Hotels in Maine That Allow 18-Year-Olds to Check-In

By: Alexander Backus
Updated: January 14, 2024

If you’re an 18-year-old with an itch to see the U.S.’s best forests and coastlines, you must check out Maine.

Finding a place to stay can be challenging as an 18-year-old, so here are the 18+ hotels in Maine.

Hotels in Maine with 18+ Check-In

Portland:

Click here for Portland Hotels with 18+ Check-In guide

How Old Do You Have To Be to Rent a Hotel Room in Maine?

You have to be 18 years old to rent a hotel room in Maine. At the same time, some hotels require a minimum age of 21 to book a room.

Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds

The “Pine Tree State” is known for its 17 million acres of forest, lobsters, wild blueberries, and author Stephen King. 

There is so much to do in Maine, with attractions such as Acadia National Park, Portland Head Light, and its abundance of supposedly haunted inns and lighthouses!

There are other options if you’re still having trouble finding a suitable hotel in Maine that allows an 18-year-old.

Youth Hostels

Youth Hostels tend to be in high tourist areas in Maine, so you might not find one in every city. However, they cater to the under-21, meaning you’ll have no trouble checking in. 

Hostels have affordable prices, although you’ll have to expect a dormitory room full of bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and lockers for your belongings. 

Some places offer private rooms, which are more expensive but are usually still cheaper than a standard hotel room. 

Airbnb

Would you like to rent a cottage, a cabin, or a beach chalet? Or perhaps you’d want a kitchen, porch, and jacuzzi? 

While it’s not necessarily a cheaper option, Airbnb is rental-friendly to 18-year-olds and can provide a unique experience. 

However, it’s important to confirm with the host that they accept guests under 21.  

Campervan

Campervans are the perfect way to check out all the trees and water of Maine. 

You can check in to stationary vehicles in a specific location or rent one to tour your bucket list of Maine’s attractions. 

FAQs

What if I don’t have a driver’s license to present at check-in as an 18-year-old?

If you don’t have your driver’s license, that’s usually fine. Just present a state-issued I.D. card or passport. 

You can also check with your hotel ahead of time and see if they accept other types of I.D.

Can I stay in a hotel as an 18-year-old if I don’t have a credit card?

Most hotels will take debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard if you don’t have a credit card. If you don’t have that, contact your hotel to see what else they will accept.

Isn’t it legal for 18-year-olds to check into a Maine hotel?

Yes, an 18-year-old can legally stay at a Maine hotel. However, hotels are allowed to set their own policies regarding age restrictions. 

Why do so many hotels in Maine have an age requirement of 21? 

Hotels often worry about the insurance and legal issues involved with people under 21 staying in their rooms, so to protect themselves, they avoid renting to younger customers.