Minimum Age Requirements for Hotel Bookings
If you are a young traveler planning your first solo trip, one of the most important questions you will face is whether you are old enough to book a hotel room. The minimum age to book a hotel room varies by country, hotel chain, and even individual properties, but in the United States, the standard minimum age is 18 years old. However, many hotels actually require guests to be 21 or older, particularly major chain hotels and properties in popular tourist destinations.
Understanding these age requirements before you travel is essential to avoid being turned away at check-in. This guide covers everything you need to know about hotel age policies, including how they vary by location, what documentation you will need, and strategies for younger travelers who want to book accommodations.
Why Hotels Have Age Requirements
Hotels implement minimum age requirements for several important legal and business reasons. The primary concern is contractual liability. When you book a hotel room, you are entering into a legal contract with the hotel. In most jurisdictions, individuals under 18 are considered minors and cannot enter into legally binding contracts. This means the hotel would have limited legal recourse if a minor caused damage to the property or refused to pay.
Additionally, hotels are concerned about liability for potential incidents involving minors. If an underage guest is injured on the property, the hotel could face significant legal exposure. Hotels also want to minimize the risk of property damage, noise complaints, and underage drinking, which are statistically more likely with younger guests.
Insurance requirements also play a role. Many hotel insurance policies specify minimum guest ages, and accepting younger guests could void the hotel's coverage or increase their premiums.
Age Policies by Major Hotel Chains
Hotel age policies vary significantly between chains, and even between individual properties within the same chain. Here is an overview of policies at some of the most popular hotel brands in the United States.
Marriott International (including Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, and Ritz-Carlton) generally requires guests to be at least 18 years old to check in. However, some properties, particularly those in resort destinations or party cities, may require guests to be 21.
Hilton Hotels (including Hilton, Hampton Inn, DoubleTree, and Embassy Suites) typically requires a minimum age of 18, though some locations set the minimum at 21. Policies can vary by franchise location, so always call ahead to confirm.
InterContinental Hotels Group (including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Kimpton) generally requires guests to be 18 or older. Some IHG properties may have higher age requirements based on local laws or property policies.
Best Western requires guests to be at least 18 years old at most locations, but some properties set the minimum at 21. Best Western hotels are often independently owned and operated, so policies can vary more than at fully corporate-owned chains.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals: Airbnb requires users to be at least 18 years old to create an account and book a rental. Some individual hosts may set higher age requirements for their properties. Other vacation rental platforms like VRBO and Booking.com also require users to be at least 18.
International Age Requirements
If you are traveling internationally, age requirements for hotel bookings vary by country. In most European countries, the minimum age to book a hotel is 18. In the United Kingdom, most hotels accept guests aged 18 and older, though some boutique properties may accept 16-year-olds with parental consent. In Australia, the standard minimum age is 18. In many Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea, the minimum age is also 18, though some budget hotels and hostels may accept younger guests.
In Canada, the legal age of majority varies by province, ranging from 18 to 19. Hotels in Canada typically follow the local age of majority as their minimum booking age. In Mexico, most hotels require guests to be at least 18, though all-inclusive resorts may have higher age requirements.
What You Need to Check In
When checking into a hotel, especially as a younger guest, you should be prepared with the following documentation.
A valid government-issued photo ID is always required. This can be a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The name on your ID must match the name on the reservation. A credit card in your name is also typically required for the security deposit and incidental charges. Some hotels will accept a debit card, but many prefer or require a credit card. If you booked through a third-party website, you may also need to present the booking confirmation.
Tips for Young Travelers
If you are between 18 and 21 and concerned about hotel age restrictions, there are several strategies you can use to ensure smooth accommodations.
First, always call the specific hotel property before booking to confirm their age policy. Even within the same chain, policies can vary by location. Second, consider booking hotels that explicitly state an 18-year-old minimum age on their website. Third, have a credit card in your name ready, as this demonstrates financial responsibility and is usually required regardless of age. Fourth, if you are traveling with someone over 21, consider having them make the reservation and be present at check-in. Finally, consider hostels, which often have lower age requirements and are designed for younger travelers.
By understanding hotel age policies and planning ahead, young travelers can avoid surprises at check-in and enjoy their trips with confidence.
