Originally Posted by
nba1017
I would imagine it's a function of US liquor laws. Luxury hotels likely get a good number more 18-20 year olds traveling alone versus under 18s.
I've never heard of it being an issue or someone being denied check-in, but I can think that the worst that would happen is that the hotel would want to simply clear the booze out of the minibar. Having a good form of payment is really all I can imagine them caring about otherwise.
Quite the contrary. In the USA, it is most often strictly enforced. Often an issue with under 21's in IRROPS situations at airports because it can be hard to find hotels to take them.
Unlikely a hotel will go through emptying a mini bar. Administratively, it's easier to simply not rent. Seems unfair, but this shouldn't be taken lightly, particularly at a hotel chain in a major city.