- When you are renting a hotel room, you sign a type of contract. The hotel agrees to allow use of a room and certain amenities in exchange for money, provided the renter uses the room in a way that does not destroy the property or disturb other hotel tenants. While a person can enter into a contract before the age of 18, he is not bound to follow the contract if the contract does not have the consent of his parents. For this reason, hotels tend to set 18 for a minimum age to rent a room so that they do not lose money by a minor not honoring the contract.
- Many hotels abide by the legal contract age when it comes to renting a hotel room. Others set the minimum age higher to discourage young people from renting hotels without parental consent. The reason is to avoid a party atmosphere in their hotels. The higher the class level of the hotel, the higher the minimum age for renting will be.
- An 18-year-old may legally rent a hotel room without parental consent but a hotel with a minibar may decide not to rent to anyone under 21 so they do not provide access to alcohol. Other hotels will lock minibars or give people under 21 rooms without minibar access.
- Credit cards may help hotels overcome any age barrier issues. If the innkeeper can put a significant charge on the credit card she will have reassurance that she will be paid and her property will not be destroyed.
- There may be local laws that prevent an underage person from renting a hotel room. It is best to check on local laws that govern renting rooms to young people and treatment of young people by innkeepers.
- Innkeepers may request that minors have their parents sign a contract to allow them to use the hotel. In addition, they may ask that the parents register the minors with the hotel and provide some level of supervision.
