Hotels in South Carolina That Allow 18-Year-Olds to Check-In

By: Alexander Backus
Updated: January 9, 2024

How old do you have to be to get a hotel room in South Carolina?

You have to be 18 years old to get a hotel room in South Carolina. Many hotels have a 21 and over age policy to rent a room, so always check before booking.

Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds

Here are other ways to go if you’re not wild about your accommodation options as an 18-year-old. 

Youth Hostel

Many youth hostels will allow guests as young as 16 to stay without their parents. So, as an 18-year-old, you should have no trouble. 

Hostels boast community living accommodations, including shared rooms with bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and often shared kitchen and lounge areas. 

Hostels are usually cheap, but you may have trouble finding one outside big cities and popular tourist areas.

Airbnb

Airbnb has a pretty inclusive under-25 policy, making it an excellent option for an 18-year-old. If you are flexible on your dates and opt to travel off-season, you can save yourself a few bucks. 

With this choice, you might find yourself sleeping in a tree house or a cottage near a lake.

Campervan

Campervans are the way to go if you want to travel through South Carolina or if the state is one part of a more extensive road trip. 

There are several apps and sites you can use to find a campervan to rent, and you can find both stationary and mobile vehicles for rent on Airbnb. 

FAQs

Why must I have an ID to check in as an 18-year-old?

How else will the hotel know you are who you say you are or that you are 18? Also, if you have booked your room ahead of time, hotels use cards to see if you have a reservation and if you’ve already paid. 

What else do I need to present at check-in?

You will also need a credit card at check-in. You should be able to use a debit card as well. Contact the hotel if you have any other questions about this. 

Is it legal for an 18-year-old to check into a hotel? 

It is legal for an 18-year-old to check into a hotel in South Carolina, but that doesn’t mean a hotel’s age policy will accept guests under 21.

If it’s legal, then why do so many hotels in South Carolina have a 21 and over policy? 

Even though it is legal for them to rent to you, hotels don’t have to. They are allowed to draft and enforce their own age policies, and many find it too expensive or risky to allow anyone under 21 to rent.