Hotels In South Dakota That Allow 18-Year-Olds To Check-In
Turning 18 is a rite of passage that comes with newfound freedoms, but it also presents its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to booking a hotel room. In South Dakota, the age of majority is 18, making you legally an adult. However, hotel age policies can vary, often ranging from 18 to 25 years.
So, can 18-year-olds check into hotels in South Dakota? Generally, the answer is yes, but there are conditions. Many hotels in South Dakota allow 18-year-olds to check in, provided they have a valid ID and a credit card. It’s always a good idea to confirm the age requirements with the specific hotel you’re interested in, as policies can differ.
This article serves as your all-inclusive guide for booking a hotel in South Dakota at 18. We’ll provide a list of hotels that welcome younger guests, explore alternative lodging options, and offer insights on safety measures and amenities. If you’re 18 and planning a trip to the Mount Rushmore State, this article is your essential resource.
Important!
Hotel policies can be updated before we manage to revise our website information. Make sure to verify the minimum check-in age before finalizing your booking.
List of Hotels in South Dakota Allowing 18-Year-Old Check-Ins
Before diving into the details, let’s first identify the hotels in South Dakota that allow 18-year-olds to check in. This list has been meticulously curated based on customer reviews, amenities, and age policies.
The hotels on this list meet the following criteria:
- Allow 18-year-olds to check-in.
- Have positive customer reviews.
- Offer a range of amenities.
- Are located in secure neighborhoods, often near popular attractions.
Here’s a compilation of hotels across South Dakota that welcome guests aged 18 and above. To assist you in your planning, we’ve also included links to comprehensive guides for each region, offering more details on each hotel.
ID And Credit Card
You will be asked to share your I.D. and a credit card when checking in.
Sioux Falls
Check our full guide on Sioux Falls Hotels with 18+ check-in
Rapid City
Pierre
| Hotels In Pierre, SD | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Ramkota Hotel Pierre | 7.2 | 195 |
| Baymont by Wyndham Pierre | 7.2 | 293 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Pierre SD | 6.6 | 193 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Pierre | 6.4 | 217 |
| Quality Inn Pierre-Fort Pierre | 6.4 | 215 |
Aberdeen
| Hotels In Aberdeen, SD | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| My Place Hotel-Aberdeen, SD | 8.9 | 108 |
| Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Aberdeen, SD | 8.7 | 107 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aberdeen, an IHG Hotel | 7.9 | 93 |
| Best Western Ramkota Hotel Aberdeen | 7.5 | 285 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Aberdeen East | 7.2 | 185 |
Brookings
| Hotels In Brookings, SD | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Suites Brookings | 8.7 | 176 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Brookings | 8.7 | 58 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Brookings | 8.4 | 362 |
| My Place Hotel-Brookings, SD | 8.3 | 74 |
| Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Brookings | 8.2 | 348 |
| Quality Inn Brookings-University | 7.3 | 106 |
| Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Brookings | 7.2 | 191 |
| Brookings Inn | 5.3 | 157 |
Watertown
| Hotels In Watertown, SD | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| My Place Hotel-Watertown, SD | 8.9 | 157 |
| Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Watertown, SD | 8.7 | 269 |
| Ramkota Hotel Watertown | 7.1 | 108 |
Mitchell
| Hotels In Mitchell, SD | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| AmericInn by Wyndham Mitchell | 7.8 | 143 |
| Thunderbird Lodge | 7.8 | 447 |
| Quality Inn Mitchell | 7.5 | 372 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Mitchell SD | 7.5 | 304 |
| Corn Palace Inn | 6.1 | 115 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Mitchell | 6.1 | 580 |
Yankton
| Hotels In Yankton, SD | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis & Clark Resort | 8.6 | 223 |
| Econo Lodge Inn & Suites | 6.6 | 213 |
| Yankton Inn | 6.6 | 210 |
Huron
| Hotels In Huron, SD | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center | 7.9 | 168 |
| Best Western Of Huron | 7.3 | 94 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Huron | 6.9 | 69 |
Spearfish
| Hotels In Spearfish, SD | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Best Western Black Hills Lodge | 8.4 | 240 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Spearfish | 8.2 | 77 |
| Travelodge by Wyndham Spearfish | 8.0 | 443 |
| Hampton Inn Spearfish | 7.6 | 126 |
| Holiday Inn Spearfish-Convention Center | 7.4 | 142 |
| Quality Inn Spearfish | 7.1 | 173 |
| The Crow Peak Lodge | 6.5 | 157 |
How We Selected These Hotels
1. Extensive Database: We began our analysis with an extensive database of over 233,000 hotels across the United States, ensuring a comprehensive view of available options.
2. Age Inclusivity: Our selection specifically targets hotels that allow check-ins for guests aged 18 and above, making the options accessible for a broader range of travelers.
3. Customer Reviews: To ensure reliability and customer satisfaction, we only considered hotels that have received at least 200 customer reviews. This criterion helps to provide a more accurate picture of the hotelโs quality and service.
4. Quality Assurance: We sorted the selected hotels based on their average customer ratings. This approach helps us recommend only the highest quality hotels, thereby ensuring a superior guest experience.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Hotel Room in South Dakota?
Understanding both state laws and individual hotel policies is crucial when booking a hotel room in South Dakota, particularly concerning age requirements. The age of majority in South Dakota is 18, which generally aligns with most hotel policies in the state.
