Are you planning a trip and wondering how old you need to be to reserve a hotel room?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: it varies by hotel and by state.
In this article, we’ll explore the different age requirements for reserving a hotel room and what you need to know before booking your next stay.
Age Requirements for Hotel Room Reservations
When it comes to reserving a hotel room, age requirements can vary depending on the policy of the hotel and the laws of the state.
Varies by Hotel: Some hotels may have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old, while others may allow guests as young as 16 to reserve a room. However, there are also hotels that require guests to be 21 years old or older to reserve a room. It is important to check with the specific hotel to determine their age requirements before making a reservation.
Varies by State: In addition to hotel policies, state laws can also affect the age requirement for hotel room reservations. For example, in most states, a person must be at least 18 years old to enter into a legal contract. This means that hotels in those states may not allow anyone under 18 to reserve a room. However, there are also states that require a person to be at least 21 years old to legally book a hotel room.
It is worth mentioning that some hotel chains may have their own age requirements that are consistent across all of their properties. For example, Marriott hotels typically require guests to be at least 18 years old to check in.
Keep in mind that even if a hotel allows a person under the age of 18 to reserve a room, they may still require a parent or guardian to sign a consent form or be present during the stay.
Varies by Hotel
When it comes to booking a hotel room, the age restrictions vary from hotel to hotel. While some hotels may allow individuals under the age of 18 to book a room, others may require guests to be 21 or older. It is worth mentioning that age restrictions for booking a hotel room are often in place to protect hotels from potential legal liability.
Similar to booking a hotel room, the age restrictions for checking in also vary by hotel. Some hotels require guests to be at least 18 years old to check in, while others may require guests to be 21 or older. Keep in mind that the age restriction for checking in may be different from the age restriction for booking a room.
While most hotels have age restrictions in place, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, if a guest is traveling with a parent or legal guardian, they may be able to check into a hotel even if they are under the age requirement. Additionally, some hotels may allow guests under the age requirement to check in with written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
It is important to note that popular hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt all have their own specific age restrictions in place. For example, Marriott’s age requirement is 18, while Hilton’s age requirement is 21. If you are unsure about a hotel’s age restrictions, it is recommended to contact the hotel directly or check their website for more information.
On the other hand, unfortunately, there have been instances where hotels have refused to rent rooms to individuals under a certain age or have discriminated against younger guests. In such cases, it is important to report any instances of discrimination to the hotel’s management or to a higher authority.
Varies by State
Booking a hotel room can be an exciting experience, especially for young adults who are planning their first solo trip or a weekend getaway with friends. However, the question of how old you have to be to reserve a hotel room can be a bit tricky, as it varies by state and hotel policy.
Minimum Age Requirements
Generally, the minimum age requirement to book a hotel room is 18 years old. However, some states have different age requirements, and hotels may set their own rules as well. For example, in California, a person must be 18 years or older to book a hotel room, while in New York, the minimum age requirement is 21 years old. It is worth mentioning that most hotels require a credit card to reserve a room, and the person booking the room must be the one using the card.
It is important to keep in mind that even if the hotel’s policy allows someone under the age of 18 to book a room, they may still require a parent or guardian to sign a permission form or be present during check-in.
Exceptions to Minimum Age Requirements
On the other hand, there are some exceptions to the minimum age requirement for booking a hotel room. For example, if a person is an active-duty military member, they may be allowed to book a room regardless of their age. Additionally, some hotels may allow younger guests to book a room if they are accompanied by an adult.
It is important to note that some popular hotel chains, such as Marriott and Hilton, have their own policies regarding minimum age requirements. For instance, Marriott’s policy states that a person must be at least 18 years old to book a room, while Hilton’s policy requires guests to be at least 21 years old in some locations. Before booking a room, it is always a good idea to check with the hotel directly or visit their website for their specific policies.
Remember, while the minimum age requirement to book a hotel room varies by state and hotel policy, it is always best to check with the hotel directly or visit their website for their specific policies. Unfortunately, not following the hotel’s policy could result in the cancellation of the reservation or even being denied check-in.
What to Know Before Booking a Hotel Room
Booking a hotel room can be an exciting experience, but it is important to know some essential factors before making a reservation, especially when it comes to age requirements. Here are some things to keep in mind when booking a hotel room:
- Check the Hotel’s Policies: Each hotel has its own policies on age requirements for guests. Some hotels may require a minimum age of 18 or 21 to reserve a room, while others may allow minors to book a room with a parent or guardian. It is always best to check the hotel’s website or call ahead to confirm their age policy.
- Consider Alternative Accommodations: If a hotel has strict age requirements or you are not old enough to reserve a room, consider alternative accommodations such as hostels, vacation rentals, or camping. These options may have more lenient age policies or no age requirements at all.
- Prepare for Additional Fees: Some hotels may require a deposit or additional fees for guests under a certain age. It is important to be aware of these fees and budget accordingly to avoid any surprises at check-in.
- Bring Proper Identification: If you are old enough to book a room, make sure to bring proper identification such as a driver’s license or passport. Some hotels may require a photo ID at check-in, so it is best to be prepared.
It is worth mentioning that some popular hotel chains have their own age policies. For example, Marriott International requires guests to be at least 18 years old to reserve a room, while Hilton Worldwide requires guests to be at least 21 years old. Keep in mind that these policies may vary by location and it is best to check with the specific hotel before making a reservation.
If you are traveling with minors, it is important to remember that some hotels may have restrictions on the number of occupants per room. It is always best to check with the hotel ahead of time to ensure that the room can accommodate your entire party.
Conclusion
In summary, the age requirement for reserving a hotel room varies depending on the hotel and state you are visiting. It’s important to do your research beforehand and check the hotel’s policies to avoid any surprises or issues when checking in. By understanding the age requirements and preparing accordingly, you can have a stress-free and enjoyable stay wherever you go.
