Once you turn 18, finding a place to stay for your next trip should be easy. Just choose a hotel and pay for the room you want, right?
Not quite.
Renting a hotel room as a young adult can be tricky, as not all places allow guests under 21. However, with a bit of research, you can find plenty of options.
Hotels in Illinois with 18+ Check-In
1. Chicago
- Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
- Hotel Chicago West Loop
- Best Western Chicago Downtown-River North
- Chinatown Hotel Chicago
- Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown/ Magnificent Mile
- Warwick Allerton Chicago
- River Hotel
- Club Quarters Hotel Wacker at Michigan, Chicago
- Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop, Chicago
- Central Loop Hotel
- Freehand Chicago
- citizenM Chicago Downtown
- Red Roof Inn Chicago-Alsip
- Sonder The Plymouth
- Chicago Parthenon Hostel
Click here for Chicago Hotels with 18+ Check-In guide
2. Joliet
Click here for Joliet Hotels with 18+ Check-In guide
3. Naperville
How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Hotel Room in Illinois?
In Illinois, you must be at least 18 years or older before you can rent a hotel room. All hotels have to abide by this rule because it is a law in the United States.
Some hotels implement their own guidelines, meaning you cannot rent one of their rooms unless you are 21 or older.
Why do you have to be at least 18 to check into a hotel in Illinois? The simple answer is for legal reasons.
Purchasing a hotel room requires commitments to contractual obligations that those under 18 legally cannot commit to.
Renting a hotel room is a big responsibility, and hotels are liable for any accidents, damages, and customer safety.
Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds
Looking to stay somewhere other than a hotel? Here are other lodging options for 18-year-olds.
Youth Hostels
Youth hostels are a great option for solo visitors looking to find a few travel buddies. Many hostels follow a dormitory structure. You will be sharing the parts of the space with others.
Hostels are often more feasible for young adults compared to booking hotel rooms.
Airbnb
Many Airbnb spaces accept 18-year-olds. Airbnbs also offer extra privacy and amenities versus a hotel room. These places are usually cheaper, too.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers about hotel check-in as an 18-year-old.
Will I need an I.D. to check in as an 18-year-old?
Yes. Most hotels require an I.D. check for all customers, regardless of age. Have your driver's license or passport handy.
Will I need a credit card to check in as an 18-year-old?
You should bring whatever form of payment you used to book the hotel room. Hotels use this to verify your reservation information.
Typically, hotels accept credit or debit cards.
Can 18-year-olds check in to a hotel in Illinois?
Yes, as long as the specific hotel allows guests under the age of 21.
Why do some hotels in Illinois have an age requirement of 21?
At 18, you become a legal adult. However, some hotels keep their age requirement at 21 to rent a room, so they escape potential liability for any underage activities.