18+ Check-In Hotels in Chicago: 15 Options That Allow 18-Years-Old Travelers
If you’re an 18-year-old traveler and dreaming of a trip to Chicago, I have something to offer you! While many hotels have a 21+ room policy, I found and checked modern, welcoming 18+ check-in hotels in Chicago.
Just show your ID and pay for your room, and you’re ready to immerse yourself in the city that never sleeps. So, buckle up for a guide that bypasses age restrictions and reveals hot spots where you’ll get a hassle-free check-in. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Chicago? Let’s dive in!
In This Article
Important: Hotel minimum age policies can change abruptly. It’s best to verify the check-in age requirement before finalizing any booking.
18+ Check-In Hotels in Chicago for Young Travelers
Chicago welcomes a lot of teenagers and young adults yearly. Finding hotel accommodations for travelers aged 18 and under can be challenging with minimum check-in age requirements.
Fortunately, Chicago has no shortage of 18+ friendly lodging options spanning all boroughs and budgets. Turning our attention to the top hotels for under 18+ check-in, here are 15 highly-rated Chicago hotels to consider.
Important: When arriving at check-in, you must provide a valid government I.D. and a credit or debit card in your name.
Price: High | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.7 miles from the center, View on map
Hilton Chicago is among the prominent hotels in Chicago that overlooks Lake Michigan and Grant Park and is just a 5-minute walk from Millennium Park. Pets are allowed at Hilton Chicago. Nearby attractions include Cloud Gate – The Bean (0.7 miles), Willis Tower (0.8 miles), Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum (1 mile), Water Tower Chicago (1.7 miles), Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art (1.7 miles from the hotel), and Lincoln Park Zoo 3.1 miles away.
You can access Lake Michigan, Ohio Street Beach, located 1.5 miles from the Hilton hotel; Oak Street Beach, located 2.1 miles from the hotel; North Avenue Beach, is 2.8 miles away; and Fullerton Beach, 3.7 miles away.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8 miles (30-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 21 miles (55-minute drive)
Public transportation:
You can either use the metro or the train. Both options are close to the hotel and convenient. If you choose the Metro, you can opt for the Harrison station, which is 0.2 miles away, or Roosevelt/State station, which is 0.4 miles away. For the train, you can take the Museum Campus / 11th Street, which is 0.3 miles away, or Van Buren Street, which is 0.3 miles away.
Price: High | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.2 miles from the center, View on map
The Palmer House Hilton is only 1 block from Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. It has several restaurants: if you want to enjoy a good American cuisine breakfast, head to Lockwood Restaurant. Lockwood Express offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Willis Tower is just 0.5 miles from the hotel, Buckingham Memorial Fountain is 0.6 miles away, while the Field Museum of Natural History, Water Tower Chicago, and Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art are 1.1 miles away from the hotel. You can find the Picasso Statue 0.2 miles from the hotel, and Lincoln Park Zoo is 2.7 miles away.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.7 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14.3 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 21.1 miles (55-minute drive)
Public transportation:
There are two modes of public transportation accessible to and from the hotel. You can take the metro, which is 0.03 miles and 0.1 miles away (Monroe), or the train Adams/Wabash, stationed 0.1 miles from the hotel. Another train you can take is Washington/Wabash, just 0.2 miles from the hotel.
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 0.5 miles from the center, View on map
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago is an iconic hotel on Michigan Avenue and offers disabled guests and other travelers a mix of contemporary and classic amenities. Iconic sites and attractions near the hotel include Grant Park (within a walking distance of 33 feet), Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies – 500 feet, Upper Hutchinson Field – 950 feet, and Harold Washington Library Center – 950 feet.
Only 0.3 miles from the Congress Plaza Hotel is the Buckingham Memorial Fountain, while the Art Institute of Chicago is 0.3 miles away.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.7 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14.3 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 21.1 miles (55-minute drive)
Public transportation:
The closest public transportation is a train at Van Buren Street Station, which is just 0.1 miles away from the hotel. The Metro is also at Harrison (0.2 miles) and Jackson (0.3 miles away). Another train station, Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren, is just 0.2 miles from the hotel.
Price: High | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.3 miles from the center, View on map
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, an IHG Hotel is centrally situated along the Chicago River in the renowned Loop business district. The Art Institute of Chicago is just 0.5 miles from the hotel, Water Tower Chicago is 0.7 miles away, Willis Tower is 0.7 miles away, the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art is 0.7 miles away, and Buckingham Memorial Fountain is 0.8 miles away.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.7 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14.3 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 20.5 miles (54-minute drive)
Public transportation:
There is a train station, State/Lake, just 0.1 miles away, and Millennium Station is 0.2 miles away from the hotel. You can also take the Metro, Lake, or Washington, 0.1 and 0.3 miles from the hotel.
