What If I Book A Hotel But Am Not 21 Old?

Booking a hotel room seems like a straightforward task, but for young travelers, it can be unexpectedly complicated.

You might have your driver’s license, you can vote, but booking a hotel room at 18? That’s not always a given, especially in the United States.

Many hotels, particularly in popular tourist destinations or “party cities,” require guests to be at least 21 years old to check in.

This age requirement can catch young travelers off guard, potentially disrupting travel plans and leading to financial losses.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a spring break adventure, or your first solo trip, understanding hotel age policies is crucial.

This guide will unpack the complexities of hotel age requirements, explore what to do if you’ve booked a room underage, and provide tips for young travelers navigating the world of hotel accommodations.

Do Hotels Ask for ID?

Yes, hotels will always ask for a valid ID at check-in. While some might avoid directly asking your age due to anti-discrimination concerns, they’ll still require proof of identity.

If you don’t meet the hotel’s age requirement, your reservation could be canceled, and you might not get your deposit back. It’s another good reason to call ahead and double-check the rules before you make your booking.

Understanding Hotel Age Requirements

When it comes to booking a hotel room, age matters more than you might think. The concept of a “legal age of majority” plays a significant role in hotel policies.

This is the age at which a person is considered an adult and can legally enter into binding contracts. In most of the United States, this age is 18. However, hotels often set their own age restrictions that go beyond this legal threshold.

There are several reasons why hotels implement age restrictions. First and foremost is liability.

Hotels can be held legally responsible for what happens to their underage guests, which poses a significant risk.

Additionally, many hotels aim to maintain a certain atmosphere and reduce the likelihood of disruptive behavior, which they may associate with younger guests.

Age Policies in the United States

In the United States, the typical minimum age to book a hotel room is 18. However, this can vary widely depending on the location and type of hotel.

Many hotels, especially those in popular tourist destinations or areas known for nightlife, set their minimum age at 21.

Cities like Las Vegas, Miami Beach, and others along the Florida and Alabama gulf coasts are particularly strict about age requirements.

In these locations, it’s common to find hotels that won’t allow anyone under 21 to check in without an adult present.

The type of hotel also plays a role. Luxury resorts and casino hotels are more likely to have higher age requirements compared to budget motels or extended-stay properties.

Always check the specific policy of the hotel you’re interested in before making a reservation.

Age Policies for Specific Hotel Chains

Major hotel chains often have standard age policies, but these can vary by location. Here are some examples:

• Marriott generally sets its minimum age at 18, but raises it to 21 for some all-inclusive, adults-only resorts.
• Choice Hotels typically requires guests to be 19 to stay alone in most of its brands, but some properties require guests to be 21.
• Hilton and IHG don’t have standard policies across all properties, so it’s essential to check with individual hotels.
• Best Western, Wyndham, Radisson, and Hyatt hotels often have a minimum age of 21.

It’s crucial to understand that even within a single hotel chain, policies can differ from one property to another. Always contact the specific hotel you plan to stay at to confirm their age requirements before booking.

Also read: My Boyfriend 18 And I 17 Can I Check In a Hotel Together?

Booking vs. Check-in: Age Considerations

The age requirement becomes most relevant at the point of check-in, not necessarily during the online booking process.

When you book online, you typically only need a valid credit card to secure the reservation. The website may not ask for your age or may not verify it if you do provide it.

However, when you arrive at the hotel to check in, you’ll be asked to present a government-issued ID or passport along with your credit card.

This is when the hotel will verify your age. If you don’t meet the minimum age requirement, even if you’ve already paid for the room, you may be turned away without a refund.

What to Do If You’ve Booked Underage

If you’ve already booked a hotel room and then realized you don’t meet the age requirement, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take:

1. Contact the Hotel Directly

Reach out to the hotel’s front desk or management as soon as possible. Explain your situation politely and ask if they can make an exception or offer any alternatives. Some hotels may be willing to work with you, especially if you’re only slightly under the age requirement.

