You may have never thought about it, but booking a hotel room is actually not something everyone can do. In other words, eventually anyone will be able to do it.
As you can imagine, it’s an age thing. There is a minimum age requirement to book and check into a hotel in the United States, but it’s not that simple. Age restrictions actually depend on hotel policy and may vary by property. However, a hotel’s location often influences this rule.
“As a general rule of thumb, most hotels in the U.S. require you to be at least 18 years of age to check-in and show a valid form of identification.” Katie Nastro, a travel expert at the company, told Thrillist. “But this is not blanket coverage, as some local laws and most hotels in Las Vegas and Miami are notorious hotspots where the only age you can hold a party is at least 21. .”
But don’t take the city-based unofficial rules too literally. As Nastro points out, age requirements can vary from hotel to hotel, even within the same city, even if the majority of hotels seem to follow the same philosophy.
Also, don’t assume that one hotel chain will adhere to the same age requirements at all of its hotels. “Many hotel chains have a standard age, but it’s best to check with the individual hotel as it can vary even within the same brand,” Nastro explained. “For example, Marriott’s standard age is 18, but adults-only all-inclusives may have higher age requirements.”
But what does a hotel’s age restrictions involve? The real answer depends on a variety of factors. In addition to the hotel’s location (think of the aforementioned “party city”), another factor worth considering is the presence of alcohol on the hotel’s premises, especially in the rooms (for example, beer in the room minibar). Such).
At that point, it becomes a question of liability. For hotels to set higher age requirements means protecting both guests and the hotels themselves. “If there is a problem with underage drinking, for example, hotels can be held liable,” Nastro said. “It is not uncommon for hotels to have higher age requirements as they try to avoid this risk.”
To avoid problems, Nastro recommends young travelers check to see if they can actually stay at a hotel, not just book a stay. Sometimes the requirements are a little unclear, a hotel may allow any guest to book a room, but to check in she may need to be over 21 years old.
We know it’s weird, but it happens. And if that happens, it’s also a waste of time and money.
“Anyone can book a hotel room online, but if you are required to show a government-issued ID at check-in and you are under the age requirement, you will not be able to stay, even if you have paid in advance. Sometimes you get rejected,” Nastro explained. “You may not get that money back, so we recommend calling the hotel (not the chain) directly to confirm before paying.”
You may also be able to check in even if you do not meet the age requirements. how? If someone in your party meets the age requirement. However, this is not always the case, so always check with the hotel in advance.
To help you navigate this very complex world of age requirements, we’ve compiled a handy list of the most popular hotel chains in the United States and their national regulations. Check it out below. If you’re still unsure, always call the specific hotel directly to confirm right before your trip.
choice hotels
Age requirement: Usually 19 years old (21 years old in some places)
Please visit this website for more information.
fairmont
Age restriction: Varies by hotel (18 or 21 years or older)
Please contact the hotel directly for more information.
four seasons
Age requirement: typically 18 years (but may vary)
Please contact the hotel directly for more information.
hilton
Age restriction: Varies by hotel (18 or 21 years or older)
Please visit this website for more information.
Hyatt
Age requirement: 21 (but may vary)
Please visit this website for more information.
IHG
Age restriction: Varies by hotel (18 or 21 years or older)
Please check directly with the hotel property for details.
marriott
Age restriction: Varies by hotel (18 or 21 years or older)
Please visit this website for more information.
wyndham
Age requirement: 21 (but may vary)
Please check directly with the hotel property for details.
