Hotel to stay as a minor

Question

Hi Guys,

I’m going to fly to Jacksonville on the 26th of July this year. I need a hotel for one night but all of the hotels I saw require you to be at least 18/21 to check in, but I am 15. I’m going to be alone so my parents can’t check in for me. Are there any hotels/motels you know in Jacksonville (preferably airport area) that accept 15 year olds with parental consent to check in? Also there are some hotels that allow online check in and online key, would that be an option for me if my parents book the hotel?

Thanks in advance,

Caleb

Answer

Hi Caleb,

It can be tricky to find hotels that allow minors to check in, as most require guests to be 18 or 21 due to legal and insurance reasons. However, there are a few potential options and strategies to consider when looking for a place to stay in Jacksonville, especially in the airport area:

Check with Hotels Directly – Some hotels may make exceptions for minors with parental consent, but this will vary from one property to another. It’s a good idea to contact hotels directly to ask if they allow 15-year-olds to check in with permission from parents. Be sure to have a consent letter or an email from your parents stating their permission.
Hotel Chains with More Flexible Policies – Certain hotel chains may be more flexible about allowing minors to check in with parental consent. Some chains like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, or La Quinta might have more lenient policies, but it’s important to confirm this by calling the hotel ahead of time.
Online Check-In & Digital Key – If your parents book the hotel and the hotel offers online check-in and a digital key, this may be an option. Many hotels that provide online check-in or keyless entry via an app (like Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt) do so to streamline the process. However, even with digital check-in, you may still need to confirm that they will allow a minor to check in without being physically present, so it’s essential to double-check with the hotel’s policy on this.
Consider Motels or Budget Hotels – Some smaller motels or budget accommodations might be more flexible about their age requirements. While these places may not have the amenities of larger hotels, they could be worth checking into. Again, calling ahead to confirm is key.
Airbnb or Short-Term Rentals – As an alternative to traditional hotels, you could look into booking an Airbnb or similar short-term rental. Many hosts are willing to work with minors, especially if a parent or guardian books the place and agrees to the terms. Check the listing details to see if there are age restrictions.

In short, while most hotels have strict age policies, reaching out to properties directly to explain your situation and ask about exceptions is your best bet. Be sure to ask about their online check-in and key options, as this may offer some flexibility in your case. Best of luck with your trip, and I hope you find a great place to stay!

Hotel to stay as a minor

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