Minimum age to book and stay in a Hotel
Wondering how old you have to be to book a hotel room? Whether it’s your first solo adventure, a weekend with friends, or a school trip, age rules can be confusing. Many young travelers ask questions like: “How old do you have to be to get a hotel room?”, “Can you book a hotel at 17?” or even “Can you book a hotel at 16?”. It’s one of the most asked questions from young travelers when it’s time for their first solo or friends-only adventure.
Every hotel has its own policies, and the rules may change depending on the country. Here’s everything you need to know about how old you have to be to stay in a hotel—and exactly what’s required if you’re under 18 and want to book a stay at MEININGER Hotels.
Let’s break it down simply, especially if you’re thinking about staying at MEININGER Hotels
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
💡 Can you book a hotel at 16 or 17?
Can guests younger than 18 stay at the hotel? Yes, but only under certain conditions.
At MEININGER Hotels, if you’re 16 or 17 years old, you can stay in a private room without a parent, as long as you bring:
✅ A completed “Authorization for Underage Person to Travel” form
✅ A copy of your parent or legal guardian’s ID
You can email these ahead of your stay, use the contact form on our website, or just bring them to reception when you check in.
Without these documents, we won’t be able to check you in, so make sure you bring them with you!
🤔 Can you book a hotel at 15 or younger?
Not on your own.
If you’re under 16, you must stay with an adult.
If that adult isn’t your parent or legal guardian, you’ll still need the consent form signed by your parent or guardian.
📍 Special rules for Italy & Hungary
Planning to visit one of the MEININGER hotels in Italy or Hungary? Here are the rules:
⚠️ All guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an adult with written permission.
Just like before, we’ll need that authorization form signed by your parent and a copy of their ID.
So… how old do you have to be to stay in a hotel?
At MEININGER Hotels:
✅ 18 or older? Book and stay freely
✅ 16–17? You can stay in a private room with proper consent forms
🚫 Under 16? You must stay with an adult
📍 In Italy or Hungary? Under-18s must always be accompanied by an adult
🧳 Final tips for young travelers ️
- Always check the age policy before booking any hotel
- Bring your ID & a copy of your parent’s if needed
- Download or print the authorization form ahead of time
For the official MEININGER form and more details, head to our Help Center. We’re excited to welcome you whether it’s your first solo trip or part of a bigger journey.😊
🎒 Travel smart with these guides:
- Tips to pack light: Travel smart
- Amsterdam on a budget
- Venice on a budget: Explore the city for less
- Your ultimate guide to Barcelona on a budget
- Paris on a budget
How old do you have to be to book a hotel room: FAQ
How old do I need to be to book a room at MEININGER Hotels?
You must be at least 18 years old to book and stay alone at MEININGER Hotels. Guests under 18 must follow specific rules depending on their age and destination.
Can I stay at MEININGER Hotels if I’m 16 or 17?
Yes, if you’re 16 or 17, you can stay in a private room without a parent—but only if you bring a signed consent form and a copy of your parent or guardian’s ID.
What if I’m under 16 and want to stay at MEININGER Hotels?
If you’re under 16, you can’t stay alone. You must be with an adult. If that adult isn’t your parent or guardian, you’ll still need a signed consent form and their ID copy.
Do age rules change if I’m staying at MEININGER in Italy or Hungary?
Yes. In Italy and Hungary, all guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No solo stays are allowed, even with consent documents.
Can I check in without my parents if I bring a consent form?
Yes. If you’re 16 or 17 and have the signed form and your parent’s ID, you can check in alone and stay in a private room.
Where do I get the underage consent form for MEININGER Hotels?
You can download the official consent form from our Help Center. Print it, sign it, and bring it with a copy of your parent’s or guardian’s ID.
Can a 17-year-old book a room for a group of friends?
Yes, but all group members must be at least 16 and each must provide their own signed consent form and parent ID. Anyone under 16 must be with an adult.
What documents do I need to stay at MEININGER if I’m under 18?
You need a signed consent form and a copy of your parent’s or guardian’s ID. In Italy and Hungary, under-18s must also be with an adult.
Can I email my consent form before arriving at MEININGER Hotels?
Yes, you can send your documents in advance via email or upload them using the contact form on our website. This speeds up check-in.
What happens if I forget my consent form at check-in?
If you don’t have the required documents and you’re under 18, you won’t be able to check in alone. Be sure to bring or send them before arrival.
