Question About Hotels

[SSL488]

My girlfriend and I are looking to plan a trip to KI summer 2013. I was looking at some of the "featured hotels" on the KI website and I see that you need to be 21 in order to check in at most places.

Both of us a currently 18 and we will both be 19 at the time of our trip. We're not minors, so why would we need to be 21?

The hotel I would prefer to stay at is the a Super 8 since it's right across the street from the park.

Is there anyway around this "You have to be 21 in order to check in?"

Maybe if I had my parents book the hotel room and call the hotel and explain the situation to them?

[Browntggrr]

We're not minors, so why would we need to be 21?

Alcohol is one of the numerous reasons.

Those over 21 can go out to tip a few back. Those under 21 will be in the room/ hotel all night and usually attract a crowd.

My understanding is that Ohio law prohibits those under 21 from checking into a hotel- this is not confirmed.

[KI-ORIG-EMP]

In my own opinion, it is a bunch of bunk if it is indeed true. Ohio considers you an adult in every aspect except when it comes to having a beer to drink. So if a soldier comes home on leave and is 19 years old, he or she will be denied a room because they are under age? But it is ok for members of the armed services ti die for their country at that age but not get a hotel room? I want to see this in writing and if it is true, it should be revoked for the above reasons.

[LongliveKingsCobra]

Most hotels in the country have such a rule.

Funny enough most hotels down south where Spring Break is big have that rule, I have a ton of friends that did no research went down there and had to sleep in their cars...

Original Employee, that was also the same ideology that got the voting age lowered. I agree Alcohol should be either 19.

18 to be legal

19 to drink.

[Jr for Birdy]

You ever rent a hotel room at 19 and party with a bunch of Marines.I should apologize now if this 21 and over law is true! It didnt use to be and i can see now why it is,once again i apologize.

[KI-ORIG-EMP]

The reasons the states were forced to raise the drinking age to 21 was the US government was going to withhold transportation funds if they did not agree to raise the age. In Ohio, you could buy beer at 18 but had to be 21 to buy hard liquor. At the age of 18, you must register for the draft, enter into legal contracts and do everything an adult can do except have a drink. I dare a hotel or a bar to refuse service to a soldier that is under 21 years of age that has lost a limb. I am not sure if the hotel chain is following company policy but is it following Ohio and or US law? When I was going through basic training at Fort Jackson in 1974, the Army had no problem in serving us beer on base when I was only 19 years old. Even after some states passed the 21 year old rule, a person on base could still buy a beer under the age of 21 years. Bottom line is you are an adult at 18 years of age in the eye of the government and should be treated as such.

[TheCrypt]

I dare a hotel or a bar to refuse service to a soldier that is under 21 years of age that has lost a limb.

You dare hotel and bar owners to follow the law? Just because he or she has been in combat does not make him/her supreme over the law.

[Hendrick]

I dare a hotel or a bar to refuse service to a soldier that is under 21 years of age that has lost a limb.

You dare hotel and bar owners to follow the law? Just because he or she has been in combat does not make him/her supreme over the law.

Agreed. I'd refuse sale to someone underage, no matter what their circumstances are. Large fine plus potential jail time? No thank-you.

[SonofBaconator]

I always go to the Great Wolf Lodge perhaps have a friend have the reservations under his/her name. I don't no much about this so I'm not much of a help.

[Gordon Bombay]

The reasons the states were forced to raise the drinking age to 21 was the US government was going to withhold transportation funds if they did not agree to raise the age. In Ohio, you could buy beer at 18 but had to be 21 to buy hard liquor. At the age of 18, you must register for the draft, enter into legal contracts and do everything an adult can do except have a drink. I dare a hotel or a bar to refuse service to a soldier that is under 21 years of age that has lost a limb. I am not sure if the hotel chain is following company policy but is it following Ohio and or US law? When I was going through basic training at Fort Jackson in 1974, the Army had no problem in serving us beer on base when I was only 19 years old. Even after some states passed the 21 year old rule, a person on base could still buy a beer under the age of 21 years. Bottom line is you are an adult at 18 years of age in the eye of the government and should be treated as such.

Regarding: "daring a hotel" to refuse service to an active duty soldier on leave. Inn Keeper laws are established at the State level, not the federal level, so the local hotel policy around here isn't influenced by the national drinking age. In fact, I'm fairly certain that the "21 and up" rule for hotels is most likely just corporate policy rather than a state law. I certainly understand where they're coming from. Ever stay in some of the "cheaper" hotels around Cedar Point? Good luck getting sleep, most people are just there to party.

