North Carolina, the “Tar Heel” state, is famous for Krispy Kreme Donuts, BBQ, and NASCAR. If you’re heading to North Carolina to explore the Outer Banks, get artsy in Asheville, or rowdy in Raleigh, you will need a place to stay!
Finding a hotel that will allow you to check in as an 18-year-old can be tricky, so you’ll want to be prepared ahead of time.
This guide will give you the information you need as an 18-year-old looking for a hotel in North Carolina.
Hotels in North Carolina with 18+ Check-In
Charlotte
- Hyatt House Charlotte Center City
- Aloft Charlotte Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Waverly
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlotte Uptown
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlotte Airport
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Charlotte/SouthPark
- Hampton Inn & Suites-South Park at Phillips Place
- Courtyard Charlotte Airport North
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Southpark
- Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Airport
- Residence Inn Charlotte SouthPark
- Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport, an IHG Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte Airport
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte - Ballantyne
- Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Lake Pointe
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Ballantyne
- Staybridge Suites - Charlotte Ballantyne
- UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Southpark
- Hilton Charlotte Executive Park
- Hyatt House Raleigh North Hills
- Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh North/Triangle Town Center
- Red Roof Inn PLUS Raleigh Downtown NCSU Conv Center
- La Quinta by Wyndham Raleigh Crabtree
- Marriott Raleigh City Center
- AC Hotel by Marriott Raleigh North Hills
- Home2 Suites By Hilton Raleigh North I-540
- Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
- Quality Inn Raleigh Downtown
- Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh Midtown
- Wyndham Garden Greensboro
- Hyatt Place Greensboro
- Drury Inn & Suites Greensboro
- La Quinta by Wyndham Greensboro Airport High Point
- Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport
- DoubleTree by Hilton Greensboro
- Courtyard by Marriott Greensboro
- Four Points by Sheraton Greensboro Airport
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Greensboro Wendover
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Greensboro Coliseum Area
- Hyatt Place Durham Southpoint
- La Quinta by Wyndham University Area Chapel Hill
- Sonesta Select Durham Research Triangle Park
- University Inn Duke
- La Quinta by Wyndham Raleigh/Durham Southpoint
- Hilton Garden Inn Durham-University Medical Center
- Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle Park
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at RTP
- Residence Inn by Marriott Durham Duke University Medical Center Area
- SpringHill Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Research Triangle Park
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek
- Courtyard Durham Near Duke University/Downtown
- Residence Inn Durham Research Triangle Park
- SpringHill Suites Durham Chapel Hill
- Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Durham Southpoint
Click here for Durham Hotels with 18+ Check-In guide
Winston-Salem
- The Historic Brookstown Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Comfort Suites Hanes Mall
- Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, an IHG Hotel
- Courtyard Winston-Salem Downtown
- Sleep Inn Hanes Mall
- DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem - University, NC
- Courtyard Winston-Salem Hanes Mall
- Hampton Inn & Suites Winston-Salem/University Area
- Hotel Indigo - Winston-Salem Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Winston-Salem Marriott
- Holiday Inn Express Winston-Salem Medical Ctr Area
Fayetteville
- Hampton Inn and Suites Fayetteville
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fayetteville Fort Bragg
- Deluxe Inn - Fayetteville I-95
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fayetteville I-95, NC
- Hilton Garden Inn Fayetteville/Fort Bragg
- Extended Stay America Suites - Fayetteville - Cross Creek Mall
- SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Fayetteville
- Courtyard by Marriott Fayetteville
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fayetteville North
- Baymont by Wyndham Fayetteville Fort Bragg Area
How Old Do You Have to Be To Rent a Hotel Room in North Carolina?
You only have to be 18 years old to rent a hotel room in North Carolina.
However, check the hotel’s policy before booking a room, as hotels are allowed to set their own policies and often have a minimum check-in age of 21.
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 North Carolina 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 guests 18+ 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.
FAQs
Will I need 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 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.
Is it legal for an 18-year-old to check in to a hotel in North Carolina?
It is absolutely legal for an 18-year-old to check in to a hotel if the hotel policy says it’s okay.
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.