That maybe sounds a little strange, but I found out that 2 groups of the major hotels require the person to be 18 to be able to check-in at the hotel ( Hotel Choice, Best Western ). All others require 21.
I'll be 21 in a couple of months and travel a little. Here comes the problem because of the that rules I do have problems with lodging in some cities ( usually someone else check-in for me ).

I hate motels ( Catman would probably come up with Motel 6 ) so that makes me really mad. Is there anything I can do about it ? Or should I just stay with BW and wait until the next birthday ?

I guess I'm one of the youngest on this board, but It doesnt change anything does it ?

BTW have any of you ever stayed in Best Western Arlington Inn, Illinois ? Is this a hotel, motel or what ?

Thank u for any help !


[This message has been edited by Damian (edited 07-25-1999).]

Damian,
It sounds as if your concern about your age, in regard to checking into hotels, will resolve itself, "I'll be 21 in a couple of months" -- so I won't address it.

As for motels, as well as hotels, they run the full spectrum from fine quality to inadequate and everywhere in between. With you not indicating exactly why you "hate motels" I would certainly consider them in some of your travel planning. At times, there will simply be no alternative. There are many fine motels out there. May I suggest the Marriott's Courtyard by Marriott or Residence Inn for your consideration? Please don't exclude motels entirely, especially, at this stage in your life.

Although you may be one of the younger persons on this board, that doesn't deminish the potential for your usefulness with thoughful and meaningful contributions and insights. During my few short months on this board, I've always noticed that young members, and members of any age, are all very welcome and a valuable asset to our "community." We are an extended family!

I've never stayed at the Best Western Arlington Inn, however, the following link will allow you to do a Quick Search and the results should provide most of the answers you are searching for! Whether this property is a hotel or motel, it is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. You be the judge.

http://www.bestwestern.com/

Best Western Arlington Inn
948 East Northwest Highway
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
847.255.2900
847.394.1093 fax
800.209.0009 reservations

Happy Travels, welcome and may you accumulate millions of miles along the way!!!


[This message has been edited by MRLIMO (edited 07-27-1999).]

Join their frequent guest membership so you can present the card and look all important when you check in. Dress like you're travelling on business (I'm not saying tie or anything, just a nice golf shirt and slacks) and look like you know what you're doing. Most of the time they won't ask you for ID. Especially if you're paying by credit card.

I'm 23 and remember quite well the BS, quite frankly, that you have to go through. Good luck!

I stayed at many hotels when I was checking out colleges at the age of 17 (unaccompanied.) These included Best Westerns, Choice hotels, Sheratons and Holiday Inns. None asked for id.

My daughter and her husband were under 21 when they married and had no trouble with hotels in Hawaii for their honeymoon nor with motels, hotels, etc en route from CA to FL where he was starting a job. They had more trouble getting a rental car than a hotel in Paradise.

Damian-- I'm even younger than you, and have never had a problem checking in anywhere. I've stayed at various hotels (Sheraton, Hilton, you name it), and have never been questioned about my age. Granted, the hotel usually sees that my workplace is footing the bill, but I don't think that makes a difference.

Just check in, you won't have a problem unless you look like you're 12

Ah, the struggles of youth.

i remember how i used to have the same problem (not that long ago). i have been traveling on my own (air, hotel, car rentals, etc.) since i was 16. my suggestions (use 1 or 2 or more) - be polite (say please, thank you, ma'am, sir, etc.), look presentable, look tired, look quiet, basically look like someone they would want their son or daughter date!

Ok, I'll be staying at Marriott O'hare in Chicago ( see my post "Anyone tried priceline" at http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/000250.html )
and JUST IN CASE I called hotel directly and asked If that fact I'm not 21 would be a problem, she replied:
THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM !
NO problem for 'em, NO problem for me !

I have no idea how is that work, but I just dont care about it anymore. Thanks to u all and the young lady at Marriott

Hotel rooms ! I'm comming



[This message has been edited by Damian (edited 08-01-1999).]

My husband works for a hotel and I know when they see a young person checking in alone or in pairs, especially around prom time, they keep an eye on that room. The reason? Many fun-loving young people check in, have lots of booze in their bags, which they insist on carrying to the room, and then party and trash the room.
This isn't to say any of you have done that, but it's probably a reason why the age policy, if that's what you can call it. That's not to say that a young person can't check in, but they do watch them. I agree with an earlier post, if you look business-like, your ID probably won't be checked.
It isn't fair, though, is it?

I am only 20 as well, and have a small company that my close friends and I began a while back. Every time we make a big sale/profit, we celebrate by travelling somewhere and staying in a hotel. None of us are over 20.

We have checked into Hiltons, Marriotts, InnSuites (a west coast chain), Sheratons, Westins, and Fairmonts. I am a frequent guest in the Hilton, Starwood, and Fairmont programs. Fairmont even gave me Silver Elite status, which includes a complimentary bottle of wine, if I choose, upon check in.

I am elite on Continental Airlines, and with their unlimited upgrades, I regularly fly 1st class. I have yet had any problems getting wine with dinner, and such...

The only travel problems with being this young is: (a)renting a car; (b)joining some airport VIP lounge programs.

But, for hotels, I have never had a problem with my age, even when I appear with three other friends of the same age.

Ok, I went to Chicago last week by a car and was supposed bo back in a 2 days.
Finally I got back home after 7 days
I spent 2 nights at EconoLodge then decided to try all those things you all have said on this board.
I went to Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Chicago, showed my credit card and got the room ! ( had a good time too )
Noone asked about ID, about anything ... except room preferences.
That was easy
Thank u ...

All's well that ends well.

You say you found out that 2 ... How did you find out this erronous data? Sounds like you may need to improve your sources of informations. Like you have here!!!!