within the past year, I dealt with the exact same scenario you are asking about.

Earlier this year my son was 17 years old (he's 18 now) and was invited to participate in a research project in Barrow, Alaska. The only feasible itinerary to get him there involved an overnight stay in Seattle.

I spoke with an incredibly helpful manager at a Comfort Inn that explained how to get around the age restriction. Have your parents purchase a non-refundable rate from Expedia/Travelocity/Priceline and have the receipt with you when you check in. Parents can use their own credit card for this.

The one caveat of this method is you MUST still have a credit or debit card in your name to cover incidental expenses and ID. Of course, if you don't order room service or have a parking fee, nothing will be charged to your card.

My son had a debit card in his name and a Virginia-issued ID card. No issues and it all worked out.