like Key West, Florida, some hotels require at least one guest to be 25.
International differences
- Canada, New Zealand, and some other countries may require guests to be 19 or older.
- In Europe and many other parts of the world, the minimum is usually 18, but exceptions exist depending on the hotel.
iii. Hotel chain policies
Specific hotel chains often leave policy details to individual properties:
- Marriott: Typically allows check-in from 18, though some all-inclusive or adult-only resorts might require 21+.
- Hilton, IHG: No fixed age across all properties—check with the specific hotel.
- Choice Hotels: Generally require 19+ to stay alone, but many properties require 21+.
- Best Western, Wyndham, Radisson, Hyatt: Often require 21+.
iv. Booking vs. check-In
You can usually make an online reservation at 18 (or younger with a card), but check-in may be denied if you don’t meet the property’s minimum age requirement.
v. Real-world insight
From traveler discussions, many people confirm:
“Not all. You need to check the specific hotel. Most are at least 18 and a lot are 21.”
“Depends on the hotel. I work at a Hilton and our minimum age is 21.”
Some travelers mentioned workarounds like parents booking the room and arranging remote check-in—though these depend on the hotel’s discretion and may not work everywhere.
Summary Table
| Situation / Location | Typical Minimum Age to Check In |
|---|---|
| Standard hotels (US and internationally) | 18 years old |
| Party or alcohol-centric destinations | Often 21 years old |
| Some specific hotspots (e.g., Key West) | Sometimes 25 years old |
| Hotel chains vary by property | Ranges from 18 to 21+ |
| Booking online vs. arrival check-in | Booking may work at 18; Check-in may be denied if under requirement |
What You Should Do
- Always check the specific hotel’s age policy—look at their site’s fine print or call the front desk directly.
- Consider your destination—if it’s a nightlife-heavy area, prepare for higher age requirements.
- Bring valid ID and a credit card—most hotels require both regardless of age.
- Have a backup plan—such as adult supervision, alternative accommodations, or student dorms for young travelers.
Conclusion
In most places, you can book and check into a hotel at 18 years old, but some destinations and properties—especially those with nightlife, alcohol service, or special policies—may require you to be 21 or even 25. Always confirm the hotel’s specific age policy before booking to avoid surprises, and be prepared with valid ID and a credit card at check-in. Being informed ensures a smooth arrival and helps you focus on enjoying your stay rather than dealing with last-minute complications.