Age Requirements in South Dakota Hotels
In South Dakota, the majority of hotels allow bookings for guests who are 18 years old. However, some upscale or specialized establishments may have a higher age requirement, usually 21, particularly if they offer amenities like a bar or casino.
Identification Documents Required
To secure a hotel booking in South Dakota at 18, you’ll generally need:
- A valid government-issued ID: Such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
- A credit card: The card should be in your name and have sufficient funds to cover the stay and any incidental charges.
Legal Responsibilities When Booking a Hotel
Booking a hotel room at 18 in South Dakota comes with its own set of legal responsibilities:
- Damages: You are financially responsible for any damages to the room or property.
- Hotel Policies: You must adhere to the hotel’s policies, which can include noise restrictions and rules about using amenities.
- Liability: Some hotels may ask you to sign a liability waiver, especially if they offer specialized amenities like a swimming pool.
Understanding these factors will help you navigate the complexities of booking a hotel room in South Dakota at 18, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Alternatives to Hotels for 18 Year Olds
If you find that the hotel scene is too restrictive or perhaps not to your taste, there are alternative lodging options that are often more lenient with age requirements or offer a different kind of experience altogether.
Hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option and usually have minimal age requirements. They offer dormitory-style rooms and sometimes private rooms as well. Hostels are great for meeting other travelers and often have communal kitchens and social events.
Airbnb
Airbnb can be a viable option, but itโs essential to read the age policies of individual hosts. Some may allow 18-year-olds to book, especially if the reviews on your profile are positive.
Motels
Motels often have lower age requirements and are generally more lenient with their policies. They offer basic amenities and are usually situated near highways.
Vacation Rentals
Sites like Vrbo offer vacation homes that can be rented for short periods. These are ideal if youโre traveling with a group and can split the cost.
Couchsurfing
If youโre really on a budget, platforms like Couchsurfing offer free stays with locals. However, this option requires a thorough vetting process for both hosts and guests to ensure safety.
Amenities Offered by These Hotels
When youโre 18 and traveling, amenities can make or break your hotel experience. Hereโs a detailed look at what you can expect from hotels in South Dakota that allow 18-year-olds to check in.
Basic Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi: Almost a necessity in todayโs world, free Wi-Fi is usually available, allowing you to stay connected.
- Breakfast: Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast, ranging from continental to full American breakfast options.
Recreational Amenities
- Swimming Pools: A pool can be a great way to relax after a day of exploring.
- Gyms: For those who like to stay active, a well-equipped gym can be a big plus.
Business Amenities
- Business Centers: If youโre traveling for work or need to catch up on emails, a business center with computers and printing services can be invaluable.
Luxury Amenities
- Spa Services: Some high-end hotels offer spa services, including massages and facials.
- Concierge Services: A concierge can help with booking tours, restaurant reservations, and more.
Family-Friendly Amenities
- Kidsโ Clubs: If youโre traveling with younger siblings, a kidsโ club can keep them entertained.
- Pet-Friendly Options: For those traveling with pets, some hotels offer pet-friendly rooms and even pet-sitting services.
Understanding the range of amenities can help you make an informed decision about where to stay, ensuring that your needsโwhether theyโre basic or more luxuriousโare met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Legal for an 18-Year-Old to Check-In to a Hotel?
Yes, it is generally legal for an 18-year-old to check into a hotel. However, private businesses like hotels have the right to set their own age requirements, which can sometimes be higher. It’s always best to call ahead and confirm the hotel’s age policy to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Why Do Some Hotels Have an Age Requirement of 21?
Hotels may set a minimum age requirement of 21 for various reasons, often related to liability and insurance policies. The age limit can also be influenced by the hotel’s target demographic or the types of amenities they offer, such as bars or casinos, which have age restrictions. Additionally, hotels may perceive older guests as less likely to cause damage or disturbances.
Can You Book a Hotel Room at 18 Without a Credit Card?
While most hotels prefer a credit card for securing a reservation and covering potential incidental charges, some establishments may allow you to book a room without one. In such cases, you’ll likely need to provide a substantial cash deposit or a debit card with a significant balance. Always call the hotel in advance to discuss payment options if you don’t have a credit card.
What Are the Cancellation Policies Like?
Cancellation policies can vary widely among hotels. Some may offer free cancellation up to a certain point, usually 24 to 48 hours before the check-in date. Others might charge a fee equivalent to one night’s stay or more. Always read the cancellation policy carefully at the time of booking and consider opting for a refundable rate if your plans are uncertain.
Are There Any Additional Fees for 18-Year-Olds?
Additional fees specifically for 18-year-olds are uncommon but not unheard of. Some hotels might charge a “young renter fee” or require a larger deposit from guests under a certain age. It’s crucial to inquire about any such fees when you’re making your reservation to avoid unexpected costs.
Will I Need ID to Check-In as an 18-Year-Old?
Yes, you will almost certainly need a valid, government-issued ID to check into a hotel. This is not just an age verification measure but also a general security policy. Some hotels may also require a second form of identification or additional documentation if you’re a local resident.
Why Do Hotels Ask for Everyone’s ID?
Hotels commonly ask for ID from all adult guests for a variety of reasons, including security and compliance with local laws. This practice helps the hotel keep track of who is staying in their rooms and can assist law enforcement if any issues arise. It also helps the hotel to enforce their own policies, such as age restrictions for certain amenities like gyms or bars.