Checking into a US hotel under the age of 21

Despite our considerably lower drinking ages here in Britain and across Europe, we are all seemingly aware of the law requiring people to be 21 or over to purchase alcohol. However, there is another aspect of your next trip that could be difficult if you are not aware of how this drinking law could impact your ability to check into a hotel.

Firstly, across the entire United States, there is a minimum age of 18 to check into a hotel and you will have to provide photo identification as part of the check-in process. However, in some areas of the United States, the minimum age to check in to a hotel is 21. This came to my surprise on my recent trip to New York City, as I discovered this rule and at 20 years old I had everything booked with my credit card and in my name. Fortunately, I was travelling with my parents and so as long as you have someone over the age of 21 in your party, you have nothing to worry about. However, if I was travelling alone I would not have been able to check in. This is a New York State law and derives from the fact that some hotels may have mini bars in the rooms and hotels don't want to run the risk of being liable for underage drinking. Also, it is important to note that the credit card you pay for the hotel must match the name of the photo identification you present at check-in.

So, if you are under 21, how can you give yourself peace of mind before you travel?

Many online hotel booking sites include policies and check-in requirements sections that should clearly indicate whether the check-in age is 18 or 21. However, in the event that this key detail is not clearly written, you can either write to the hotel via the booking website online chat or you can call the hotel directly. They will have a clear check-in policy so they should be able to give you a very clear answer straight away.

Do you want to stay at a specific hotel, but are underage?

In the event that you need to go to a specific hotel, they may have a system in place that could allow you to stay underage. You should only do this if you are booking well in advance as there may not be time to complete the paperwork if you are doing this for a last-minute stay. If you call or write to the hotel in advance, there may be a form that your parents or anyone old enough can sign that will allow you to stay. This should be used as a hopeful last-ditch attempt for that particular hotel and I would set your expectations low but it certainly doesn't hurt to ask.