14 Hotels You Can Book at 18 – Guide for Young Travelers

If you’re a young person, traveling as an 18-year-old can be met with certain inconveniences. One such challenge is the age restrictions imposed by many hotels around the globe.

In this blog post, we’ll explore hotels where you can check in at 18 and find out the possibilities for young wanderers. So, if you’re an adventurous soul on the hunt for accommodation as an 18-year-old traveler or simply curious about this side of the travel industry, read on. We’ve got you covered.

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Why Hotels Don’t Allow People Under 18 to Check-in?

The typical minimum age to check into a hotel is often 21 years old. This policy is influenced by several factors:

1. Amenities and Legal Age: Highlight how hotels, especially in regions with age-specific activities like gambling, set 21 as the minimum age due to legal requirements and amenities targeted at older guests.
2. Perceived Maturity and Behavior: Explain that some hotel owners might link younger guests to potential unruly behavior, preferring an older demographic for a more composed guest profile.
3. Legal and Licensing Concerns: Discuss how hotels face challenges like underage drinking, which could threaten their licenses, leading them to prefer guests over the legal drinking age.
4. Insurance and Business Decisions: Mention how insurance costs for hosting younger guests can be higher, prompting hotels to raise their check-in age as a cost-effective business strategy.

Hotel Check-In Policies Around the World

When planning a trip, one of the most important factors to consider is the minimum age requirement for hotel check-ins. Hotel policies regarding guest age can vary significantly from one continent to another. Before we hop into the actual list of establishments that welcome young travelers, let’s explore the hotel check-in policies around the world:

Europe: A Mix of Age Requirements

Outside of the United States, Europe generally welcomes younger travelers. In the United Kingdom, most hotels set the minimum check-in age at 18, though some may require guests to be 21. However, there are exceptions. For instance, Covent Garden Hotel in London has no official age requirement, allowing reservations even for 17-year-olds. Ireland, meanwhile, maintains a minimum check-in age of 18.

Throughout continental Europe, many hotels permit 18-year-olds to check in, and a select few even allow travelers as young as 16. Nevertheless, it’s essential to do your research, as a handful of countries, such as Turkey, may have stricter regulations, requiring guests to be 21 before checking in alone. It’s always wise to confirm the age policy when traveling internationally.

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Oceania: Youth-Friendly

In the Commonwealth countries of Australia and New Zealand, the minimum age for hotel check-ins is typically 18. Some Australian hotels go a step further, allowing bookings from 17-year-olds.

Oceania is a favored destination for gap-year travelers, and the ease of checking in at a young age adds to its appeal, particularly for those exploring iconic destinations like the Great Barrier Reef.

North, Central, and South America: 18 and Above

For the most part, travelers should expect a minimum check-in age of at least 21 when staying at hotels in the United States. However, when venturing beyond U.S. borders, the age requirement typically drops to 18 for hotels throughout North, Central, and South America.

In Mexico, where all-inclusive resorts are prevalent, an age requirement of 18 is often enforced due to the availability of alcohol. In Canada, the minimum age to check into a hotel room may vary by province, but in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, guests can typically check in at 18 years old.

Whether you’re a young traveler eager to explore the world or someone seeking accommodations for a diverse group, understanding hotel check-in policies is essential. While age restrictions can vary significantly, one thing remains consistent: it’s always wise to verify the specific policy of your chosen hotel or destination before you arrive. This way, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay, regardless of where your adventures take you.

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Hotels That Allow Check-in at 18

Discover these welcoming hotels that extend the privilege of reserving a room to 18-year-olds at select locations.

Hotel policies can be as diverse as the destinations themselves. To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, consider reaching out to the hotel’s customer service team at your chosen location to confirm the age policy before securing your booking.

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Historically, La Quinta has been a welcoming haven for 18-year-old guests. While some places might adhere to the 21-year-old age requirement, many locations might let you check in at 18. These rules can vary from location to location. 

Whether you’re on a road trip through North and Central America or seeking a comfortable stay closer to home, La Quinta’s 900+ locations provide a diverse range of options for you to choose from. As always though, it’s best to confirm with the branch before finalizing your plans. 

JW Marriott

Step into the world of JW Marriott, a brand synonymous with luxury and hospitality. Falling under the Marriott umbrella, this hotel chain is well-known for extending a warm welcome to its young guests. With their policy of allowing 18-year-old guests to check in, you can explore their vast empire of over 7,600 properties scattered across the globe. You can confirm more details here.

Hilton

Hilton is not just a hotel chain; it’s an experience. From the inviting Hampton Inn to the elegance of DoubleTree, Hilton’s 6,500 properties promise something for everyone. And, many of them are open to young guests aged 18 and above.

