What States Can You Get a Hotel at 18? (Guide) 2025
Traveling at 18 can be a thrilling experience, but one of the most common questions young travelers ask is whether they can book a hotel room at that age.
Since the legal age for renting a hotel room varies from state to state, it’s important to know where you can check into a hotel as an 18-year-old without any issues.
What States Can You Get a Hotel at 18, This article dives into the states where 18-year-olds can legally book a hotel room, along with useful tips to make your travel experience smoother.
What States Can You Get a Hotel at 18?
| Alabama | Louisiana | North Dakota |
| Alaska | Maine | Ohio |
| Arizona | Maryland | Oklahoma |
| Arkansas | Massachusetts | Oregon |
| California | Michigan | Pennsylvania |
| Colorado | Minnesota | South Carolina |
| Florida | Missouri | South Dakota |
| Georgia | Nebraska | Tennessee |
| Idaho | Nevada | Texas |
| Illinois | New Hampshire | Utah |
| Indiana | New Jersey | Virginia |
| Iowa | New Mexico | Washington |
| Kansas | New York | Wisconsin |
| Kentucky | North Carolina |
Understanding Hotel Age Requirements in the U.S.
Before diving into the specifics of which states allow 18-year-olds to book a hotel room, it’s important to understand the general hotel age requirements.
Typically, hotels in the United States require guests to be at least 21 years old to rent a room. This is often due to liability concerns and the perception that people under 21 may engage in risky behavior like underage drinking.
However, many states have laws that permit 18-year-olds to book hotel rooms, especially if they are legally considered adults.
Why Does the Age Requirement Vary by State?
The legal age for renting a hotel room varies because each state has different laws regarding legal adulthood, contracts, and property rights.
In most places, the age of majority (the age when a person is legally considered an adult) is 18, which means people under this age cannot always enter into contracts, including renting a hotel room.
However, in certain states, hotels are more lenient, understanding that 18-year-olds are legally adults and can enter into contractual agreements.
States Where You Can Book a Hotel at 18
Now that we know the basic concept, let’s look at the states where 18-year-olds can legally rent a hotel room.
While the list may change based on individual hotel policies, these states typically allow bookings by 18-year-olds:
1. California
California is one of the more lenient states when it comes to renting a hotel room at 18. Many hotels in California, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, allow individuals aged 18 and up to book a room.
However, you might still encounter certain hotels that impose a 21-year-old minimum age policy, so it’s always wise to call ahead or check the hotel’s policy online before booking.
2. Florida
Florida is another state where many hotels will allow you to book a room at the age of 18. This is especially true in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Key West, where young tourists flock for vacations.
Although many hotels in Florida will allow 18-year-olds to book rooms, always check with the hotel to avoid any last-minute surprises.
3. Nevada
Known for its vibrant tourism industry, especially in Las Vegas, Nevada typically allows 18-year-olds to book hotel rooms.
Since the state sees a high volume of young travelers, many hotels cater to the 18+ crowd, particularly those near casinos and entertainment venues.
4. New York
In New York, the minimum age to rent a hotel room is often 18, especially in New York City.
However, like other states, some hotels may have stricter policies and require renters to be 21 or older, particularly high-end or luxury hotels. Checking with your hotel beforehand can ensure there are no issues when you arrive.
5. Arizona
Arizona also allows 18-year-olds to rent hotel rooms, especially in cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale.
Since 18-year-olds are legally recognized as adults in the state, many hotels are more lenient with their booking policies.
6. Texas
Texas is another state where you can often book a hotel at 18, particularly in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Since 18 is the legal age of adulthood in Texas, it’s common for hotels in this state to allow bookings by young adults.
Things to Consider When Booking a Hotel at 18
While the above states generally permit 18-year-olds to rent a hotel room, there are still a few things you should keep in mind before making your reservation.
Hotel Policies May Differ
Although the state laws may allow 18-year-olds to rent a hotel room, individual hotel chains often set their own age policies. Some hotels may still require guests to be 21 or older to book a room, particularly those located in areas where nightlife is a major draw.
Extra Fees or Requirements
Some hotels may charge extra fees for young renters, such as security deposits or higher room rates. Be sure to ask about any additional charges before you finalize your reservation. Also, ensure you have valid identification and a credit card for the booking process.
Booking Online vs. In-Person
Booking a hotel room online may be easier for 18-year-olds than booking in person. When booking in person, some hotels might ask for additional verification of age or legal guardianship, especially in cases where the hotel has a strict age policy.
People also ask
Can you rent a hotel at 18 in the US?
Yes, you can rent a hotel at 18 in some states in the U.S. While the general legal age for renting a hotel room is 21, many states, like California, Florida, Nevada, and New York, allow 18-year-olds to book rooms.
However, hotel policies can vary, and some may require you to be 21 or older. Always check the hotel’s policy before booking.
In what state can you check into a hotel at 18?
You can check into a hotel at 18 in states like California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Arizona, and Texas.
However, hotel policies may vary, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with the hotel before booking.
What hotel companies are 18+?
Some hotel chains that typically allow 18+ check-ins include Motel 6, Hilton, Holiday Inn, and Marriott, though policies may vary by location.
It’s best to check with the specific hotel before booking to confirm their age requirements.
How do I know if a hotel is 18+?
To know if a hotel is 18+, check the hotel’s website or booking platform for age requirements.
You can also call the hotel directly to confirm their policy. Some hotels may indicate their age policy during the booking process or on their terms and conditions page.
Final Thoughts
Traveling at 18 can be an exciting adventure, and knowing where you can stay is a crucial part of planning your trip.
States like California, Florida, Nevada, and New York generally allow 18-year-olds to rent hotel rooms, though individual hotel policies may vary.
Always check the hotel’s policy and be prepared to provide the necessary identification to ensure a smooth booking process. Happy travels!