If it came down to it and an active duty service member needed a room in an emergency, I'm sure the hotel operator would be willing to make an exception.

As for the bar comment: I've had friends and family who have served in the armed forces, some of them in combat roles. I respect them for their decision to join and serve the country. However, the law is the law. I would argue most people at the age of 18 aren't mature enough to be drinking regularly, not all, but most. I know I wasn't at that age.

A few years ago, I had a friend return from the Navy. I picked him up from the airport and we went to a local bar & grill to grab some food. He was in his fatigues and a gentleman at a nearby table sent us a few beers. When the waitress came over she explained how they were from one of the other patrons, but still asked to see our ID's. Neither of us were 21 yet, so we had to pass on the gesture.

Thankfully, no one I've known has "lost a limb," but even still that doesn't make them exempt from the law.

In regards to the OP: You might have better luck looking for hotels a little further away from the park. I recommend checking around West Chester or along the I-75 corridor near 275. Lots of options there and they may not have that policy. If most do, you can have a parent call on your behalf and book it for you.

Or just call the hotel and ask if they can make an exception.

[The Interpreter]

In the USA, to buy alcohol on base, one must be 18 or the legal drinking age in the state where the base is located, whichever is higher, with minor exceptions. It's been that way for decades.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/a/drinkingage.htm

[KI-ORIG-EMP]

I believe the law governing beer and liquor sales to people 21 years and older should be changed back to 18 for beer. The reason it was changed is states like Ohio were blackmailed by the US government to change it to 21 years for all or you will loose your transportation funds. We even had a vote on it and it won. You are an adult in all aspects at 18 except to not be permitted to have a drink. You are required to register for the draft and when you serve in the armed forces you might be sent into a combat zone and might give your life. You can enter into a legal contract to buy things on credit including cars and a house, among other things. There already laws on the book for drunk driving and keep enforcing those laws. This should apply to renting a rom in a motel/hotel to people 18 or older. If they don't want to change it, then they should raise the age to 21 to enter into contracts and such.

[TheCrypt]

Giving a hormone-driven 18 year old a drink doesn't sound like the best of ideas. I can certainly see the reasoning behind the law.

[Gordon Bombay]

I believe the law governing beer and liquor sales to people 21 years and older should be changed back to 18 for beer. The reason it was changed is states like Ohio were blackmailed by the US government to change it to 21 years for all or you will loose your transportation funds.

Ok, first off, no one was "black mailed." Let's get a few things straight here. The law that was passed required all states and territories to raise their drinking age to 21 or lose 10% of Federal Highway Funding.

The idea to raise the minimum age was in response to an increasing number of highway fatalities regarding drunk driving and young adults. The law passed with large support from both parties and both houses of Congress. However, it left the drinking age and other details up to the state. No state was forced into this and they weren't going to lose "all transportation funds," just a portion of funds that the federal government allows them for building highways. Leverage? Yes. Black Mail? No, it was perfectly legal.

All fifty states complied. However, consumption of alcoholic beverages is still permitted to those under 21 in some states, just not the sale of alcohol. State laws vary.

You are an adult in all aspects at 18 except to not be permitted to have a drink.

Negative. 18 is not an "all or nothing" age. When I turned 16, I had completed all of my drivers education and in-car certification, I took the driving test and passed. I was legally allowed to operate a car and be placed on insurance. My parent's gave me adult responsibilities and I got my first job. Does this entitle me to alcohol? No.

You are required to register for the draft and when you serve in the armed forces you might be sent into a combat zone and might give your life.

You are required to register for Selective Service, there is currently no draft going on in the United States. When you volunteer for the armed forces you are making a choice, a very honored and respectable one. You volunteer with full knowledge of the laws of the United States and that you may be placed in harms way. This does not entitle you to consume alcohol at any age, but 21 as established by laws in all 50 states.

Also, as Interpreter pointed out some exceptions can be made on military bases. However, it should be noted that all branches of the US military have adopted policies, confirming the 21 age limit on all installations regardless of their proximity and host country. The only exception is for Marines in Japan who are allowed to abide by the local legal age of 20.

There already laws on the book for drunk driving and keep enforcing those laws.

There are laws against speeding, yet who's consistently driving the speed limit?

This should apply to renting a rom in a motel/hotel to people 18 or older. If they don't want to change it, then they should raise the age to 21 to enter into contracts and such.

You're talking about two different things that don't correlate with each other. In Ohio, the 21 age limit for hotels is set only by some hotels pending their parent company. It is not a law.

