Finding hotels that allow 18-year-olds to check in can be challenging, as age requirements vary significantly across different chains and locations. Whether you're a young traveler, college student, or simply planning your first solo trip, understanding which hotels accept younger guests is crucial. Like finding hotels that accept cash payments, knowing your accommodation options can make travel planning much smoother.
We've evaluated major hotel chains and properties across the United States based on their age policies, room rates, booking flexibility, and guest satisfaction. Our comprehensive analysis focuses on helping young travelers find budget-friendly options while ensuring they have access to quality accommodations through reliable booking platforms.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | $30-$500/night | Flexible accommodations | Visit Site |
| Best Western | $80-$180/night | Consistent quality | Visit Site |
| Drury Inn & Suites | $100-$200/night | Extended stays | Visit Site |
| Hilton Hotels | $120-$400/night | Luxury experience | Visit Site |
| Hyatt Hotels | $150-$500/night | Upscale stays | Visit Site |
| IHG | $90-$300/night | Business travelers | Visit Site |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites | $70-$150/night | Budget travel | Visit Site |
| Motel 6 | $45-$100/night | Economy stays | Visit Site |
| Radisson Hotel Group | $100-$300/night | International travelers | Visit Site |
| Red Roof Inn | $50-$120/night | Basic accommodations | Visit Site |
| Marriott | $130-$500/night | Premium stays | Visit Site |
| Millennium Hotels & Resorts | $150-$400/night | Luxury experience | Visit Site |
| Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | $60-$250/night | Varied options | Visit Site |
13 Best Hotels That Allow 18-Year-Olds (2025)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Airbnb
Airbnb offers a unique lodging marketplace where 18+ travelers can book private rooms, entire homes, and unique stays directly from hosts. The platform provides extensive filters to find accommodations matching your exact budget and needs, with options ranging from budget-friendly shared rooms to luxury entire homes.
Key advantages of booking through Airbnb:
- Shared rooms typically starting at $25-45 per night
- Private rooms averaging $40-80 per night in most cities
- Long-term stay discounts of 20-40% for bookings over 28 days
- First-time guest coupon offers up to $65 off qualifying stays
- No booking fees for hosts, service fees typically 14-16% for guests
2. Best Western
Best Western provides reliable, standardized hotel accommodations across multiple price points and brands. Their rewards program is particularly generous compared to other hotel chains, and they frequently offer seasonal promotions and package deals that include breakfast and WiFi.
Notable features of Best Western properties:
- Standard rooms typically ranging from $89-149 per night
- Best Western Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar spent
- Free breakfast at most locations (valued at $12-15 per person)
- Military and AARP discounts up to 15% off standard rates
- Regular promotional rates offering 20-30% savings on advance bookings
3. Drury Inn & Suites
Drury Inn & Suites stands out for their "3-3-5" program offering free hot breakfast, evening snacks, and drinks daily. Their all-inclusive pricing model means guests avoid the surprise fees common at other hotel chains, making them especially popular with value-conscious travelers.
What sets this chain apart:
- Standard rooms typically priced between $109-169 per night
- Complimentary hot breakfast buffet (valued at $15 per person)
- "5:30 Kickback" with free hot food and drinks (estimated $20 value)
- Free WiFi and parking at most locations
- Drury Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar, with 15,000 points earning a free night
4. Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels offers a diverse portfolio of properties ranging from luxury to extended stay, with brands like Hampton Inn, DoubleTree, and Hilton Garden Inn. Their Hilton Honors program provides exceptional value for frequent travelers, with points that can be used for free nights or transferred to airline partners. Many locations are particularly accommodating to younger travelers, with numerous properties allowing check-in from age 18.
Notable features include:
- Room rates typically ranging from $89-$250 per night depending on location and brand
- Hilton Honors members save up to 10% on direct bookings
- Digital check-in and room selection available 24 hours before arrival
- Fifth night free on reward stays for Hilton Honors members
- Price match guarantee plus 25% discount if you find a lower rate elsewhere
5. Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt offers sophisticated accommodations across multiple price points, from the upscale Park Hyatt to the business-friendly Hyatt Place. Their World of Hyatt loyalty program is renowned for its generous rewards and elite benefits, making it particularly attractive for regular travelers. While most properties require guests to be 21, some locations do accommodate 18+ check-ins with proper identification.
What sets this brand apart:
- Standard rooms typically priced from $109-$300 per night across different brands
- World of Hyatt members earn 5 points per dollar spent
- Free night awards starting at 5,000 points
- Regular promotions offering bonus points or discounted rates
- Corporate rates available with up to 25% savings
6. IHG
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) encompasses diverse brands including Holiday Inn, Kimpton, and InterContinental, offering accommodations for every budget and travel style. Their IHG One Rewards program provides excellent value with flexible point redemption options and member benefits. Many properties welcome 18+ guests, though policies vary by location.
Key advantages of booking with IHG:
- Room rates ranging from $75-$200 at Holiday Inn properties to $200-$500 at luxury brands
- IHG One Rewards members save up to 15% on direct bookings
- Fourth night free on reward stays for cardmembers
- Regular flash sales offering up to 40% off standard rates
- Best price guarantee with first night free if lower rate found
7. La Quinta Inn & Suites
La Quinta Inn & Suites offers reliable, mid-range accommodations with a strong focus on business travelers and families. Their properties consistently provide comfortable rooms and essential amenities at reasonable rates, with most locations allowing check-in for guests 18 and older (though some may require age 21).