Price: High | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.6 miles from the center, View on map
The Blackstone Autograph Collection is 0.6 miles from Millennium Park and Cloud Gate – The Bean. Grant Park, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, and Upper Hutchinson Field are within walking distance of 60 feet, 160 feet, and 650 feet, respectively.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.7 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14.3 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 21.1 miles (55-minute drive)
Public transportation:
Metro Harrison is the closest public transportation, just 0.2 miles from the hotel. You can also catch a train at Van Buren Street Station, 0.3 miles from the hotel, or Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren (0.3 miles from the hotel). Metro Jackson is also close by (0.4 miles) from the Blackstone Autograph Collection.
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 0.7 miles from the center, View on map
Freehand Chicago is at 19 East Ohio Street, River North, Chicago, IL. This hotel has much to offer business travelers and young adults who meet the minimum age requirement of 18+. Millennium Park and John Hancock Observatory are 0.6 miles from the hotel.
Other attractions include the Chicago Tribune Tower (0.2 miles), Arts Club of Chicago (0.3 miles), Marina City (0.3 miles), Water Tower Chicago (0.3 miles), Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum (0.3 miles), and Loyola University Museum of Art (0.4 miles).
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.7 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 13.7 miles (44-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 20.5 miles (54-minute drive)
Public transportation:
You can use Metro Grand or Chicago, which are approximately 0.2 miles and 0.3 miles away from the hotel. Trains are also accessible, with the nearest being Merchandise Mart (0.4 miles) and State/Lake (0.5 miles).
Price: Mid | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.9 miles from the center, View on map
Warwick Allerton Chicago welcomes visitors who meet the minimum age requirement of 18 and above. It is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Chicago among the dining, shopping, and entertainment on the Magnificent Mile
Another Chicago hotel in downtown is the River Hotel. Warwick Allerton offers guests on-site dining options and historic architecture.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 9 miles (32-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14 miles (44-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 20 miles (54-minute drive)
Public transportation:
Metro Chicago (0.3 miles away) and Grand (0.3 miles away) are the nearest public transportation. You can also catch a train at Chicago Station (0.6 miles from the hotel) or State/Lake 0.7 miles from the hotel.
Price: High | Stars: 4 | Location: 1.3 miles from the center, View on map
The Hoxton, Chicago, is among the hotels in Chicago where you will have difficulty leaving after check-in. The Hoxton is in the nook of the Windy City and has 3 bars, restaurants, and a rooftop pool. It is suitable for business and young travelers who have met the minimum age requirements.
The Willis Tower is 0.8 miles from the hotel and the Chicago Riverwalk (0.9 miles), while Chase Tower and the Picasso Statue are 1 mile from the hotel.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8 miles (30-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 13 miles (43-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 20 miles (53-minute drive)
Public transportation:
Close Metro stations are Morgan (0.5 miles) and Clinton (1.1 miles) from the hotel, while the train stations are Ogilvie Transportation Center (0.5 miles) and Union Station (0.7 miles).
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 2.3 miles from the center, View on map
Hotel Chicago West Loop is in the middle of the UIC Medical District, just 0.4 miles from the United Center. Willis Tower is 1.6 miles from Hotel Chicago Medical District, while the Chicago Board of Trade Building is 1.9 miles from the property.
Chicago Riverwalk is 1.3 miles away from the hotel, and you can find Water Tower Chicago just 2.5 miles from this Chicago hotel.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 7 miles (28-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 12 miles (42-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 20 miles (53-minute drive)
Public transportation:
Metro Illinois Medical District is the closest public transportation, 0.3 miles from the hotel followed by Polk – 0.4 miles away. You can also access two train stations, Western Avenue (1.3 miles away) and Union Station (1.4 miles).
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 0.8 miles from the center, View on map
Best Western Chicago Downtown-River North is in Chicago downtown, only 5 blocks from the famed dining, shopping, and entertainment of the Magnificent Mile. There is one on-site restaurant, and it is within walking distance from the River Hotel.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.7 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 13.7 miles (44-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 19.9 miles (53-minute drive)
Public transportation:
Grand Metro is the closest public transportation (0.2 miles), followed by Merchandise Mart train station (0.3 miles), Chicago Train station (0.3 miles), and Metro Chicago (0.4 miles).
Price: Mid | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.5 miles from the center, View on map
Sonder The Plymouth is 0.4 miles from the Chicago Board of Trade Building and 1.4 miles from Ohio Street Beach. The hotel is close to several famous attractions, 0.7 miles from Cloud Gate – The Bean, an 11-minute walk from DePaul University, and less than 0.6 miles from Willis Tower.
Sonder The Plymouth is close to popular attractions like Grant Park (0.2 miles), Millennium Park (0.6 miles), and Buckingham Memorial Fountain (0.5 miles).
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8 miles (30-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 21 miles (55-minute drive)
Public transportation:
You can take the train at Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren (160 feet) or Metro at Jackson (650 feet). Other options include Harrison and train at LaSalle/Van Buren, which are 800 feet away.
