What Hotels Allow 18-Year-Olds to Check-In?
Kevin Wang
Figuring out which hotels allow 18-year-olds to check in can be confusing. This guide breaks down what to expect and how to find 18+ hotels in the U.S.
So you're 18 and trying to book a hotel. You'd think it would be simple. You're legally an adult, after all. But then you start searching and realize that 90% of hotels require you to be 21. Frustrating, right?
I've been there. I've spent way too many hours researching which hotels actually let 18-year-olds check in because I've stayed at 10+ of them. The good news is that there are plenty of options once you know where to look.
Here's what I've learned works.
The Hotels and Chains That Actually Work
Sonder
If you're planning on staying in a major U.S. city, there's probably a Sonder nearby. I've stayed at Sonder properties more times than I can count, and they've never given me issues about being 18. They offer suite-style apartments with most having full kitchens, which is great if you're planning on cooking.
The vibe is somewhere between a hotel and an Airbnb—you get your own space, everything's app-based, and there's no awkward front desk interaction. Every Sonder I've booked has been consistent with their 18+ policy, which is rare in the hotel world.
CitizenM
CitizenM is another solid option for 18-year-olds, especially if you're traveling to major cities. They have locations across the U.S. and internationally, and their minimum check-in age is 18. From what I've seen, the hotels have a modern, design-forward aesthetic with compact but well-designed rooms. I've considered staying at them before but have always been able to find cheaper options with nicer ammenities (Sonder, mostly).
Pod Hotels (NYC) / Evonify (Boston/Dallas/Austin)
Chances are most of you are heading to New York City. My absolute favorite chain in the area for nofrills, cheap nights definitely is the Pod Hotel. All their locations are 18+, and they're actually pretty decent for the price, albeit small (but it's NYC, what did you expect?). The rooms are clean, modern, and in good locations.
I've stayed at the Pod Times Square and Pod 51, and both times check-in was simple.
Evonify is another small regional brand. I stayed at one of their Boston locations and was also fine, very Airbnb-like. Most of their properties are 18+, with some exceptions.
Wyndham Hotels (and Motels in General)
Some Wyndham locations are 18+, but you really need to call ahead because it varies. They're likely to be a better bet than a Hilton, for example. The same goes for motels like Super 8 and Motel 6. Budget chains tend to be more lenient about age, probably because they're less worried about the liability stuff that nicer hotels stress about.
I can't say for sure though, since I've never been to one.
Airbnb*
I do generally reccomend them if you're looking for hotel alternatives if you're 18, 19, 20. But be warned.
Airbnb requires all hosts to allow guests 18 and over, so technically you're good to go. But here's the catch: some hosts will still reject you or cancel on you if they find out you're under 21, especially if you're booking with a group of other young people.
I learned this the hard way in Toronto. Me and my friends booked a house, and the host cancelled when they found out we were all under 21. We scrambled to find another place, and the second host was on the verge of rejecting us too until my friend's parents signed a liability waiver. It was a mess.
My advice? If you're booking an Airbnb under 21, especially with friends, be upfront in your messages to the host. Mention your age and that you're responsible travelers. Some hosts won't care, but others definitely will, and you don't want to deal with a last-minute cancellation.
Also, watch out for listings that are actually hotels or property management companies operating on Airbnb. They might have their own 21+ policies that override Airbnb's rules.
My Actual Advice
Don't trust what you read online about whether a hotel is 18+. I've seen so many outdated forum posts and wrong information on booking sites. Policies change, and even within the same chain, different locations have different rules.
Always call the specific hotel directly. Not the 1-800 number, but the actual front desk of the location you want to book. Ask them straight up: "What's your minimum check-in age?" It takes two minutes and saves you from showing up and getting turned away.
And have a backup plan. Research at least one or two other options in the area before you commit. I've been in situations where I needed a Plan B, and it's way less stressful when you already know where else you can go.
Why This Website Exists
Honestly, this whole process is exhausting. That's why I built this site—so you don't have to spend hours calling hotels and reading conflicting information online. You can search for hotels that actually allow 18-year-olds and filter by location, price, and whatever else matters to you.
It's free, it's fast, and it's based on real, verified data. Give it a try and let me know if it helps.
About Kevin Wang
Kevin is a college student who has experience booking hotels under the age of 21. He is also the founder of HotelsAllow.
