Gaining the independence associated with turning 18, such as the ability to drive or vote, brings many new freedoms in the United States. However, one liberty that isn’t automatically granted at this age is the right to book a hotel room.
In locations like Las Vegas, restrictions are even more stringent. The prominent casino resorts here enforce a policy where individuals under 21 aren’t permitted to linger unescorted on the casino floors, not to mention securing a hotel room for themselves. It’s worth noting that Las Vegas enforces a curfew for those 18 and under at 9 pm on weekends, debunking the myth that the city is a free-for-all celebration hub.
Cities renowned for their lively night scenes tend to adopt a more cautious approach towards hotel bookings by individuals under 21 due to the legal age requirements for drinking and gambling. This contrasts with other locations in the US where 18-year-olds may face fewer barriers to booking a stay.
Around the globe, the regulations might be more relaxed concerning both alcohol consumption and hotel accommodations. Nevertheless, it’s always a prudent move to familiarize yourself with the local rules of your destination before making any plans.
Curious about the specific age prerequisites for booking a hotel both within the US and internationally? This article delves into the various age requirements you’ll need to be aware of.
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Hotel Age Policies
In the United States, the discussion around hotel age requirements is nuanced. Historically, hotels operated under a principle obliging them to accommodate anyone desiring to stay, without exercising discretion over guest selection.
Legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 reinforced this ethos, explicitly banning discrimination against guests based on race, color, religion, or national origin. Technically, this means hotels should also welcome minors, who are entitled to safety within their premises as any other guest.
However, hotels are also charged with the duty of ensuring guest safety, leading to policies where minors may be denied accommodation if the room includes a mini bar with alcohol, or to prevent rooms being rented for underage gatherings.
Local laws, such as those pertaining to underage drinking, nuisance, or curfews, may further empower hotels to implement age restrictions to uphold safety and manage liability concerns effectively.
Booking Age Requirements in the U.S.
The standard minimum age for hotel check-ins is typically 18 years across most hotels. However, this age threshold can vary significantly influenced by state laws and specific local guidelines.
In destinations famed for their nightlife or spring break appeal — like Miami Beach or Las Vegas — the minimum age for booking a hotel room may be elevated to 21.
It’s important for travelers to review a hotel or hotel chain’s specific terms and conditions where they’ll likely find any minimum age requirements clarified.
Understanding Legal Age of Majority
Beyond hotel policies, the “legal age of majority” is a crucial concept, designating the age at which an individual is considered legally responsible for their actions. In the U.S., this age is generally 18.
Given the legal ramifications of accommodating underage guests, many hotels opt to raise their minimum age requirement. Some states even define the legal age of contractual capacity differently, setting it higher than 18 years.
Internationally, while the age of majority is usually set at 18, there are notable exceptions, making it imperative for travelers to verify the legal stipulations of their destination.
Specific Hotel Chain Age Policies
Different hotel chains maintain distinct age policies, often varying significantly by location. For instance, Marriott may enforce a minimum age of 18 in some places, but require guests to be at least 21 at certain properties.
Other brands like Choice Hotels, Hilton, and IHG suggest verifying age requirements with the specific hotel, emphasizing that policies may not be uniform across different locations.
Ultimately, the recommendation for travelers is to directly contact the hotel to ascertain the exact age requirements, ensuring they meet the qualifications for their stay.
Age to Book Versus Age at Check-in
The ease of online booking means anyone with a valid credit card can make a hotel reservation. However, the real verification happens upon arrival at the hotel.
While hotels may not explicitly inquire about a guest’s age to avoid potential discrimination, identifying documents such as a government-issued ID or passport will be required.
Should a guest not meet the hotel’s age criteria, even a prepaid reservation may not be refundable. It’s therefore critical to confirm age policies during the booking process.
Global Check-in Policies
Different countries have varying approaches to hotel check-in age requirements. A closer examination reveals these distinctions.
- Europe: Europe tends to be more flexible, with most hotels allowing guests to check in on their own at 18 years of age, though some establishments may set the bar higher.
- Americas: In North America, the age requirement often aligns at 21 years, while in many South American countries, 18-year-olds can typically rent their own hotel rooms.
- Africa, Asia, and Australia: Though 18 years is a common threshold globally, regions like Southeast Asia and parts of Africa may adopt more relaxed or inconsistently enforced policies.
Conclusion
Hotel age restrictions vary widely, influenced by country, city, and individual hotel policies. Even in places without strict legal age limits, hotels may impose their own requirements to ensure safety and liability management.
To navigate these varying policies effectively, it’s advised to directly consult with the specific hotel prior to booking, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
For travelers now aware of their eligibility to book hotel stays, resources like HotelCheckin18Plus offer the tools to discover the ideal accommodation for any preference, from rooftop bars to remote work-friendly environments.
FAQs
How old do you have to be to book a hotel room?
The age requirement for hotel check-in varies, with 18 or 21 being the most common thresholds. Since regulations differ across countries, states, hotel chains, and even individual hotels, it’s crucial to verify directly with your intended accommodation before finalizing your stay.
Can hotels ask for ID?
Yes, identification is a standard requirement at hotels. This policy ensures non-discriminatory practice while enabling the hotel to ascertain if guests meet the minimum age criteria. Failure to meet these requirements could result in the cancellation of your booking and potential loss of your deposit.
Can you book a hotel under 18?
Though there’s no universal rule preventing hotels from accommodating guests under 18, many choose to enforce minimum age policies for several reasons, including payment security and guest safety. To avoid any inconvenience, contacting the hotel ahead of time is the best approach.