[LongliveKingsCobra]

Giving a hormone-driven 18 year old a drink doesn't sound like the best of ideas. I can certainly see the reasoning behind the law.

No more worse than giving a hormone driven 16 year old keys to a 3,000+ pound car.

[flightoffear1996]

If someone underage wants a drink they will get it. The law doesn't stop minors from doing that.

it was about 7 years ago but I rented a room at Cedar Point and was 18,

[Diamondbill]

I have never been asked my age when checking in or making reservations.

[packers7871]

I agree Diamondbill i have never been asked that either try prepay with credit/debit card also i stay at the KI resort & Conference Center its not the Hilton buts its reasonable and has shuttle service the whole time the park is open free of charge

[malem]

^^ Chances are, you were asked for your ID. If you were under 21, it would be obvious from the ID.

[Leland Wykoff]

The rule requiring at least one occupant to be 21 is also common practice in the cruise line industry. Hotels can make reasonable rules and requiring guests making the reservation to be of an age of responsibility (mentally and financially) has been accepted in many jurisdictions. It promotes the safety of the property, hotel, and other guests.

Going back to ancient common law practices of hospitality one would not find such an age prohibition. Actually custom in biblical times would require one to welcome a stranger into the home and hearth upon request. An actual duty was imposed upon the host to protect and quarter a traveler. Much of modern hospitality law stems from these early practices.

Ohio law most likely offers some protection to inn keepers who have reasonable age requirements and/or restrictions. State statutes likely impose affirmative duties upon inn keepers requiring them to maintain orderly houses, specifically not to rent to or quarter underage drinkers. No doubt the Ohio Department of Tourism could provide up to date information and a regulatory frame work.

[KI-ORIG-EMP]

I keep hearing it is a rule of this mote/hotel chain that they must be 21 years of age to rent a room. I also hear it is to ensure they are mature both mentally and financially. The legal age of entering into contracts for people is 18 years of age. At that age, they can apply and receive credit card or a loan as long as the meet the required credit requirements. If the law in Ohio states adults 18 years of age can rent a room, the motel/hotel chain's policy of requiring them be 21 years of age is in conflict. The only age requirement that I could find relates to serving beer,wine or liquor to people under 21 years of age. The hotel/motel chains require a credit card with enough line of credit to cover their required credit hold or a cash deposit. When I worked at the Holiday Inn Northeast in the late 70's, we rented to guests between 18 and 20 years of age with no problem. If it is the law, it should be change to permitting people of legal contract age (18) to rent a room as long as they have a valid credit card in their name to cover the credit hold or a cash deposit. As I had said in an earlier post, if a soldier is home on leave and is between 18 and 20, they should be allowed to rent a room. If not, then it is ok for them to go to a combat zone but not of age to rent a room according to state law. I am going to call or email the state and ask them about this and also ask my friends at the local VFW and American Legion about this. Also check with some people that I know that works in the hospitality area.

[Gordon Bombay]

If the law in Ohio states adults 18 years of age can rent a room, the motel/hotel chain's policy of requiring them be 21 years of age is in conflict.

No, it's not in conflict with the law. Age discrimination protection legally starts after the age of 40, not below or before.

As the poster above you pointed out, it is legal to rent a hotel room at the age of 18. As many other posters pointed out, including myself, some of us have done it before the age of 21. It is up to the property owner.

Mr. Wykoff mentions state statutes that allow the hotel operator to set their age limit. Please note that bars and restaurants can do the same.

Requiring a guest to be 21 at a certain location is not in conflict with the ORC, state law or illegal as you imply it to be.

You keep pointing out ad-nausem that 18 is the age to enter into "contracts." That has nothing to do with this. Even if I'm 18 and can sign contracts, I can't drink alcohol or sign a contract to rent a car, there's also certain bars and establishments I can't enter. Be of legal age to enter into contractual agreements affords you just that - the right to enter into a contract, nothing more. You're comparing apples to oranges.

Not to mention, the 21 and up rule for hotels may be a policy of the particular travel site the OP was using.

When I worked at the Holiday Inn Northeast in the late 70's, we rented to guests between 18 and 20 years of age with no problem.

How one particular location of one particular hotel chain did things thirty years ago is not a good reflection of the industry troday.

If it is the law,

The poster right above you, and others, pointed out that it is NOT law, but individual policy of the hotel operator which is legal in the state of Ohio and common throughout the entire hospitality industry.

As I had said in an earlier post, if a soldier is home on leave and is between 18 and 20, they should be allowed to rent a room.

