Geriaah

She isn't really a family member, but she is my age so I don't think it'll happen. But what legal documents will I need to show that my parents allowed and will have liability on me if anything was to happen?

wrp96

There are no legal document that would show that.

Kagehitokiri

if some chain hotels do not work, there are always less expensive and or independent
and best westerns also count as independent, as their hotels are not franchises

when card required for damages, can ask how much cash they would accept instead

also, what about renting condo through local property manager ?
(either parents, or if there are any relatives living in local area)

Yoshi212

There isn't a standard waiver for a parent to sign. This is something you'd have to offer/negotiate with the hotel but it is something you can propose to see if they'd be willing to accept your stay.

You're visiting someone around your age that is close to your family. Is it possible this person has parents in the area that would get a room in their name, check-in for you and let you stay in it?

Geriaah

I'm still searching for answers, and if there are any bypasses for this because I've read on some other sites that there are ways around some hotels. But none are in the Greensboro area, *For example I want to try to get into a Best Western hotel* and I want to know if it's possible since it's not a franchise? I've looked at hotels with digital keys but you'll still have to check in upon receiving the key, or else I'm not sure how it works.

Kagehitokiri

best western is not a management/franchise company, unlike all other hotel companies

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_Western
emphasis on nonprofit

there are also independent hotels

Yoshi212

The answer is you have to talk to the hotels. Some workaround you find online won't necessarily apply to another area of hotels and could leave you hanging. Contact hotels with what you want. A stay between specific dates. Ability to have parent sign guarantee for you, ect and see if they will accept that.

FirstInFlight

I think you have the answer - it's not what you want to hear - but it's the answer.

Sometimes hotels follow the rules and sometimes they don't. You might get lucky but there are no certainties if you are hoping they will inadvertently allow you to check in under age.

And in case it isn't clear why that is the rule, it is because, under the law, you are the same as a poodle. If I allow a poodle to book a room and the dog breaches our agreement - there is nothing I can do - because the law says that I am an idiot for renting a hotel room to a dog. A child (and when you are not yet an adult you are considered a child - it does not matter if you are 6 months or 16) cannot be held liable under a contract. So you are as liable for breach of contract as would be the pine tree in your front yard. That's why hotels don't rent to minors.

Add to the equation the fact that you want to rent a room around New Years eve and any hotel manager worth his salt should be on high alert.

So, that's why you call someone and explain your situation. Don't call a large corporate chain - they have rules and managers have little room to negotiate. But small independents where you can talk to someone who is actually in charge may be willing to consider it. You might also check AirBNB or Craigslist and look for somewhere near the university as they will be more accustomed to dealing with teenagers (albeit that can cut both ways).

But a hotel with a policy that they rent to unaccompanied minors is what we call a unicorn.