Price: High | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.3 miles from the center, View on map
citizenM Chicago Downtown is situated in the center of Chicago, 0.9 miles from Oak Street Beach and 0.7 miles from Ohio Street Beach. Millennium Park is just 0.3 miles from the hotel, while Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum are within walking distance of 0.1 miles. There is also one on-site restaurant.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 9 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 20.5 miles (54-minute drive)
Public transportation:
The train and the metro are the two accessible public transportation options. We have State/Lake (0.5 miles) and Millennium Station (0.7 miles) for the train. Accessible metros are Lake (0.6 miles) and Washington (1.1 miles).
Price: Mid | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.1 miles from the center, View on map
Sonder Jewelers Row is a recently renovated aparthotel situated 0.3 miles from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and 1.4 miles from Ohio Street Beach. CIBC Theatre is 0.2 miles away, and the Art Institute of Chicago is 0.3 miles from the aparthotel.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.7 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14.3 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 21.2 miles (55-minute drive)
Public transportation:
You can take a train at Washington/Wabash at 500 feet or Adams/Wabash at 650 feet. Metro Monroe is also located 656 feet from the hotel.
Price: Mid| Stars: 4 | Location: 0.7 miles from the center, View on map
Sentral Michigan Avenue is situated in the South Loop district. Famous attractions near the accommodation include Grant Park (100 ft), the Field Museum of Natural History (0.5 miles), and the Art Institute of Chicago (0.5 miles).
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.1 miles (30-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14.3 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 21.1 miles (55-minute drive)
Public transportation:
Train lovers can take the Museum Campus / 11th Street (0.2 miles) or the Van Buren Street Station (0.4 miles). For those who prefer the Metro, there is the Harrison (0.25 miles) and Roosevelt/State (0.3 miles) from the hotel.
Price: High | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.2 miles from the center, View on map
Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop is among the luxurious hotels in Chicago with historic Chicago architecture. You can shop at notable Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue, a short walk away. Do not leave your pet behind. This hotel is pet-friendly and offers free bedding and water upon request.
FACILITIES
DETAILS
Nearest airports:
Midway International Airport – 8.7 miles (31-minute drive) Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 14.3 miles (45-minute drive) Chicago Executive Airport – 20.5 miles (54-minute drive)
Public transportation:
The available Metro is the Washington (300 feet) and Lake – 800 feet from the hotel. If you prefer taking the train you can choose Washington/Wabash – 650 feet from the hotel or State/Lake 1000 feet.
In addition to the 18+ hotels, Chicago offers several alternative convenient accommodation options. Some of them include:
Hostels
Hostels can be a great option for 18-year-old travelers on a budget looking for accommodations in Chicago without strict age policies. Here are some hostel suggestions that accept 18+ guests:
Apartment rentals can provide more space and amenities than hotel rooms at competitive rates for 18+ travelers. As a young traveler, you’ll get a smooth check-in process. Here are some Chicago apartment options that may work for younger guests:
Airbnb can be a great option for 18-year-old travelers on a budget looking for accommodations in Chicago without strict age policies. Hosts occasionally update their minimum age requirements, so it’s a good idea to verify the policy before booking. However, allowing 18-year-olds is the norm for most hosts.
Youth Hostels
Youth hostels offer affordable social accommodations for young tourists on a budget. Many Chicago hostels welcome 18-year-old guests. While quite affordable, these accommodations may lack some comfort and privacy compared to other options.
FAQ
Can You Check Into a Hotel at 18 in Chicago?
Yes, you can check into a hotel at 18 years old in Chicago. Some of the hotels they can check in are Hilton Chicago, The Palmer House Hilton, and Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago.
How to Get Around 21 Check-in Age?
To get around 21 check-in age, you can use third-party booking sites that may not enforce age minimums. You can also call the hotel directly and politely ask about making exceptions for guests aged 18, especially with parental consent.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Stay in a Hotel With Your Boyfriend?
Most hotels require guests to be 18, so an 18-year-old can generally share a room with their boyfriend. However, some hotels only allow this with parental/guardian consent provided at check-in.
Are There Any Extra Fees or Deposits Required for 18+ Check-in at These Hotels?
Yes, hotels that allow 18+ check-in often require an extra cash deposit, usually around $100, in case of incidentals or damages during the stay.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of People Allowed in a Room for 18+ Check-in?
Yes, hotels often restrict 18+ check-ins to only allowing a maximum of 2 people per room. More than 2 guests usually require a guardian/parent to check in or stay.
What Forms of Identification Are Accepted for 18+ Check-in?
For 18-years-old guest identification hotels accept a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport. You will also need to present an additional form of official identification like a major credit card in your name.
What Are the Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds?
Hostels, short-term rentals like Airbnb, camping, Couchsurfing, and staying with family/friends are some alternatives 18-year-olds can consider for accommodation in Chicago.