Best Western

Best Western is a well-established and renowned hotel chain that prides itself on offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere to guests, including those who are 18 years old and above.

With approximately 4,700 hotels worldwide, Best Western provides a broad range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and travel needs. However, before booking a room, it’s advisable to confirm with the hotel manager if you’re under 21 years of age.

Drury Inn

Drury Inn is a hospitality gem known for offering travelers a passport to cozy and comfortable stays in over 150 locations, most of them in the United States.

For young adults aged 18 and above, choosing a Drury Inn can be the key to an enjoyable and convenient getaway. However, policies can differ from state to state, so it’s best to confirm the age requirement from the hotel.

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Red Roof Inn

Red Roof Inn is your gateway to comfortable accommodations, and with over 650 properties scattered across the United States, Brazil, and Japan, they offer travelers the freedom to explore and experience their journey.

One of the distinctive features of Red Roof Inn is its policy that typically allows 18-year-old guests to check in, making it an attractive choice for young travelers and those seeking a hassle-free and inviting place to stay.

Holiday Inn

Red Roof Inn is your gateway to comfortable accommodations, and with over 650 properties scattered across the United States, Brazil, and Japan, they offer travelers the freedom to explore and experience their journey. One of the distinctive features of Red Roof Inn is its policy that typically allows 18-year-old guests to check in, making it an attractive choice for young travelers and those seeking a hassle-free and inviting place to stay.

Radisson

The Radisson Hotel Group boasts an impressive collection of more than 1,100 hotels globally. Among its portfolio, you’ll find a diverse array of brands, each offering a unique and inviting experience. These brands include Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Collection, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.

While the Radisson Hotel Group offers a wide range of options for travelers, it’s important to note that their age policies can differ from one hotel to another. Many Radisson hotels typically require guests to be 21 years old to check in. However, this age requirement can vary, and some locations may allow 18-year-olds to check in.

To ensure that you have the most accurate and current information regarding the age policy for the Radisson Hotel Group location where you intend to book a stay, we strongly recommend calling the hotel in advance.

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Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts

Crowne Plaza, as a valued member of the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) family, embodies the same warm hospitality ethos that defines the group. Located among the extensive network of 5,900 IHG properties worldwide, Crowne Plaza extends its welcome to guests aged 18 and above, creating an inviting and comfortable environment for travelers.

Motel 6

Motel 6 & Studio 6 is a well-known hotel chain with a significant presence, with more than 1,400 company-owned and franchised locations throughout the United States and Canada. However, what sets Motel 6 & Studio 6 apart is their unique approach to age policies, which varies from one location to another.

You’ll find that Motel 6 & Studio 6 does not have a universal age policy applicable to all their properties. Instead, they adapt their age requirements to the specific rules of each location. This means that at some Motel 6 & Studio 6 locations, the minimum age for check-in is as low as 18 years old. 

However, at other locations, you may need to be between 19 and 21 years old to check in. Alternatively, you might be allowed to check in at 18 with a valid military ID. As always, it’s best to check with the location you plan on staying at.

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Four Seasons Hotels

 For those seeking a touch of luxury, Four Seasons’ approximately 120 properties cater to discerning travelers with varying age policies. 

Hyatt Hotels

Hyatt’s diverse properties encompass over 900 hotels worldwide. While some require guests to be 21, others, like Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place, open their doors to 18-year-old guests.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts 

Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a distinctive hotel chain with a global presence, featuring 125 hotels across 22 countries. What makes Millennium Hotels unique is that they do not have a universal minimum age requirement that applies to all of their locations.

For precise information about the minimum age for check-in at a specific Millennium Hotels and Resorts property, we recommend reaching out to the hotel directly.

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Airbnb

 Airbnb, a world of unique stays owned by hosts, has no universal age policy. However, they typically embrace guests who are 18 years and older, with individual “House Rules” as the key to each distinctive listing.

It’s important to note that hotel policies can change over time, so it’s always a good practice to confirm the minimum check-in age with the specific hotel you plan to book. You can usually find this information on the hotel’s website or by contacting them directly. Additionally, be prepared to provide identification and potentially a credit card for incidentals regardless of the age policy.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the world of hospitality is diverse and ever-evolving, offering a range of age policies that cater to travelers of all ages. The travel industry is increasingly valuing inclusivity and flexibility. This makes it easier for young adventurers to embark on their journeys and create lasting memories.

So, whether you’re checking into a welcoming hotel, booking an Airbnb, or indulging in the luxury of renowned hotel chains like Four Seasons and Hyatt, remember that age is just one aspect of your travel adventure. With the right knowledge and preparation, you’ll be able to visit the world’s most incredible destinations, regardless of your age.

Happy travels!