If you are under 21, then you will not be accommodated in a hotel in New York: where does this strange rule come from
'28.02.2023'
Lyudmila Balabay
There are many in New York strange laws and rules that can unsettle even those who have lived here for a long time. Our reader and longtime partner Karina Duval, a lawyer and notary, recently encountered one of these. She has lived in New York for a long time and thought it was difficult to surprise her, but the state still managed to do it.
Further - Karina's story from the first person.
Since the age of 18, my Max (Karina's son - Ed.) often travels without me: he rents cars, stays in hotels. In the summer he and his younger brother traveled all over Europe (Spain, France, Andorra); a month ago, California from Los Angeles to Sacramento; now here is Canada - Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec ...
The ambush came from an unexpected place: yesterday, on the way home, they were supposed to spend the night an hour and a half drive from Albany. I booked a hotel through the Hotwire app, but the kids weren't allowed to stay overnight because Max is under 21, he's "only" 20.
Not allowed in any other hotel. Not for any money. They said New York law forbids them from accommodating clients under the age of 21. Money is not a matter.
I called, asked, convinced of the danger to continue to steer all night - it's useless. A car is a source of increased danger - you can take it, you can cross the border - you can drive from Montreal to New York all evening and all night - no, it's not dangerous. And let a 20-year-old guest spend the night in a hotel - no, no!
On the subject: Thousands of dollars a night: what surprises the most expensive hotel in New York Aman New York
Where did these strange rules come from?
In most US cities, the minimum age to check into a hotel is 18. But there are so-called party destinations, where people under the age of 21 are not accommodated in hotels without adult accompaniment, so that they do not arrange these very parties with alcohol, cigarettes, etc. (drinking and smoking in the US under 21 is also not allowed). Such rules apply, for example, in many cities in Florida, in Las Vegas, and, you guessed it, in New York.
It is noteworthy that this is not a law, but simply the right of the hotel to establish such a check in policy. But hotels often take advantage of this because they do not want to be held responsible if a young guest gets drunk and starts rowdy.
Therefore, if you are traveling to New York or another US city and you are under 21, be sure to check with the hotel for Minimum Check-in Age. Here There are several New York hotels that allow guests to check in from the age of 18. But their policy may have changed so be sure to check before booking.
