Hotels In Kentucky That Allow 18-Year-Olds To Check-In
Setting out on a trip at 18 is thrilling but also comes with its own set of hurdles, especially in the area of lodging. In Kentucky, you’re considered an adult at 18, aligning with the age of majority in most states. However, hotels in Kentucky have their own set of age requirements, which can span from 18 to 25, adding an extra layer of intricacy for young adventurers.
So, is it possible for 18-year-olds to check into hotels in Kentucky? The straightforward answer is yes. Many Kentucky hotels do allow 18-year-olds to check in, provided they can show a valid ID and a credit card. However, given Kentucky’s unique blend of Southern hospitality and horse racing culture, it’s advisable to confirm age requirements with individual hotels, as policies can vary.
This article is your one-stop guide for booking a hotel in Kentucky at 18. We’ll outline a list of hotels that are open to younger guests, discuss alternative lodging options unique to Kentucky, and provide insights on safety measures and amenities. If you’re 18 and have plans to explore the Bluegrass State, this article is your essential guide.
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 Kentucky Allowing 18-Year-Old Check-Ins
Before diving into the specifics, let’s first take a look at the hotels in Kentucky that permit 18-year-olds to check in. This list is carefully assembled based on customer feedback, amenities, and age policies. Given Kentucky’s rich history and cultural attractions, many hotels have age requirements that can range from 18 to 25, making it crucial to verify this information.
The hotels featured on this list meet the following qualifications:
- Permit 18-year-olds to check-in
- Receive favorable customer reviews
- Offer a variety of amenities, some unique to Kentucky like bourbon tasting sessions or proximity to horse racing tracks
- Situated in secure neighborhoods, often close to popular tourist spots or commercial areas
Here’s a selection of hotels across Kentucky that welcome guests who are 18 and older. To make your planning easier, we’ve also included links to detailed guides for each region, offering more information on each hotel.
ID And Credit Card
You will be asked to share your I.D. and a credit card when checking in.
Louisville
Lexington
| Hotels In Lexington, Kentucky | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Lexington, a Wyndham Hotel | 9.2 | 390 |
| 175 LEX – Walkable Downtown Lexington & Rupp Arena – Full Condos | 9.1 | 249 |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green | 8.9 | 257 |
| Candlewood Suites – Lexington – Medical District, an IHG Hotel | 8.6 | 224 |
| Staybridge Suites Lexington, an IHG Hotel | 8.6 | 556 |
| Hampton Inn Lexington I-75 | 8.4 | 357 |
| DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Lexington | 8.4 | 273 |
| Hyatt Place Lexington | 8.3 | 1,285 |
| Hilton Lexington Downtown | 8.3 | 492 |
| Hyatt Regency Lexington | 8.2 | 673 |
| The Campbell House Lexington, Curio Collection by Hilton | 7.9 | 407 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Lexington North | 7.8 | 281 |
| La Quinta Inn Lexington-Horse Park | 7.5 | 620 |
| Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lexington, KY | 7.5 | 418 |
| Comfort Suites Keeneland | 7.2 | 333 |
| Red Roof Inn Lexington | 7.1 | 714 |
| Sleep Inn Lexington | 6.8 | 287 |
| Bluegrass Extended Stay | 6.8 | 218 |
| Motel 6-Lexington, KY – East I-75 | 6.3 | 566 |
| Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lexington | 6 | 826 |
Frankfort
| Hotels In Frankfort, Kentucky | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| The Bourbon/Horse Mecca | 9.6 | 15 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Frankfort | 8 | 43 |
| Capital Plaza Hotel | 7.7 | 623 |
Bowling Green
| Hotels In Bowling Green, Kentucky | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy Suites By Hilton Bowling Green | 9.4 | 107 |
| MainStay Suites | 9 | 153 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bowling Green | 8.9 | 231 |
| Sleep Inn | 8.9 | 292 |
| Drury Inn & Suites Bowling Green | 8.8 | 787 |
| Hyatt Place Bowling Green | 8.6 | 820 |
| Home2 Suites By Hilton Bowling Green | 8.4 | 120 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Bowling Green | 8.4 | 170 |
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bowling Green | 8.1 | 82 |
| Cardinal Motel Bowling Green | 8.1 | 10 |
| Courtyard Bowling Green Convention Center | 8.1 | 47 |
| Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa | 8 | 55 |
| Stunning Downtown Bowling Green Apartments | 8 | 37 |
| Baymont by Wyndham Bowling Green | 7.8 | 2,094 |
| Hampton Inn Bowling Green KY | 7.8 | 121 |
| Holiday Inn University Plaza-Bowling Green, an IHG Hotel | 7.7 | 258 |
| Ramada by Wyndham Bowling Green | 7.5 | 808 |
| Microtel Inn Bowling Green | 7.4 | 470 |
| Red Roof Inn Bowling Green | 7.4 | 294 |
| Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bowling Green | 7.2 | 365 |
Paducah
| Hotels In Paducah, Kentucky | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Homewood Suites By Hilton Paducah | 9.4 | 63 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Paducah West, an IHG Hotel | 9.2 | 294 |
| The 1857 | 9.1 | 163 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Paducah | 8.8 | 111 |
| Drury Inn & Suites Paducah | 8.7 | 541 |
| 1895 Washington Hotel | 8.7 | 314 |
| Drury Inn Paducah | 8.6 | 851 |
| La Quinta by Wyndham Paducah | 8.5 | 1,063 |
| Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront, an IHG Hotel | 8.4 | 418 |
| Fairfield Inn and Suites Paducah | 8.1 | 123 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Paducah I-24 Exit 4 | 8.1 | 187 |
| Corner Stays | 9.6 | 10 external |
| Luxury 2 BR 2 Bath Downtown Paducah Condo | 10 | 50 external |
| Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Paducah, KY | 7.4 | 378 |
| Red Roof Inn Paducah | 7.3 | 294 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Paducah | 6.9 | 176 |
| Econo Lodge Paducah West I-24 | 6.2 | 234 |
Covington
| Hotels In Covington, Kentucky | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Covington Cincinnati Riverfront | 9.3 | 102 |
| Courtyard Cincinnati Covington | 8.1 | 192 |
| Extended Stay America Suites – Cincinnati – Covington | 6.8 | 86 |
Owensboro
| Hotels In Owensboro, Kentucky | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront, an IHG Hotel | 8.8 | 232 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Owensboro | 8.5 | 243 |
| Hampton Inn Owensboro | 8.3 | 144 |
| Fairfield Inn Owensboro | 8 | 112 |
| Sleep Inn Owensboro | 6.5 | 351 |
Hopkinsville
| Hotels In Hopkinsville, Kentucky | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton Inn & Suites Hopkinsville | 9 | 221 |
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott Hopkinsville | 8.5 | 35 |
Richmond
| Hotels In Richmond, Kentucky | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott Richmond | 8.9 | 46 |
| Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Richmond, an IHG Hotel | 8.3 | 183 |
Florence
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 hotel’s 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 Kentucky?
Securing a hotel room in Kentucky involves a nuanced understanding of both state laws and individual hotel policies, especially concerning age requirements. The age of majority in Kentucky is 18, which generally aligns with the age policies of most hotels in the state. However, Kentucky’s unique cultural offerings, from the Kentucky Derby to its bourbon trails, sometimes result in a broader age requirement range, from 18 to 25.
Age Requirements in Kentucky Hotels
In Kentucky, a large number of hotels allow bookings for guests who are 18 years old, as this is the age of majority in the state. However, some establishments, particularly those near horse racing tracks or bourbon distilleries, may have a higher age requirement, up to 25.
Identification Documents Required
To book a hotel room in Kentucky at 18, you’ll typically need:
- A valid government-issued ID: This could be a driver’s license, a state ID, or a passport.
- A credit card: The card should be in your name and have enough funds to cover the cost of the stay and any additional charges.
Legal Responsibilities When Booking a Hotel
When you book a hotel room at 18 in Kentucky, you take on certain legal responsibilities:
- Damages: You are financially accountable for any damage to the room or hotel property.
- Hotel Policies: You are expected to comply with the hotel’s rules, which may include noise limitations, guest restrictions, and amenity usage guidelines.
- Liability: Some hotels might require you to sign a liability waiver, particularly if they offer specialized amenities like a swimming pool or a gym.
Understanding these elements can help you successfully navigate the process of booking a hotel room in Kentucky at 18, ensuring a more enjoyable 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 it’s 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 you’re traveling with a group and can split the cost.
Couchsurfing
If you’re 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 you’re 18 and traveling, amenities can make or break your hotel experience. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect from hotels in Kentucky that allow 18-year-olds to check in.
Basic Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi: Almost a necessity in today’s 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 you’re 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
- Kids’ Clubs: If you’re traveling with younger siblings, a kids’ 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 needs—whether they’re basic or more luxurious—are 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.