THE MARGATE in Laconia, New Hampshire requires the age of 21 in order to rent a room or group of rooms.
Young adults, particularly those 18 to 21 years old, sometimes run into difficulty with travel in the United States. Booking a hotel room may be particularly challenging, since many hotels set a minimum age requirement for guests.
According to an article of USA Today, it is virtually impossible to rent a hotel room in the United States if you are under 18, the legal age of majority in all states. The two basic reasons for this are liability and contract enforcement. Contracts signed by minors are not legally enforceable, putting the hotel at risk if underage patrons do not pay. Also, hotels do not want to take legal responsibility for minors. If something should happen to a minor during the stay, the hotel could be held liable.
Most states allow hotels to use discretion in setting minimum age requirements. Upscale hotels, particularly those located in known party destinations, may prefer to cater to an older, more sedate clientele. These hotels typically set a higher minimum age requirement, which may be 21 or even 25.
Tip! Find out How to Choose the Right Hotel for You from Travel Made Simple.