Booking a hotel room does not become a straightforward process once you turn 18.
Not all hotels accept 18-year-old customers, meaning you do not have many options. This restriction makes planning a trip even more complicated than it already seems.
However, some places accept 18-year-olds. You just have to look a little harder to find them.
Hotels in Arkansas with 18+ Check-In
Little Rock
How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Hotel Room in Arkansas?
In the state of Arkansas, you must be at least 18 years or older before you can book a hotel room. Every hotel in Arkansas and the United States has to follow this policy because it is the law.
On top of this law, some hotels create their own private rules that state nobody under the age of 21 can rent a room.
Why do you have to be a certain age to check into a hotel in Arkansas? It seems frustrating, but hotels do this for liability protection.
When you book a hotel room, it acts as a legally binding commitment. Anyone under 18 cannot uphold this contract.
If hotels allowed anyone under 18 or 21 to book rooms, they would claim responsibility for all associated risks, like activities that compromise the underage customer’s safety.
Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds
Interested in another place to stay during your travels? Written below are three hotel alternatives suitable for 18-year-olds.
Youth Hostels
Youth hostels are an excellent pick for 18-year-olds. Most are cheaper than a hotel room, and they specialize in accommodating young-adult customers.
You typically share certain spaces with other guests, so you will get less privacy than in a hotel room.
Airbnb
Most Airbnb hosts allow 18-year-olds to stay by themselves. Though, age requirements could vary. Always check the fine print before booking a space.
Airbnbs provide the chance for a unique lodging experience compared to hotels.
Campervan
Purchasing a camper van at 18 might be pricey, but there are plenty of RV rental companies for a cheaper trip.
Some camper van rental agencies uphold a 21 or older requirement, but others allow younger customers.
FAQs
Below are responses to some popular questions about checking into a hotel at 18.
Do 18-year-olds need their I.D. for hotel check-in?
Have your I.D. handy during check-in because almost all hotels use it to verify your information before you can receive your room.
Should I bring my credit card to check-in?
Yes, bring the credit card you used to make your reservation, so your hotel can confirm you have an acceptable payment method.
Can 18-year-olds legally check into a hotel in Arkansas?
Yes, 18-year-olds can check into any hotel in Arkansas that does not have an age requirement of 21 or older.
Why do some hotels in Arkansas not allow 18-year-olds?
Most hotels in Arkansas do not allow people 18 and under to book a room for legal reasons. Some Arkansas hotels have an age requirement of 21 for further liability protection.