So, I was planning on going to Texas and Six Flags along with some other things (sight-seeing, checking out a new theatre, etc.) which would take more than one day, if you include driving times, etc.
But, I'm only 18 and I wasn't sure if there were age restrictions on getting a hotel/motel room, etc. and didn't want to drive all the way down there just to find out I can't rent a room..
So, does anyone know?
Posted by Stephan (Member # 7549) on :
Legally they cannot turn you down as a legal adult. Sometimes it takes some yelling and screaming to convince them of that, but its true. The ACLU won law suits in Ocean City, MD (worked in several hotels there myself) for age discrimination against legal adults.
However, if there is 1 person under 18 without a legal guardian they can deny it.
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
For most hotels 18 is old enough. I know for sure it is at my hotel (Hilton). But if you want to be on the safe side, you should call and make a reservation.
Where in Tejas?
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
Make sure you have a picture id with you when you check in. Lots of hotels and motels require them now, at least here in California. Although, funnily enough, a year and a half ago when I last attended LosCon, the hotel where it was held - right next door to LAX, (literally - we could sit in the con suite and watch the planes taxiing on one of the runways) - did not ask for id when we checked in. Go figure.
Posted by Ginol_Enam (Member # 7070) on :
That's crazy. A friend of mine was turned away from a hotel a few months ago because she wasn't 21 (granted, she was going to use the room for rather unwholesome purposes, so its probably for the better).
I just wasn't sure whether it was a state law or federal law or what, but apparantely its not a law at all! Crazy.
So, thanks! Six Flags here I come! (in a couple of weeks)
Posted by Stephan (Member # 7549) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ginol_Enam: That's crazy. A friend of mine was turned away from a hotel a few months ago because she wasn't 21 (granted, she was going to use the room for rather unwholesome purposes, so its probably for the better).
I just wasn't sure whether it was a state law or federal law or what, but apparantely its not a law at all! Crazy.
So, thanks! Six Flags here I come! (in a couple of weeks)
If it was a chain I would write a nasty letter to the corporate headquarters if I were her.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
I've found record of the ACLU suing a Detroit Hilton for age discrimination, but no record of the result.
If I were you, I would call and make sure they will rent you a room.
When I was under 21, I was turned away from a hotel when I tried to get a room, but that was before the ACLU filed suit. Regardless, I wouldn't bet on the hotel knowing that it's against the law to turn you away.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Hotels normally require a credit card for use against damages or extensive extra expenses you may make while in the room. Most credit cards are supposed to have an age limit. This may be a legal reason for them to deny you entrance. (Paying the $50 hotel room fee in cash doesn't do the hotel any good if you make $500 in long distance calls from the hotel phone, then sneak out in the morning).
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I've never had a problem with hotels. 18 should be fine. I don't even think I had a problem when I was 17, but of course, I was probably using my father's credit card or something.
You shouldn't have a problem with a Holiday Inn or something.
-pH
Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
I was able to make arrangements with a hotel in Wells, Nevada for my son and some buddies making a "road trip". I gave them my credit card number and (as I recall) a faxed note agreeing to be responsible for stuff. You might try a grey headed sponsor.
Posted by Ginol_Enam (Member # 7070) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dan_raven: Hotels normally require a credit card for use against damages or extensive extra expenses you may make while in the room. Most credit cards are supposed to have an age limit. This may be a legal reason for them to deny you entrance. (Paying the $50 hotel room fee in cash doesn't do the hotel any good if you make $500 in long distance calls from the hotel phone, then sneak out in the morning).
I won't have a credit card, but my debit card should be in by then (yay! first checking account). I assume they function the same in that respect?
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I made a reservation online when I was 18, then called after I realized that the website said you had to be 21. When I talked to the woman on the phone, she said they'd still honor the reservation, but that if there was any hint of a party going on, we'd be kicked out immediately.
Try calling ahead before you make the reservation.
Posted by Stephan (Member # 7549) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ginol_Enam:
quote:Originally posted by Dan_raven: Hotels normally require a credit card for use against damages or extensive extra expenses you may make while in the room. Most credit cards are supposed to have an age limit. This may be a legal reason for them to deny you entrance. (Paying the $50 hotel room fee in cash doesn't do the hotel any good if you make $500 in long distance calls from the hotel phone, then sneak out in the morning).
I won't have a credit card, but my debit card should be in by then (yay! first checking account). I assume they function the same in that respect?
Be careful giving debit cards to hotels. Many times they will put a hold on it just like a credit card. The difference being of course that many debit cards have daily limits, which that hold eats up. Just something else to ask about when booking a room.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
You guys have been staying at some uptight hotels.
-pH
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lyrhawn: I made a reservation online when I was 18, then called after I realized that the website said you had to be 21. When I talked to the woman on the phone, she said they'd still honor the reservation, but that if there was any hint of a party going on, we'd be kicked out immediately.
Try calling ahead before you make the reservation.
I always try to make reservations directly with the property I will be staying at rather than using the generic 800 reservation line. Then there are no misunderstandings over anything. If I can't do that, I prefer making reservations online rather than using the 800 number, because that way I can print out a hard copy of the reservation rather than just having the confirmation number in my handwriting. That also means I will have the applicable room rates in writing, which could conceivably prevent problems as well.