This page contains affiliate links. We make a small commission on bookings at no additional cost to you.
Home » California

California Hotels with 18+ Check-In

When looking to book a hotel in California as an 18-year-old, your options are limited. Luckily you do have a few options across various price ranges.

In this guide, we’ll take a look through some of the more popular hotels. We’ve also included a section looking at alternatives to hotels for 18-year-olds before finishing off with some FAQs.

On This Page:

Important: Hotels may change their policy before we have a chance to update our website. Be sure to double-check the minimum age to check in before booking.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Hotel Room in California?

Legally, you can get a hotel room from the age of 18 in California. However, hotels can set their own policy and most have a minimum check-in age of 21. On this page, you can find a list of California hotels that allow 18 years olds to check in.

Hotels in California with 18+ Check-In

Below you can find a list of hotels with 18+ check-in for the different cities within California. We have also provided links to our full guides to each city where you can find more information about each hotel.

Important: You will likely be required to provide I.D. and a credit card when checking in.

San Francisco

View our full guide to San Francisco Hotels with 18+ Check-In

San Jose

View our full guide to San Jose Hotels with 18+ Check-In

San Diego

View our full guide to San Diego Hotels with 18+ Check-In

Los Angeles

View our full guide to Los Angeles Hotels with 18+ Check-In

Alternatives to Hotels for 18 Year Olds

If you don’t want to stay at any of these hotels, you do have a couple of other options.

Airbnb

You can usually stay at an Airbnb as an 18 year old. Hosts can change their age requirement policy so make sure to check before booking but this is uncommon and most allow 18 year olds.

Youth Hostels

Youth hostels are another great alternative for 18 year olds as their target audience is young people. They are also very cheap but you will have to sacrifice some comfort and privacy.

FAQs

Is it legal for an 18 year old to check in to a hotel?

Yes, it is perfectly legal for an 18 year old to check into a hotel, as long as the hotel allows it.

So why do some hotels have an age requirement of 21?

Some hotels believe people under 21 are not mature enough to behave responsibly in a hotel on their own. Other reasons include lower insurance rates and legal risks relating to underage drinking.

Will I need a credit card to check in as an 18 year old?

Yes, it is likely you will be asked for a credit card when you check in.

Will I need I.D. to check in as an 18 year old?

Yes, there is a good chance you will be required to provide I.D. when checking in.

If you are unsure or have questions for a specific hotel, the best thing to do is give them a call to make sure you’re getting the most accurate and relevant information.