Most family vacations start off pretty basic when the children are young: drive to a beach, set up the tent, and head out to the water.
As the children get older, families started to upgrade their travel experience, and that’s when they discovered hotels. When at home, families wouldn’t allow kids in the pool past 8pm.
However, in hotels they could stay up as late as they wanted! That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Although most American families stay in a hotel at least once a year, over the years, things have changed.
Which hotels allow teenagers varies by location and age. This brings about the question. How old do you have to be to get a hotel room?
It varies by state and country, but most organizations that provide lodging require you to be at least 18. But these days, many countries are changing their age requirements.
How old do you have to be to get a hotel room?
The U.S. has the strictest laws on the books. It requires anyone under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian—unless they’re married. In other countries, like Japan and Mexico, this rule is only for children under 12.
The United Kingdom is even more lenient. A young person can stay in a hotel alone from age 16 or travel with an adult who isn’t a family member or spouse.
Why Is There a Minimum Age to Check-In into a Hotel?
The minimum age to check-in into a hotel in USA is either 18 or 21. This depends on which state you’re in. Hotels often have a cutoff for when you can check-in.
This is because hotels are often located in areas with bars and clubs. Most states have laws stating that you must be of legal drinking age to enter a bar or club.
However, those same laws do not apply to hotels to set their own rules. Hotels may raise the minimum age requirement if they feel that younger people, below the cutoff, would cause problems at the hotel.
There are three other reasons why hotels place a minimum age requirement on their check-ins. The safety of children and young adults, the cost of hotel rooms, and the fact that most hotels have policies against renting rooms to minors.
Hotels do not wish to be liable for any accidents, injuries, or damage caused by children who can access the hotel without supervision.
Hotel rooms also cost more if minors occupy them because of additional service fees and insurance costs. Hotels enforce these rules to avoid paying for repairs or medical bills caused by damage done by children.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Check into a Hotel?
When you’re a kid and want to go on an adventure, one of the first things you think about is checking into a hotel.
You feel grown-up and special, and that’s all thanks to the registration desk. But hotels aren’t as easygoing as they used to be. This is especially when it comes to how old you have to be to check-in.
There are many regulations that hotels have to follow, and some even require ID to check in. But those are few and far between. Even if the hotel doesn’t ask for ID, you still might be asked for a credit card or something else with your name on it.
Many hotels and resorts in the United States have policies on the minimum age requirement to check into a room. However, some websites have policies against it. Many hotels have different policies for adult-only rooms and family rooms. Only a few require identification as proof of age to check in.
The age of consent for a minor varies depending on the state they are staying in. Before traveling, please check the list of states that have specific laws regarding the minimum age in which one can stay in a hotel without an adult.
Booking a Hotel Versus Checking In
The first time you arrive at a hotel, you are usually greeted by someone who will be your check-in assistant for the duration of your stay.
The check-in assistant’s job is to help you get settled into your room. They also ensure any special requests you have are met.
To book a hotel, you typically contact the hotel directly via the phone or the internet and then make a reservation for your stay.
What Do You Need When Checking into a Hotel?
The documents you will need to provide when checking into a hotel vary depending on which country you are in.
If you are in the United States, it is recommended that you have a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, with you at all times. In this case, your hotel will most likely just want to verify the information they have on file for you.
When checking into a hotel outside of the United States, it is unlikely that they will ask for your ID. Instead, they may ask for some other form of identification.
In many European countries, hotels often require an international driver’s permit. If you do not have this permit and are staying in a European country, make sure to take your passport with you during your stay.
The 18 Versus 21 Age Requirement to Check into a Hotel
The hotel industry has long had an age requirement of 21 to check into a hotel, citing safety concerns and the desire to protect underaged customers from any potential negative effects of staying in a hotel.
This age requirement has been contested by many people throughout the years, who have pointed out that many 18-year-olds are capable of making their own decisions and can take care of themselves without supervision.
Conclusion
When hotel guests are asked to provide their age at check-in, they can be confused and uncomfortable.
That’s because most hotels have an age limit for check-in. Hotels are meant for people of all ages, but the staff at most hotels will try to limit the number of children who check-in.
Though this is not a legal requirement, it is a well-known convention among hotel staff and can be used to the traveler’s advantage.
Similar Posts:
- Does Doordash Deliver To Hotel? (What To Know!)
- Petsmart Hotel (price, Locations, Cleanliness + Other Faqs)
- Does Doordash Deliver To Hotels? (everything You Should Know)
- Does Amazon Deliver To Hotels? (yes, Here’s How)
- Holiday Inn Breakfast Hours
- Does Instacart Deliver To Hotels? (all You Need To Know)
- Do Amazon Employees Get A Discount? (Yes! Learn More…)
- What Is Costco Travel? (all You Need To Know)
- Is Doordash Cheaper Than Uber Eats? (What To Know!)
