Pennsylvania is a great state to visit, with many experiences and attractions.
Before you get too excited about scarfing down a Philly cheesesteak or your visit to The Andy Warhol Museum, you need to make sure you have a place to stay for your trip, and the unfortunate reality is that not all hotels allow 18-year-olds to check-in.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about finding a hotel in Pennsylvania as an 18-year-old.
Hotels in Pennsylvania with 18+ Check-In
1. Philadelphia
- Sonder The Arco
- Motel 6-Philadelphia - Northeast
- Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, an IHG Hotel
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
- Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia
- Sonder The Mint
- Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel
- Sonder The Queen
- The Philadelphia Hotel Bella Vista
- Sonder at Sixteen Hundred
- Sonder The Heid
- The Inn at Penn, A Hilton Hotel
- The Bellevue Hotel, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt
- The Franklin on Rittenhouse, A Boutique Hotel
Click here for Philadelphia Hotels with 18+ Check-In guide
2. Pittsburgh
- Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore
- Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown
- Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh
- Red Roof Inn Pittsburgh - McKnight Rd
- Drury Inn & Suites Pittsburgh Airport Settlers Ridge
- Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown
- Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, an IHG Hotel
- Staybridge Suites Pittsburgh Airport, an IHG Hotel
- The Industrialist Hotel, Pittsburgh, Autograph Collection
- Traveler's Rest Hotel
- Motel 6-Pittsburgh, PA - Crafton
Click here for Pittsburgh Hotels with 18+ Check-In guide
3. Allentown
How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent a Hotel Room in Pennsylvania?
This is one of those trick questions. Yes, legally, you only have to be 18 to rent a hotel in Pennsylvania, but most hotels have a minimum age requirement of 21.
Fortunately, some hotels will allow 18-year-olds to check in, and there are alternatives to standard hotels as well.
Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds
Hotels aren’t the only way to go if you’re planning a trip to Pennsylvania. Check out these other options.
Youth Hostels
It’s right there in the name. Youth hostels cater to younger customers. They exist so that people whose youth or bank account prevent them from staying in a hotel will still have a place to rest their heads between adventures.
You might have to sleep in a bunk bed, use a shared bathroom, and secure your things in a locker, but hostels have huge upsides, like access to a kitchen and group sightseeing activities.
Airbnb
Airbnb does have an under-25 age policy that makes it a little more challenging to book a local property if you’re under 25, but it doesn’t hinder your ability to check in to a room while you’re far away from home.
Why stay in a boring old hotel anyway when you could book a cabin with a jacuzzi or a cool place in the hippest part of town?
Campervan
If your Pennsylvania trip is part of a more extensive road trip, you could also consider renting a campervan or R.V. This is an excellent option if you’re traveling with friends or family.
FAQs
If you have further questions, here are answers to the most frequently asked ones.
What if I don’t have I.D. to check in as an 18-year-old?
Hotels want to make sure you are who you say you are. If you don’t have a driver’s license or state I.D., reach out to the hotel and ask if they accept any other forms of identification.
What if I don’t have a credit card to check in as an 18-year-old?
Most, if not all, hotels will ask for a credit card at check-in. If you don’t have one, a bank debit card, such as a Visa or Mastercard, should work. Of course, you can always reach out to the hotel ahead of time if you’re worried.
Is it legal for an 18-year-old to check in to a hotel in Pennsylvania?
While it is legal for 18-year-old to check in to Pennsylvania hotels, it doesn’t mean Pennsylvania hotels legally have to rent to 18-year-olds.
Why do some hotels in Pennsylvania have an age requirement of 21?
Basically, the younger you are, the riskier you are, and hotels often can’t afford to give people under 21 the benefit of the doubt.