Who doesn’t love travelling to new places?! Most people do. Exploring different hotels, experiencing unique stays, and waking up in new cities is all part of the adventure for many travelers. But imagine arriving at your destination only to be turned away at check-in, simply because of your age!
While age requirement might not be the first thing that comes to mind while booking a hotel stay, knowing them is necessary. Because many hotels have minimum age restrictions for booking a room, which can vary depending on the location, hotel policies, and even regional laws. So if you’re a traveler and want to know how old do you have to be to get a hotel room, this guide has all the answers you need.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Hotel Room
How old do you have to be to book a hotel room can depend on the hotel’s policies and where it’s located. In most places, 18 is the standard minimum age for booking a room, but in some cases, particularly in the United States, hotels may require you to be at least 21 to be able to book a room. This age restriction is to stay compliant to laws for minorities.
Hotels in sensitive vacation spots or areas with nightlife tend to be stricter with age requirements and will check your ID at the reception. But smaller, family-run hotels or budget accommodations may be more flexible with age requirements, so it’s always best to check before booking.
Factors That Affect Age Requirements To Get A Hotel Room
The age requirements for booking a hotel room aren’t set in stone and can depend on different factors. Here are some factors that dictate these policies:
Location and Country Regulations: Different countries, and even states or cities within a country, have different laws for minimum age. In the U.S., many hotels require you to be at least 21, especially in major cities or popular tourist destinations, while 18 is more common in other parts of the world.
Hotel Policies: Usually chain hotels have consistent policies across their locations, but independent hotels may show more flexibility. Some hotels might set higher age limits solely to manage their high-end clientele, especially if they are famous among business or luxury travelers.
Type of Hotels: Different types of hotels have their own policies. For example, youth hostels or budget hotels have no problem with younger, underage crowd, while luxury hotels and resorts may have stricter age limits to maintain their reputation.
Local Laws: Some destinations with casinos, bars, or nightlife, like Las Vegas or New Orleans, have stricter age requirements, and typically have the minimum age limit of 21 to prevent minors from alcohol consumption and gambling.
Exceptions to the Rule
Of course, there are some exceptions to the age rule in some places. Here are some of those:
Parental Consent or Authorization: Some hotels can let go of the age policy if they have parental consent or a signed authorization form. This can be a credit card authorization from a parent or legal guardian. But bear in mind that hotels might call and confirm with the parents.
Traveling with an Adult: If a minor is traveling with an adult who meets the minimum age requirement, many hotels will let them stay without issue. This is only common for family vacations, where parents or guardians book and take responsibility for the room. In other suspicious cases, hotels might not allow minors to stay.
Group Bookings and Authorized Organizations: For school trips, sports teams, or other organized group bookings, hotels make exceptions as long as the group is accompanied by an authorized adult who takes responsibility.
What to Expect at Check-In
There are a few things you can expect during the process:
ID Verification: Hotels always require a government-issued ID at check-in to confirm your age. Make sure to have a valid ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card, to avoid any problems.
Credit or Debit Card: Hotels ask for a credit or debit card to cover the room charge and any additional charges. If you’re under 21, some hotels may need additional requirements, such as a higher security deposit, it all depends on the hotel’s policy.
Additional Rules and Restrictions: Some hotels may have extra policies for younger crowds, such as stricter noise rules, limited access to amenities like the bar or lounge, or policies against hosting visitors in the room. It’s a good idea to ask about any specific rules when checking in.
Final Words
Travelling is an adventurous experience, and small hiccups like not meeting the age requirement at your desired hotel can really impact the experience. And not positively. To avoid any last minute booking disasters, we recommend checking the age requirements of the hotel while booking so you’re not met with any surprises once you reach the hotel.