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San Diego (California) Hotels with 18+ Check-In

When looking to book a hotel in San Diego 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.

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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.

10 Hotels in San Diego with 18+ Check-In

We’ve rounded up some popular hotels in San Diego that allow 18-year-olds to check in. You have a few options including plenty located centrally near all of the popular attractions. For each hotel, we’ll list key points on the location, amenities, and areas where the hotel is highly rated.

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

1. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle

Price: Mid | Stars: 3

Located near the San Diego Zoo, Old Town San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and San Diego State University. The hotel is 6 miles from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

2. Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Price: High | Stars: 4

Located on the San Diego Bay and steps from the Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park. The hotel is 3 miles from San Diego International Airport.

  • WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Pet-friendly
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

3. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown

Price: High | Stars: 4

Located just a few blocks from the Gaslamp Quarter, the local entertainment and nightlife district. Petco Park is 1 mile away. The hotel is 3 miles from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

4. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Mission Valley

Price: High | Stars: 4

Located 5 minutes from Fashion Valley mall and Mission Valley. The hotel is 6 miles from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Pet-friendly
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

5. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Price: High | Stars: 4

Located in the heart of the San Diego harbor. The hotel is 1 mile from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Airport shuttle
  • Pet-friendly
  • Swimming pools
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

6. Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine

Price: Mid | Stars: 4

Located 5 miles from La Jolla town center and nearby beaches. The hotel is 13 miles from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

7. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego – La Jolla

Price: Mid | Stars: 3

Located across from the Westfield UTC mall and 1 mile from the University of California. The hotel is 14 miles from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Pet-friendly
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

8. Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside, CA

Price: High | Stars: 4

Locate 2 blocks from San Diego Bay and a short walk from downtown, Waterfront Park, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The hotel is 2 miles from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Pet-friendly
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

9, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego Airport – Old Town, an IHG Hotel

Price: Mid | Stars: 2

Located just off I-5 and I-8 and less than a mile from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Airport shuttle
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Laundry

10. San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter

Price: High | Stars: 4

Located within walking distance of Petco Park. The hotel is 3 miles from San Diego International Airport.

  • Parking
  • WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Restaurant
  • Facilities for disabled guests

More Hotels in San Diego 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.