Minnesota, the “North Star State” and the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is a fantastic place to visit as an 18-year-old. While there, you can check out the Twin Cities and get your fill of the cheese-filled Juicy Lucy burgers.
But renting a hotel room as an 18-year-old has its challenges. With that in mind, I’ve compiled this guide with everything you need to know about renting a hotel room in Minnesota.
Hotels in Minnesota with 18+ Check-In
How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent A Hotel Room in Minnesota?
This simple question has a two-part answer. Legally, you have to be 18 to rent a room in Minnesota.
However, hotels are legally allowed to set their age requirements, and many won’t rent to anyone under 21.
Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds
Can’t find a hotel in Minnesota as an 18-year-old? Check out these other options.
Youth Hostels
Youth hostels can typically be booked for a fraction of the price you would pay for a hotel room.
If you have a flexible budget, many hostels even have private rooms you can book that will still cost less than most hotels.
Hostels are ideal if you’re not planning on spending a lot of time in your room and want to budget more for enjoying yourself.
Airbnb
As an 18-year-old, you should find little trouble renting through Airbnb. While their age policy does have restrictions for renting locally, it doesn’t if you’re away from home, and hosts cannot change the policy on you.
You can find a beautiful cabin in the woods, a lakeside cottage, or a hip and cozy place in the city that will offer more flexibility than many standard cookie-cutter hotel rooms.
Campervan
A campervan or R.V. is another excellent option, especially if you want to take advantage of all the outdoorsy activities Minnesota offers.
FAQs
Here you’ll find some answers to questions you may have when checking into a hotel as an 18-year-old.
Will I need I.D. to check in as an 18-year-old?
Check your hotel’s policy before check-in, but most, if not all, hotels require an I.D. If you don’t have a driver’s license, they might accept a passport or other form of identification.
Do I have to have a credit card to check in as an 18-year-old?
Many 18-year-olds don’t have credit cards. But unfortunately, hotels do require a credit card at check-in for their own protection. Debit cards usually work, but reach out to your hotel if you’re unsure.
Is it legal for an 18-year-old to check into a hotel in Minnesota?
It is absolutely legal for an 18-year-old to check into a hotel in Minnesota, but hotels don’t have to rent to you if their policy has the requirement set at a higher age.
Why do some hotels in Minnesota have an age requirement of 21?
Even though you are no longer considered a minor at 18, you are still considered risky. Hotels are at legal liability for underage drinking on their property, and their insurance rates are also higher when they rent to those under 21.