2. Seek a Refund

If the hotel won’t accommodate you, ask about their refund policy. If you booked a refundable rate, you should be able to cancel without penalty. For non-refundable bookings, you may need to appeal to the hotel’s goodwill or escalate to their customer service department.

3. Explore Alternatives

If you can’t stay at the hotel you booked, look into other accommodation options. This might include hotels with lower age requirements, hostels, or vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb (which often have more flexible age policies).

4. Age Policies Around the World

While this guide focuses primarily on the United States, it’s worth noting that age policies for hotels can vary significantly around the world.

In many European countries, for instance, it’s more common for the minimum age to be 18. Some countries in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa may have more lenient policies or may not strictly enforce age requirements.

However, regardless of the country, it’s always best to check the specific hotel’s policy before booking. Even in countries with no legal restrictions, individual hotels may impose their own age limits.

Tips for Young Travelers

Navigating hotel bookings as a young traveler can be tricky, but these tips can help:

Read the Fine Print

Always carefully read the terms and conditions when booking a hotel room. Look for any mentions of age requirements or restrictions. This information is often found in the “policies” or “important information” section of the booking page.

Consider Alternative Accommodations

If you’re having trouble finding hotels that will accept guests under 21, consider other options. Hostels, vacation rentals, and some boutique hotels may have more lenient age policies. Just be sure to verify the age requirements before booking.

Travel with an Older Companion

If possible, traveling with someone who meets the age requirement can solve the problem. Many hotels will allow younger guests to stay as long as there’s at least one person in the room who meets the minimum age requirement.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The topic of age requirements for hotel bookings raises questions about age discrimination. While it may seem unfair, hotels in the United States are generally within their rights to set age restrictions.

Unlike discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin (which is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1964), age discrimination against young people in public accommodations is not explicitly forbidden by federal law.

Hotels argue that these policies are in place to protect both the property and other guests. They have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and may view age restrictions as a necessary part of fulfilling that obligation.

Final Words

Navigating hotel age requirements can be a challenging aspect of travel for young adults. While it may seem unfair, understanding these policies and planning accordingly can help you avoid disappointment and potential financial loss.

Always research age requirements before booking, be prepared to present ID at check-in, and have a backup plan in case you encounter unexpected restrictions.

With the right knowledge and preparation, you can find suitable accommodations and enjoy your travels, regardless of your age.

Remember, as you gain more travel experience, these hurdles will become easier to navigate, opening up a world of exciting destinations and accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Happens If You Try to Check Into a Hotel with a Minimum Age of 21?

If a hotel enforces a strict 21-and-over check-in policy, you won’t be allowed to stay. Most reputable hotels in the U.S. require both a government-issued ID and a credit card at check-in.

In areas where regulations are less strict, or if you’re staying in a lower-end location, staff might be more lenient as long as they have a deposit from you.

2. How to Improve Your Chances of Booking a Hotel at 18?

Although it’s generally not recommended to book at a hotel that doesn’t openly welcome young adults, there are a few ways you might improve your odds.

Pre-paying for your room with a credit card can sometimes help, as the hotel will already have your payment secured. In many cases, the front desk staff might not even check your date of birth closely when you check in.

3. Can 18 to 21-Year-Olds Book an Airbnb?

Yes, Airbnb allows anyone 18 and older to book a stay. This policy is set across the platform, meaning hosts cannot change the minimum age requirement. When booking, you’ll need to verify your age with valid identification to ensure you’re meeting the platform’s guidelines.

4. What Happens If You Book a Hotel Under 18?

Technically, there’s no universal law that stops hotels from letting you check in if you’re under 18. However, most hotels want to safeguard their interests and ensure they can charge for any damages. Since minors typically don’t have credit cards to secure these potential charges, many hotels prefer not to take the risk.

5. How Old Do You Need to Be to Book a Hotel in the U.S.?

In the U.S., 21 is the standard minimum age to book a hotel without hassle. Some hotels do allow guests aged 18 to 20 to book, but this is less common. If you’re under 18, your options are very limited, and you’ll probably only find success with hostels or similar accommodations.