
Looking for hotels that let you check in at 18?
Don’t worry, if you can book a hotel without a credit card, you can surely book a room if you are 18!
Right?
Well, not always!
A lot of young travelers, whether heading to a concert, college tour, or weekend getaway, run into frustrating age restrictions when booking a hotel.
While most hotels require guests to be at least 21, there are still plenty of hotel chains and locations across the U.S. that allow 18-year-olds to check in without hassle.
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In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where to find under-21 friendly hotels, explain why check-in age policies vary, and share tips to avoid getting turned away at the front desk.
By the way, make sure to read my guide on how to get free hotel stays. You may be able to save some cash on your next stay (wink!)
Table of Contents
How Old Do You Have to Be to Check into a Hotel?
The minimum age to check into a hotel varies depending on the hotel chain and location (state laws).
Generally, most hotels require guests to be at least 18 years old. However, some properties set the age limit at 21 or higher.
It’s important to check with the specific hotel you plan to stay at to confirm their age policy before booking.
Hotels that Allow 18-Year-Olds to Check In
Here are some of the most well-known hotels that allow 18-year-olds to book a room and check in on their own.
Hotel Chain | Minimum Check-in Age | Policy Type | Notes / Tip |
---|---|---|---|
Airbnb | 18 | Platform-wide | Some hosts may set higher age limits in house rules |
Best Western | 18–21+ | Varies by location | Call individual hotels to confirm |
Drury Inn & Suites | 18–21+ | Varies by location | Most allow 18+, but check directly |
Four Seasons | 18–21+ | Varies by location | Luxury hotels may lean toward 21+ |
Hilton Hotels | 18–21+ | Varies by location | Includes Hampton Inn, Conrad, etc. |
Hyatt Hotels | 21 (some 18+) | Varies by property | Majority require 21 |
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | 18–21+ | Varies by location | Includes Holiday Inn, Kimpton, etc. |
La Quinta Inn & Suites | 18–21+ | Varies by location | Often allows 18+ |
Motel 6 | 18+ | Mostly standard | Some require military ID under 21 |
Radisson Hotel Group | 18–21+ | Varies by location | Includes Country Inn & Suites |
Red Roof Inn | 18–21+ | Varies by location | Call specific location to confirm |
Marriott | 18–21+ | Varies by brand & location | Call ahead; includes Courtyard, Fairfield, etc. |
Millennium Hotels & Resorts | 18–21+ | Varies by property | Smaller brand, often 18+ friendly |
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | 18–21+ | Varies by brand & location | Includes Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, etc. |
1. Airbnb
Airbnb isn’t a hotel in the traditional sense but rather an online marketplace where you can book stays at apartment rentals and vacation homes.
And with so many Airbnb coupon codes and discounts, it’s easy to find great places to book without breaking the bank.
You only have to be 18 years old to book a stay at an Airbnb.
Sure, an Airbnb host can choose an older age requirement under the “House Rules” section, but that’s pretty uncommon.
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- Make your booking here.
2. Best Western
Best Western has a global network of 4,700 hotels in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide.
Best Western hotels don’t have a set standard age limit, so the age minimum required to check in will vary from location to location. That’s why you should be sure to call the location you plan to visit to ask whether they allow 18-year-olds to check in.
- Make your booking here.
3. Drury Inn & Suites
Drury Inn & Suites has more than 150 hotels in 26 states.
Drury Inn & Suites doesn’t have a set standard age requirement. This means that the minimum age for check-in will vary from location to location.
Some places will allow 18-year-olds to check in, while other locations will require guests to be at least 21 years old to book and check in.
Find a location you want to book and then call to ask what the age requirement is for check-in.
- Make your booking here.
4. Four Seasons
Four Seasons operates 124 properties in 47 countries.
There’s no standard policy in place for the minimum age of guests that are allowed to check in.
Some locations allow guests who are 18 to check in, but the age requirement at some properties is 21.
So, be sure to call the location you plan to stay at to ask what its minimum age requirement is for booking and check-in.
- Make your booking here.
5. Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels has 7,000 properties in 122 countries and territories.
It also has 18 distinct brands, such as Hampton Inn, Conrad, Hilton Garden Inn, and Waldorf Astoria.
There is no universal policy on the age of guests checking in. Some locations allow those as young as 18 to check in.
Find a location and then get in touch to ask about the age requirement at that specific property.
- Make your booking here.
6. Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt Hotels has 1,200 locations.
Hyatt operates many different brands, such as Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt House, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and Alila Hotels and Resorts.
While the minimum check-in age is typically 21, the policy can vary by location. So, call the hotel you plan to stay at to check what the age requirement is.
- Make your booking here.
7. Intercontinental Hotels Group
There are almost 6,000 IHG properties in more than 100 countries.
There’s no standard age limit across all of the company’s hotels.
Some require guests to be 21 years old, but others only require guests to be 18 years old to check in.
So, find a location you want to stay at and call the hotel to ask about the age required for guests to check in.
- Make your booking here.
