With its sunny beaches, trendy nightlife, and unique culture, it’s no surprise that Miami is a popular destination for college students and young adults.
But as an 18-year-old traveler, you might face a challenge when it comes to booking a hotel in Miami that allows guests under 21 to check-in. Let alone Miami Beach!
Having lived in Miami for a long time now, I’ll share with you the best Miami hotels that allow guest as young as 18 to check-in.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a Spring Break getaway with friends, here are the best Miami hotels you can book at 18—from budget-friendly options to trendy boutique hotels.
Miami Hotels: A Guide for 18-Year Old Travelers
Before we get into Miami hotels that allow guests 18+ to check-in, here a few things you need to know about traveling at that age.
Hotel check-in age restrictions in Miami
I bet the question on your mind is how old do you have to be to get a hotel room in Miami, right? Well, it depends.
At 18, you can legally do a lot a of stuff. You can vote, buy property, get married without mom and dad’s permission, and even be sued.
But… you can’t consume alcohol. And for hotels, that’s a big problem.
For that reason, most hotels in Miami set the minimum age a guest must be to check-in at 21, which is the legal drinking age in the United States. It’s also a lot easier to restrict guests by age than deal with minibars stocked with alcohol in hundreds of hotel rooms!
🪖 Members of US military can check into any hotel in Florida, regardless of their age. Florida law requires hotels to waive any age restriction for military on active duty with a valid military ID.
Who determines the minimum check-in age?
It’s up to the hotel to decide. And there’s no one-size fits all when it comes to their policies—even hotels from the same chain may have different requirements.
Hotel check-in age restrictions in Miami and Miami Beach can vary from 18 to 25 in some cases. So the only way of knowing, is by checking the policy of each individual hotel.
Lucky for you, I went through that trouble already.
Hotels in Miami with 18+ Check-In
Here’s my selection of the best hotels with 18+ check-in in each of the most popular and best areas to stay in Miami.
⚠️ Attention: While I do my best to keep this list updated, hotel policies may change. Some hotels may also have special rules for guest in the ages of 18 to 25. So double-check with the property before you book!
Miami Beach
- Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
- Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach
- Fontainebleau Miami Beach
- Eden Roc Miami Beach
- Nobu Hotel Miami Beach
- Fairwind Hotel
- Leslie Ocean Drive (requires parent’s authorization)
- Catalina Hotel & Beach Club
- Penguin Hotel
- President Hotel South Beach
- Chesterfield Hotel and Suites
Downtown Miami
Brickell
- JW Marriott Marquis Miami
- JW Marriott Miami
- citizenM Miami Brickell
- Mandarin Oriental Miami
- SLS Brickell
- AC Hotel By Marriott Miami Brickell
Bal Harbor
- The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami
- The Altair Bay Harbor Hotel
- Sun Harbour Boutique Hotel
- Sea View Hotel
Coral Gables
- Hyatt Regency Coral Gables
- THesis Hotel
- Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables
- Aloft Coral Gables
- Hotel St. Michel
- Extended Stay America Premier Suites – Miami – Coral Gables
Coconut Grove
See the all the best hotels to stay in Coconut Grove (with age restrictions) and reasons why Coconut Grove is the best area to stay in Miami.
Doral
Miami Airport Area
- Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon
- Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport
- Hyatt Place Miami Airport-West/Doral
Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year Olds
As a young traveler, it’s always good to have a backup plan. So in case you can’t find a hotel you like or they changed their minimum check-in age before you had a chance to book, here are some other places you can stay as an 18-year old traveling alone.
Hostels
Youth hostels cater to young travelers so they’re the most obvious alternative to staying in a hotel as an 18-year old. As an added benefit, hostels are also cheaper, specially if you’re traveling solo.
If you’re worried about sacrificing your privacy and comfort by staying at a hostel, don’t. While hostels are known for having dorm-style rooms, modern hostels can be quite hip and modern.
For example, check out Generator Miami. The hostel looks like a luxury boutique hotel and is located in a prime spot on Collins Avenue at the heart of Miami Beach.
Short-Term Vacation Rentals
Websites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Plum Guide have a ton of homes and apartments that you can rent for your Miami trip. The minimum age required to book on those platforms is 18. However, double check the listing before you book to be sure since owners can set a different minimum age for their property.
Group Travel
Companies like G Adventures and Contiki are great options for young travelers to explore the world with a group. They have tours specifically designed for 18 to thirty-something year olds with activities and accommodations to match.
I traveled across Europe with Contiki after my college graduation and highly recommend it if you’re 18 to early 20s. While they’re strictly for 18-35, G Adventures offers some tours for 18-39 years and some without age restrictions. You can read about my experience with G Adventures here.
Check-Out: Conclusion
Although finding Miami hotels that allow 18-year-old guests to check-in may seem like a challenge, don’t give up hope just yet. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to book the perfect accommodation for your Miami adventure.
So, whether you’re looking for a beachfront hotel, a trendy boutique stay, or a budget-friendly option, remember to do your research and check the hotel policies before booking.
And if you can’t find the perfect hotel, don’t worry! There are always alternatives to consider, such as hostels, short-term rentals, and group travel.
With that said, it’s time to say goodbye and start planning your Miami getaway. Remember, age restrictions won’t hold you back from experiencing all that Miami has to offer.
So, pack your bags to Miami, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in the Magic City!
🛎 See more hotels in Florida that allow 18+ check-in.
FAQs: 18+ Hotel Check-Ins
About Denise Cruz
Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.