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 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 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 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 South Dakota 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.