8. La Quinta Inn & Suites
La Quinta Inn & Suites operates 914 properties.
Some locations will require guests to be at least 21 years old to check in, but others will allow those who are just 18 to check in.
So, call ahead at the location you plan to stay at to check the age requirement.
- Make your booking here.
9. Motel 6
Motel 6 & Studio 6 has more than 1,400 company-owned and franchised locations throughout the United States and Canada.
This is another hotel that doesn’t have a universal age policy. This means that you’ll find the age requirement is just 18 years old at some locations and at others, you’ll need to be 19 to 21 years old to check in, or 18 with a valid military ID.
Call ahead to check that the location you plan to book a stay with allows 18-year-olds to check in.
If you don’t mind budget motels, check out Cheap Motels Near Me!
- Make your booking here.
10. Radisson
The Radisson Hotel Group has more than 1,100 hotels. It operates a variety of brands, including Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Collection, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.
Although many Radisson hotels require guests to be 21 years old to check in, some places will allow 18-year-olds to check in. Just call ahead to ask at the location you plan to book a stay with.
- Make your booking here.
11. Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn is a discount hotel with 670 locations.
The company doesn’t have a universal age limit across the hotel chain, so the age policy varies across properties.
Some locations allow guests to check in at age 18, but others require guests to be at least 21 years old. Be sure to call ahead to ask about the age policy at the location you plan to stay at.
- Make your booking here.
12. Marriott
Marriott operates 30 brands and more than 8,000 properties across 139 countries and territories.
Some of the brands the company operates include JW Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Edition Hotels, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, Delta Hotels, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Vacation Club, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites, and Element Hotels.
Some hotels require guests to be 18 years old in order to check in, but other hotels will allow 18-year-olds to check in.
Be sure to call ahead at the location where you plan to book a stay to ask about the age required for check-in.
- Make your booking here.
13. Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Millennium Hotels and Resorts has 125 hotels in 22 countries.
There isn’t a standard minimum age requirement across all Millennium Hotels & Resorts locations.
Some hotels will allow 18-year-olds to check in, while others will require guests to be at least 21 years old.
Be sure to call the location where you plan to book a stay to ask what the age policy is for guests to check in.
- Make your booking here.
Las Vegas Hotels Near the Strip
While many hotels in Las Vegas require guests to be at least 21 years old to check in, many hotels will allow 18-year-olds to reserve a room, including:
- Bellagio Hotel and Casino
- Best Western McCarran Inn
- Carriage House Deluxe Suites
- Embassy Suites Convention Center Las Vegas
- Hyatt Place Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Club Hotel and Casino
- Las Vegas Marriott Suites
- Platinum Hotel and Spa
- Plaza Hotel and Casino
- Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
- Residence Inn Las Vegas Hughes Center
- Skylofts at MGM Grand
- Westgate Las Vegas
So, you do have a few options for booking a hotel room.
- Make your booking here.
Wyndham Worldwide Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Worldwide Hotels & Resorts has more than 9,000 hotels across 22 brands in more than 80 countries.
Its brands include:
- Baymont
- Days Inn
- Howard Johnson
- La Quinta
- Ramada
- Super 8
- Travelodge
- Wyndham
Wyndham Worldwide doesn’t have a standard age limit across all locations. While some properties do require guests who are checking in to be 21 years old, others will allow those who are 18 to check in.
Again, call ahead at the location you plan to book a room with to check the age policy for guests at check-in.
- Make your booking here.
35. Hostels
Hostels are a good option if you are on a budget, and many of them allow people as young as 16 years old to check in.
If you don’t mind staying in a hostel rather than a hotel, they can be a good option, particularly if you’re social.
36. Local Non-Chain Hotels
A lot of well-known chain hotels require guests to be 21 to check in. So, a good option is to try local, non-chain hotels.
Look for places like boutique hotels, local mom-and-pop motels, and smaller bed and breakfasts, as these may allow you to check in if you’re under 21.
FAQs About Hotels That Let You Check In at 18
Can I check into a hotel at 18?
Yes, many hotels allow 18-year-olds to check in, but policies vary by chain and location. Always call ahead to confirm.
Why do some hotels require you to be 21 to check in?
Hotels may require guests to be 21 due to liability, alcohol laws, or insurance policies. It often depends on the location.
Do I need a credit card to check into a hotel at 18?
Many hotels prefer or require a credit card at check-in for incidental charges, but some accept debit cards or cash. Call ahead to ask.
Are there hotels that allow 18-year-olds to check in without ID?
No. Almost all hotels require a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in regardless of age.
What hotel chains are best for 18-year-olds?
Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, and Airbnb are generally the most consistent in allowing 18-year-olds to check in.
Closing Thoughts
Many well-known hotel brands allow those under 21 to check in.
For most hotels, though, the age requirement for check-in varies from hotel to hotel, so be sure to call ahead at the specific location you plan to stay at to confirm its age policy.
The good news is that if the hotel you are interested in doesn’t allow guests under 21, there are plenty of other hotels near you that allow 18-year-olds to check in.
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