How Old Do You Have to Be to Book a Hotel?
David Clark
Editor
To book a hotel room in the United States, the minimum age is 21 years in most cities, such as New York. However, 18-20 years is the age for getting a hotel room in some regions, like Miami.
Before you book a room, you are advised to check the hotel and location-specific policies, legal age, and other aspects. Furthermore, check the age-based payment options to have a great experience.
How Old to Rent a Hotel Room?
Even though the legal age to rent a hotel room in the United States is from 18 years to 21 years, it can greatly vary depending on the:
- Hotel Chains: Most of the popular hotel chains have a standard age for renting a room between 18 and 21 years in almost every state/city.
- Location: In the country, state-wise age requirements vary. For instance, New York has a minimum age of 21, while cities like Miami have the age of 18-20 years.
How Old to Book a Hotel in Different Chains?
As mentioned earlier, there is no single-age policy that is followed by various hotel chains. Here are some popular hotel chains and their age policies:- IHG/Hilton: This does not have any standard policies, but it is recommended to check the location/state-based policies before booking.
- Marriott: This hotel group has a minimum age requirement for hotel room is 18 years. However, in its adult-only hotels/resorts, the minimum age is 21 years.
- Hyatt, Radisson, and Wyndham: In these hotel chains across the country, the minimum age for renting a room is 21 years.
Note: You must review the age policy of other hotels before booking. You can also call the concerned branch for better guidance.
Why Hotels Follow Age-Related Restrictions?
Due to legal liabilities, alcohol laws, and other reasons, every hotel in the country has its own set of rules and age requirements. Here are the pointers that explained the common reasons better:Legal and Contractual Liabilities
- Booking a hotel room is a legal contract. Therefore, anyone who is below 18 years of age cannot defy the rule. Hence, it is mandatory to be of legal age to rent a hotel room in the United States.
Minibars and Alcohol-Related Laws
- In the country, the legal age for drinking is 21 years. Any hotel that has a minibar or alcohol facility in the room will have the minimum age requirement, e.g., 21 years, to prevent underage drinking.
Reducing Damage
- Some hotels in Las Vegas and Florida may have a minimum age of 25 years for room reservations. Since these are party destinations, the chances of room damage, noise complaints, illegal parties, etc., are higher. Hence, hotels follow an age-related policy.
Safety and Security
- Many hotels in the country have adult-focused facilities, such as 21+ pools and casinos. This enforces stringent age requirements to boost the safety and security of the customers.
What Documents Do You Need to Book a Hotel Room?
After booking, you will need to show some documents to verify your age and identity at the best hotels. Here is the list of documents you can carry:- Photo IDs, such as a passport or a driver's license.
- Credit or debit card for security deposits.
- Booking details (if booking is done online).
Is the Booking and Check-In Age for Customers the Same in the USA?
No, the age for getting a hotel room and check-in is not always the same. You can book a room for yourself and add guests (like your kids under 18 years). Still, check the age-policy earlier:
- Anyone can check in if they are not the primary guest.
- For instance, parents can add their kids of any age to the booking.
- They can check in without any stress.
- For booking, the standard age is different in different cities and hotel chains.
- In cities with nightlife, such as Las Vegas, the minimum age for renting and checking into a room is 21 years.
- In others, an 18-year-old can book a room and check in easily.
- Always carry your government-approved IDs so that the hotel can verify your age.
Conclusion
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