How Old Do You Have to Be to Book a Hotel? Age Requirements Explained by State and Hotel Policy

Imagine this. You and a few high school buddies are planning a trip to Las Vegas for a weekend concert or Raiders NFL game versus your home team, and you’re scoping out what mega casino-resort to stay at. You are going to have an absolute blast. Right? 

Well, not so fast there. For starters, the large casino properties in Sin City require the guest holding the reservation to be at least 21 years of age and be able to present a major credit card with their name on it. You must also present matching government-issued personal identification, such as a driver's license or passport.  

As if this isn’t enough, persons under the age of 21 cannot gamble or purchase alcoholic beverages in Nevada, nor can they hang out and watch other gamblers in the casino. In other words, if you are under 21 and visiting Las Vegas, you will have to find a hotel without a casino such as one of the Hilton, Marriott, or IHG properties that are located around town, where 18 is typically the minimum age to check-in. 

With Las Vegas as an example, let’s take a look at hotel age requirements in other cities and countries. The restrictions do vary, and you should be aware of them before arriving at the front desk. The last thing anyone needs is to be surprised while checking in at 11 p.m. after a long day of travel, only to be told “I’m sorry. Company policy don’t permit us to rent rooms to persons your age.” 

What Do I Need to Make a Hotel Booking? 

It’s quite simple for anyone to make a hotel reservation online, with nothing more than a valid credit card required by most hotel online booking sites. Of course, a crafty teen might be able to book a room using mom or dad’s or an older sibling’s credit card but checking in is a whole other story. However, just because you were able to make a booking doesn’t mean that you will be allowed to check in. Even if you plan to settle your bill by paying cash, a credit card and valid government-issued ID or passport will be required. And it’s always a good idea to have a copy of your reservation to show at the front desk, whether that be a printed copy of the confirmation or to show on your smartphone.  

If your age might be of concern, and by this we mean if you are under 25 years of age, we do strongly advise that you know of any age requirements before arrival. This may (should) be listed on the hotel’s web page, or you can call ahead to be doubly sure. If you do decide to call, don’t forget to obtain the first and last name of the person who provided the information, and make note of the date and time of the conversation.  

Chances are your age, if you’re 18 or older, won’t be an issue in most destinations, but don’t be surprised if you come across some hotels, especially in the most popular destinations such as Orlando, New York City, or San Francisco, that have age restrictions that aren’t identical to what the chain they are a part of stipulates.  

Also, be absolutely certain that you know the cancellation policy for each hotel booking, making note of the cutoff date and time to receive a full refund. 

What to Expect at Hotels in the U.S. 

Most, but not all hotels in the United States will rent you a hotel room if you are at least 18 years of age. However, if you’re an 18-year-old traveling with some friends who are a year or two younger, say 16 or 17, the hotel may be hesitant to have you as a guest. Hotels prefer mature, responsible guests, and don’t want to become “party central” for a group of teens. Then again, there are hotels that prosper with business from traveling sports teams who have a few required adult “chaperones” to try and keep the youngsters under control.  

Parental consent, in writing or by phone, won’t be enough for your booking to be honored. This is why some hotels require at least one guest in a room to be at least 21 and select upscale properties have even upped their minimum to 25 years of age to better manage the ambiance of their hotel. The allowable age to check in to a hotel may also be raised as it does in Florida (Daytona Beach and South Beach in Miami in particular), Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and other spring break destinations. On the flip side, there is no minimum age to rent a hotel room in Texas, where the individual property can set their own parameters. 

Eighteen (18) is usually considered the minimum age that a potential hotel guest can read, understand, and sign a hotel contract, which in turn limits the liability of the property owners should something not go according to plan. However, both Nebraska and Alabama laws have determined that 19 is the beginning of adulthood. And in Mississippi, it’s 21.  

What to Expect at Hotels Internationally 

Hotel policies vary not only from state to state, but among countries worldwide. The U.S. is seen as being more restrictive than many other parts of the world, where a hotel that offers gambling or a nightlife option including a concert venue or nightclub may not be welcoming to younger guests. 

It may come as a surprise to learn that Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand all require potential guests to be at least 19 years old, with some properties or provinces opting for age 21. On the other side, Europe is usually more lenient when it comes to the age that a person can drink alcohol, so renting a hotel room or hostel bed to someone as young as 16 isn’t unheard of.  

All-inclusive resorts are going strong around the globe, catering to couples and families. You can expect the minimum age to book a room at these luxury properties to be at least 21, and perhaps higher if the resort is in the adults-only category. 

Asian countries are often stricter when it comes to the age you are considered an adult. For example, in Thailand, you’re not officially an adult until age 20. And in the Middle East and Africa, the majority of countries say that adulthood begins at 21. 

So, as suggested (strongly) above, check with your hotel of choice DIRECTLY about any age limitations. Relying on a hotel website that has been developed at the hotel’s franchise headquarters half-way around the world may get you into a sticky situation.  

In Conclusion 

Nearly everywhere you travel will have age guidelines for hotels, hostels, and even rental homes or apartments. The specific age may be set by the municipality, state, country, or the owner of the property. Just because you stayed at a Hampton Inn located in a small town along an interstate highway and are 18 years old doesn’t mean that every Hampton Inn, or other franchised hotel, will allow you to stay at their property.  

At the risk of being repetitive, don’t assume that a hotel you stayed at six months ago, during low season when you were 18 will allow you back during peak season or when a major event is in town at the age of 19. Age requirements can sometimes fluctuate according to how strong business is or is projected to be.  

It’s easy enough to find out what a hotel’s age restrictions are, but do so as far in advance as possible before your arrival to avoid disappointment upon checking in.