Notable advantages of staying at La Quinta:
- Standard rooms typically range from $89-129 per night, with regular promotional rates from $69
- Free Bright Side Breakfast® saving approximately $15-20 per person daily
- Wyndham Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar spent, redeemable for free nights
- Military and senior discounts of 10-15% off standard rates
- Kids under 18 stay free with parents, saving $10-20 per night on room fees
8. Motel 6
Motel 6 stands out as one of the most budget-friendly hotel chains in America, with a consistent policy of allowing 18+ check-ins at most locations. Their "no frills" approach focuses on providing clean, basic accommodations at the lowest possible rates, making them particularly popular with young travelers and road-trippers.
Key selling points of Motel 6:
- Room rates starting as low as $45.99-69.99 per night in most markets
- My6 membership program offers 10% discount on every stay
- Military discount of 10% with valid ID
- Kids under 17 stay free with an adult
- No hidden resort fees or amenity charges, saving $20-30 per night compared to other chains
9. Radisson Hotel Group
Radisson Hotel Group offers a diverse portfolio of properties ranging from mid-scale to luxury accommodations. Their brands include Country Inn & Suites and Radisson Blu, providing varying levels of service and amenities to match different budget needs and travel styles.
What sets Radisson properties apart:
- Standard rooms typically priced from $119-189 per night, with frequent promotional rates
- Radisson Rewards members save up to 25% on room rates
- Best Room Rate Guarantee offers to match lower prices plus 25% off
- Corporate travelers save 5-15% with negotiated rates
- Free breakfast at many properties, valued at $20-25 per person daily
10. Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn specializes in providing budget-friendly accommodations across the United States, with a focus on clean, comfortable rooms at competitive rates. Their properties are often conveniently located near highways and major attractions, making them ideal for both business travelers and road-tripping families.
Notable features include:
- Standard rooms typically ranging from $59.99-$89.99 per night
- RediRewards program offers 10% off every stay plus points earning
- Military and government personnel receive up to 15% off regular rates
- Kids and pets stay free at most locations
- Senior discount of 10% for guests 59+
11. Marriott
Marriott offers a diverse portfolio of hotels ranging from luxury to extended stay properties, with something for every budget and travel style. Their Bonvoy rewards program is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, offering substantial perks and earning potential across all their brands.
What sets this brand apart:
- Courtyard by Marriott rooms from $119-179 per night
- Bonvoy members earn 10 points per dollar spent at most properties
- AAA members save 5-15% on room rates
- Mobile check-in and digital room keys at most locations
- Best rate guarantee with 25% discount if you find a lower price
12. Millennium Hotels & Resorts
Millennium Hotels & Resorts provides upscale accommodations with a focus on business travelers and luxury leisure stays. Their My Millennium rewards program offers competitive benefits and unique experiences across their global portfolio of properties.
Key advantages of this chain:
- Standard rooms starting from $159-249 per night
- My Millennium members save up to 15% on direct bookings
- Complimentary room upgrades for rewards members when available
- Business package rates including breakfast from $179
- Early bird discounts up to 20% when booking 14+ days ahead
13. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts stands out as one of the most flexible major hotel chains for younger travelers, with many properties allowing check-in starting at age 18. Their portfolio includes familiar brands like Days Inn, Super 8, and Ramada, offering options across various price points and comfort levels to suit different budgets and needs.
Key advantages of booking with Wyndham:
- Budget-friendly room rates starting from $59-89 per night at Days Inn properties
- Wyndham Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar spent, redeemable for free nights starting at 7,500 points
- Regular "Stay 2 Nights, Save 20%" promotions across most properties
- Military and veteran discounts up to 15% off best available rates
- AAA/CAA member discounts of 10% or more at participating locations
- Free nights available from 7,500-30,000 points depending on property tier
Final Words
While finding hotels that accept guests under 21 requires some research, there are plenty of reputable options available across different price points, from budget-friendly chains starting at $65 per night to upscale hotels around $200. Be sure to call ahead to confirm the specific location's age policies and bring a valid ID and credit card when checking in to ensure a smooth experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels That Allow 18-Year-Olds to Check In
Which major hotel chains consistently allow 18-year-olds to check in?
Motel 6 and Best Western are among the most consistent chains allowing 18+ check-in, with Motel 6 having a standard 18+ policy at most locations. La Quinta Inn & Suites and Drury Inn & Suites also frequently allow 18-year-olds, though policies can vary by location.
How can I verify if a specific hotel allows 18-year-olds to check in?
Always contact the specific hotel directly to confirm their minimum check-in age before booking, as policies vary even within the same chain. You can also use HotelAges.com to search for verified hotels that allow 18-21 year olds to book.
Can 18-year-olds book through Airbnb?
Yes, Airbnb's platform-wide policy allows 18-year-olds to book accommodations. However, individual hosts may set higher age limits in their house rules, so always check the specific listing details before booking.
Are there any specific cities known for having 18+ friendly hotels?
Yes, cities like Memphis, Key Largo, Naples, Grand Rapids, Brooklyn, Albany, Cape Cod, Austin, and New Orleans have many independent hotels that allow 18+ check-in. Always verify with the specific property before booking.
