Booking a hotel room can be frustrating at any age, especially for younger adults. 18-year-olds face additional restrictions that others do not.
Most hotels do not accept guests under 21. Here's a list of all the Wisconsin hotels that allow 18-year-olds to check-in.
Hotels in Wisconsin with 18+ Check-In
1. Milwaukee
3 Star Hotels:
- Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
- Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham Oak Creek/Milwaukee Airport
- Knickerbocker on the Lake
4 Star Hotels:
Click here for Milwaukee Hotels with 18+ Check-In guide
2. Madison
4 Star Hotels:
3 Star Hotels:
- Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown, WI
- DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
- Home2 Suites By Hilton Madison Central Alliant Energy Center
- AmericInn by Wyndham Madison West
- Hampton Inn Madison East Towne Mall Area
- Hyatt Place Madison/Downtown
- Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
- La Quinta by Wyndham Madison American Center
How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Hotel Room in Wisconsin?
You have to be at least 18 years old to rent a hotel room in Wisconsin. Additionally, some hotels uphold even stricter age requirements for getting a room, increasing the minimum age to check in to 21.
FAQs
Do I need an I.D. to check in as an 18-year-old?
You should plan to bring some type of identity verification (driver's license, passport, etc.) to hotel check-in. The hotel needs your I.D. to match the information they have on record from when you booked your room.
Do I need to bring a credit card to check in to a hotel?
If you have a credit card at 18, you can use it to purchase and check into your hotel room. If you do not, no worries! Most hotels also accept debit cards or checks.
Is it legal for an 18-year-old to check into a hotel in Wisconsin?
Many Wisconsin hotels allow 18-year-olds to rent and check into a room by themselves. Try checking your hotel's website or call and ask about further restrictions.
Why do Wisconsin hotels have strict age requirements to book a room?
All Wisconsin hotels have at least an 18-year-old age requirement to rent a room because this is the law.
Aside from following the law, hotels have adult-only check-in because it provides extra protection against accidents or incurred damage. These restrictions also help prevent illegal underage activities.
Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds
If you didn't like any of the 18+ hotels and are still searching for a place to stay in Wisconsin, then try one of these options instead.
Youth Hostels
Youth hostels are a popular choice for young adult travelers for several reasons.
Most hostels are cheaper than hotel rooms while providing many of the same accommodations. There are several youth hostel options scattered throughout Wisconsin.
Airbnb
Airbnb allows 18-year-olds to book places to stay through their website. However, there are additional restrictions for customers under 25.
Airbnbs are different than hotels because you book through an individual host rather than a company. This provides guests with a personalized experience.