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Tried to check into an Aloft property in CA the other day and was told that because there was a bar in the lobby, only people over 21 could check in. Is this a thing or did I just get a bad agent...I've never had this issue before. Also, any chance of getting my Starpoints back for the night I didn't get to stay.

KENNECTED

The more information you provide the better we can help.

What property?
What does your confirmation say?
What does the property page state?

I would review the above and then call the hotel to see if they can refund points.

pinniped

Seems like a strange rationale (the mere presence of a bar on premises), but I know nothing about CA hospitality law or liquor laws. I do know that hotels in many U.S. states have 21 as their minimum age. I just assumed this was a general law in those states unrelated to whether the establishment had a liquor license or stocked minibars in the rooms. (I can see a state permitting 18-year-olds to rent hotel rooms, but then having a provision that they can't have unsupervised access to an in-room minibar.)

I guess that's a long way of saying I don't doubt that you really need to be 21, but I'm not sure if the availability of liquor on premises is the reason. (Alofts don't have minibars...I know that part!!)

Frankly, there should be a maximum age of 25 to check in to an Aloft, because anybody over that age is going to hate the dormroominess of the place.

Often1

I don't know any of the chain hotels which permit <21 at US properties, so the bar in the lobby thing seems made up.

Starwood Lurker

It can happen. Like at this Aloft hotel in California, for instance.

"Age Requirement Policy

Guests must be 21 years or older with valid photo identification to reserve a room."

Or this one.

"Age Requirement Policy

Kids are always welcome—as long as there are adults around too! At least one occupant of each Aloft room must be 21 years or older. Be sure to bring ID in case we need to confirm."


Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

tonei

I think you misread the question

Starwood Lurker

As far as allowing <21 is concerned, perhaps in the quoted post, but the fact is that some hotels require that you be 21 or older to check-in, including these two Aloft properties in California, which answers the OP.

But, if you like I can go back and pull up the other four or five Alofts I found where being <21 is perfectly fine to check-in and insert those instead.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

pinniped

I guess the other question is more interesting: how common is it for 18 to be the minimum? I was under the impression that it was relatively uncommon: 21 is the norm.

(In the U.S. anyway.)

3Cforme

The age 21 thing seems to be more common in college towns, and in destinations popular with college break students.

The OP may well find some properties outside of Starwood/Marriott/Hilton which, more desperate for business, are a bit more welcoming to under-21s.

TennisNoob

When I had this issue in the past, as long as my father was with me they allowed us on the property.

This is an very rare issue.

MSPeconomist

Once I couldn't help overhearing a young couple check into a USA LM (that did have a bar in the lobby). One or both of them were under 21 (but I assume over 18). The front desk agent told them that they couldn't get key cards until a staff member removed alcohol from the minibar.

PayItForward

Way more than you realise. If you had been checking in at hotels while below 18/21 without an adult present, you had been lucky. I once read somewhere it is not just about adult beverages but also about the contract which you are presumably signing with the property. Depending on the applicable law, the property might have an unenforceable contract if they ignore the age requirement.

I would guess not. Usually the age limit / requirements for check in are public domain information when one makes a hotel booking.

AKCuisine

ROTFL - and I agree with you 100%!

I tried an Aloft one time when no other option was readily available. That was one time too many for this mature (ie: older) lady. I want a real closet - or at least a wardrobe with a door - and a real bathroom. And I do not want to feel like I'm traipsing through a neon nightclub each time I transit the hotel lobby.

Never again ... fine for some, but not for me. I say, let those 21 year olds have all of the Alofts.

MSPeconomist

If you don't like lobbies that also function as nightclubs, you need to avoid Ws too.

Recently I saw some new and expensive apartments in which there weren't any closet doors. I think I would hate that.

SkiAdcock

In Vegas you have to be 21 to check into a hotel that has a casino. The hotels are not willing to lose their gaming licenses. There was a thread in the Marriott forum about it within the last year.

This article in USA Today details why age requirements for hotels:

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/minim...oms-61923.html

Cheers.