Hotels in Madison That Allow 18-Year-Olds to Check-In

By: Alexander Backus
Updated: February 4, 2024

Madison’s proximity to five lakes and its love for cheese make it an excellent and exciting place to visit.

If you’re a little nervous about being too young to rent a hotel room, relax and read on as I give you the list of Madison hotels that allow 18-year-olds to check-in.

Hotels in Madison With 18+ Check-In

4 Star Hotels:

1. The Madison Concourse Hotel

This hotel is nestled less than one mile from the University of Wisconsin. It features an indoor pool and an on-site restaurant. 

An on-site lounge offers guests cocktails and appetizers, or you can head next door to the local Starbucks for a coffee.

  • Indoor swimming pool and sauna
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Airport shuttle (free)
  • Fitness center
  • Family rooms

2. Graduate Madison

Graduate Madison is just one block away from the University of Wisconsin and alongside Lake Mendota.

The hotel offers glorious panoramic views of the city and lake. You can enjoy plenty of amenities in the modern comforts of your room.

  • Private parking
  • Fitness Center
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Family rooms

3. Best Western Premier Park Hotel

This hotel is conveniently located on Madison's Capitol Square across the street from the Wisconsin State Capitol Building.

You can enjoy complimentary airport shuttle services and a 42-inch flat-screen cable TV with satellite channels in each room.

  • Free airport shuttle
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Private parking

3 Star Hotels:

4. Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown, WI

The Hilton Garden Inn boasts a great downtown location for anyone clamoring to be in the middle of Madison's action. Nearby attractions include the Geology Museum, Kohl Center, and Camp Randall Stadium.

  • Private Parking
  • On-site restaurant
  • Room service
  • Fitness center
  • Business center

Note: As per the official website, the minimum age to check in is 18.

5. DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

The DoubleTree by Hilton is located on the eastern side of the University of Wisconsin Madison. It is also close to State Street and the Kohl Center. They offer free campus shuttle service as well as:

  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Fitness center
  • Private Parking
  • On-site restaurant

Note: As per the official website, the minimum age to check in is 18.

6. Home2 Suites By Hilton Madison Central Alliant Energy Center

With a gorgeous, contemporary feel, the Home2 Suites By Hilton is less than three miles from Henry Vilas Zoo, Capitol Square, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and the University of Wisconsin Arboretum.

  • Indoor pool
  • Breakfast
  • Fitness center
  • Free Parking
  • Free WiFi

7. AmericInn by Wyndham Madison West

The AmericInn by Wyndham is less than ten miles from the airport, the Henry Vilas Zoo, Capitol Square, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

  • Indoor pool
  • Free Parking & WiFi
  • Room service
  • Fitness Center
  • On-site ATM

8. Hampton Inn Madison East Towne Mall Area

The Hampton Inn is near East Towne Mall. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi and cable TV with pay-per-view movies in every room. The hotel also has an indoor pool and Jacuzzi.

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Free Parking
  • Family rooms
  • Gym

9. Hyatt Place Madison Downtown

Located in the heart of downtown, the Hyatt Place is a five-minute walk from the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. It is also close to the Overture Center For the Arts and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  • Indoor pool
  • Gallery
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast
  • Fitness center
  • On-site Parking

10. Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

A skywalk connects The Hilton Madison to the Monona Terrace Convention Center. If you're not in town for a convention, this hotel is also near the State Capitol and the Henry Vilas Zoo.

  • Lakeview
  • Indoor pool
  • On-site restaurant
  • Room service
  • Free WiFi

Note: As per the official website, the minimum age to check in is 18.

11. La Quinta by Wyndham Madison American Center

Located off Interstate 90, the La Quina by Wyndham is an excellent choice, and the top nearby attractions include Camp Randall Stadium and The Kohl Center.

  • Indoor pool
  • Free Parking
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Convenience store

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most critical questions regarding checking in to hotels for 18-year-olds. 

Will I need an I.D. and credit card to check in?

You will need both identification and a credit card to check into a hotel. The hotel needs to verify your age and identity and ensure you can pay for any charges or damages to your room. 

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 as long as it is within the hotel’s policy. 

Why do some hotels have an age requirement of 21? 

Hotels often set an age requirement of 21 or even as high as 25 if they are concerned about underage drinking and the damages caused by underage drinking and irresponsible behavior. 

Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds

What if you can’t afford any of the hotels on the list, or they aren’t exactly what you’re looking for? In that case, you should consider booking at a youth hostel or Airbnb.

Youth hostels cater to 18-year-olds and are usually full of potential friends and travel mates. They are also relatively cheap. The downside is that the accommodations tend to be dorm-style, with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. 

18-year-olds are also allowed to book most Airbnb properties, so you can find something more private or with more of the local flavor than you would at a hotel. 

Hotels for 18+ in nearby cities: