Traveling to California? Choosing a hotel is just as important as the plans you’ve made. A bad experience at your hotel can ruin your traveling experience and we wouldn’t want that, would we?
As different hotels might have policies about not letting guests below a certain age, you may find it hard to find lovely hotels that allow 18+ check-in.
Below, you will find a list of affordable hotels (listed in no particular order) along with the facilities they offer- you can take a look at the features and decide whether you would like to stay there. We recommend staying at a hotel with friendly staff and a fun atmosphere even if it’s a little out of central location.
We try our best to reflect updated information on this page but hotels can change their policies without notice. So, always check the hotel policies for age requirements before checking in.
For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the best hotels in California for 18+ check-in. Whether you’re on a tight budget, or looking for a hotel that lets you bring your pets along, you will certainly find a hotel that’s perfect for you!
We’ve also added an accompanying FAQ section that will help clear some of the doubts you may have. You should take a look.
Hotels in California with 18+ Check-In
Though not all hotels allow 18+ check-in, there are fantastic hotels in California that allow guests over 18 to check in. Please take a look at the hotels and if you are new to the city, also take a look at the city guide we’ve put together near the end!
San Francisco
- LUMA Hotel San Francisco
- Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
- Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
- The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
- Hilton San Francisco Union Square
- Stanford Court San Francisco
- Hilton San Francisco Financial District
- San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square
- InterContinental San Francisco, an IHG Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Union Square
San Jose
- Hotel De Anza, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel
- Hyatt House San Jose Airport
- Aloft San Jose Cupertino
- Wingate by Wyndham San Jose
- Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown
- Signia by Hilton San Jose
- Holiday Inn San Jose-Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
- Aloft Santa Clara – San Jose North
- Americas Best Value Inn San Jose
- DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose
San Diego
- Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
- Hilton San Diego Bayfront
- Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
- DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Mission Valley
- Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
- Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego – La Jolla
- Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside, CA
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego Airport – Old Town, an IHG Hotel
- San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
Los Angeles
- Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
- The Westin Los Angeles Airport
- Best Western Plus Commerce Hotel
- 1 Hotel West Hollywood
- Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel
- The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles
- InterContinental – Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Montrose at Beverly Hills
- Thompson Hollywood
- Kimpton Hotel Wilshire, an IHG Hotel
Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds
If you would like to explore other options in California, you can check out these:
Youth Hostels
Hostels are usually cheaper than hotels, and if you don’t mind sharing your room with fellow travelers, staying in a hostel can be a great idea. We suggest taking care to make sure your belongings aren’t stolen, and if you are careful, it can be a fun experience while traveling.
Airbnb
In California, property owners will often rent out their spare rooms or sleeping vans for travelers to stay in. You have to be 18 to check in, and if you don’t mind a pleasant host, Airbnb can be a cheap and economical way to stay in California.
Please note that some hosts may have additional policies in place, so make sure that you agree to all of them before checking into an Airbnb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ID or credit card to check in?
Yes, you will be required to produce documents to verify your identity. Most hotels on our list also charge a prepayment fee or a refundable safety deposit, so you should check with the respective hotel to know more.
Why do some hotels not allow 18+ check-ins?
Some states might have strict laws in place that prohibit underage drinking, and since most hotels have their bars and restaurant, they may want to avoid trouble with the law. They may also think that youngsters might behave irresponsibly and disturb the atmosphere there, so they set age limits on check-in.
What are the check-in and check-out times at hotels in California?
Most California hotels let you check in after 15:00 and common check-out time is before noon but some may also have check-out times at 11:00 so it’s best to check with the reception while booking your stay.
Is it legal for 18-year-olds to check into a hotel in California?
It is legal in California for 18-year-olds to book into a hotel but the hotel may have policies restricting guests below a certain age to check in.