You must be 18 or older to get a hotel room in North Carolina. Before booking a hotel room, it's essential to check the hotel's policy, as they often have a minimum check-in age of 21.

Above, you can find a great range of 18+ hotels in North Carolina, specifically catering to guests aged 18 and older.

FAQs

Will I need an I.D. to check in as an 18-year-old?

You will need to present your I.D. to check in to any hotel. Reach out to the hotel if you have any questions about acceptable forms of identification.

Will I need a credit card to check in?

Most hotels require you to present a credit or debit card at check-in, even if you have already paid for the room online. They want to ensure payment for any charges you incur, from room service to damage.

Can you get a hotel at 18? Is it legal in North Carolina?

Yes, it is legal for an 18-year-old to check in to a hotel if the hotel policy allows it. But, most hotels have a minimum age requirement of 21. If you are under 21, select from our curated list of hotels for 18-year-olds.

Why do some hotels in North Carolina have an age requirement of 21?

Some hotels have a higher age requirement because of insurance rates or legal liability issues of underage drinking or irresponsible behavior usually associated with younger guests.

Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds

If you can’t find a standard hotel that works for you, luckily, there are a couple of other options.

Airbnb

Airbnb is an excellent choice if you are looking for a room in a specific part of the state or desire a taste of the “real” North Carolina that you won’t get with a standard hotel room.

Airbnb rentals provide a unique, character-filled, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Airbnb hosts get to set their age requirement policies. You should always check, but most hosts allow 18+ guests to check-in.

Hostels

Youth hostels are another excellent option for finding a place to stay as an 18-year-old.

Hostels often cater to younger people and are usually located right in the action, such as downtown areas and near popular attractions.

The upside is that hostels are cheaper than hotels, and you will likely meet other people from all over the world. Some hostels even schedule group activities and group meals in their kitchen.

The downside is that hostel rooms are usually dorm-style, with shared bathrooms. If you are staying in a hostel, there is typically a locker or locked drawer to keep your items during your stay.

Some hostels do have private rooms available for a higher rate. You’ll have a little more privacy and usually still spend a little less than you would for a standard hotel room.