Not sure why you keep coming back to this as it has been stated to you multiple times, they can. However, just because they are a soldier doesn't mean the hotel operator has to change policy for them. Just like an 18 year old can join The Marines, fight in combat and not legally be allowed to drink in a bar back home. Just because you volunteer for the armed services and could potentially be put into combat doesn't mean you get to circumvent the laws of the United States.

[Gordon Bombay]

My girlfriend and I are looking to plan a trip to KI summer 2013. I was looking at some of the "featured hotels" on the KI website and I see that you need to be 21 in order to check in at most places.

Both of us a currently 18 and we will both be 19 at the time of our trip. We're not minors, so why would we need to be 21?

The hotel I would prefer to stay at is the a Super 8 since it's right across the street from the park.

Is there anyway around this "You have to be 21 in order to check in?"

Maybe if I had my parents book the hotel room and call the hotel and explain the situation to them?

Call the hotel directly. Many times the website (price line, hot-wire, etc) requires a patron to be 21.

[Browntggrr]

The owner/ operator can set whatever "rule" they want when it comes to who is on the property- it is their private establishment- not public property.

[The Interpreter]

As long as they don't discriminate, as it is a place of public accommodation. As stated before, there is no age discrimination protection until age 40. It is perfectly legal to discriminate against the young.

These lodging companies and Internet booking services have counsel with more legal training and experience than the typical poster.

There is no legal advice relevant to a specific situation or matter herein. Consult a competent attorney in your jurisdiction if you have, or think you may have, a legal problem. The author is not engaged in the private practice of law in Georgia, Ohio, any other United State or the District of Columbia. Disclaimers are sometimes bummers but necessary.

[Browntggrr]

A business owner can't discriminate- but can refuse service to a customer. It's not wise to refuse service for an arbitrary reason, but it is their property, they can request any person to leave the premises for any reason- or for no reason as long as the "rules" stay consistent. An owner will have trouble by refusing service to a gay couple, but if the owner believes the couple will hurt the business, and does not mention anything about being gay, service can be refused.

The after- effects of unreasonable actions by the business owner will certainly hurt their bottom line.

[The Interpreter]

Sexual orientation is not a protected status under Federal law, though it is in some states and localities.

In any event, no law I know of prohibits a business from age discrimination against people under 40. Perhaps KI-ORIG-EMP can illuminate us.

There is no legal advice intended for a specific situation or client contained herein. Consult a competent attorney in your jurisdiction if you have, or think you may have, a legal problem. The author is not engaged in the private practice of law in Georgia, Ohio or any other United State or the District of Columbia. Thanks for reading this disclaimer.

[KI-ORIG-EMP]

It is my firm belief that it should be a state law that hotel/motel chains rent to people 18 years of age. At that age, the state considers them an adult in all aspects except to have a drink, which I also believe must also be changed back to 18. At that age, you can enter into contracts, join the armed services without parental approval, be convicted of criminal acts as an adult for ALL crimes and sent to an adult prison. The state of Ohio used to have the drinking age to purchase and consume beer at the age of 18 and purchase and drink hard liquor at the age of 21. The US government forced the states to change the drinking age to 21 or risk loosing highway funds. The reasoning was the youth were too young and immature and would drink and drive. There are laws on the books to handle people that drink and drive. The reason I continue to bring up the subject of people in the armed services is they should be able to have a drink at the tender young age of 18 is because there are thousands of young soldiers that gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy that would not be able to have a drink if they walked into a bar asking for a beer. It is the same way when wanting to rent a hotel room. Just because we now have an all volunteer armed forces does not mean they should not be able to rent a room. The law should be that all people that are 18 years of age should be able to have a drink and rent room or car. All people at that age should be able to do this as long as they meet the credit requirements to rent said room or car. Otherwise, the age should be changed back to 21 as it used to be in all aspects. This law should be changed and company policy should not come into play because they feel they are not mature enough to rent a room. Either you are an adult at the age of 18 with all the benefits and responsibilities or you are not. This is my firm belief and you should be considered as an adult in all aspects at the age of 18.

[Gordon Bombay]

Ok, guy, are you taking the time to read people's responses? I don't mean to drag this thing out, but you keep repeating your posts nearly verbatim with little consideration for what others are adding to the discussion. Frankly, it's frustrating.

It is my firm belief that it should be a state law that hotel/motel chains rent to people 18 years of age.

Again, at the age of eighteen you are allowed to rent hotel rooms, however it is up to the hotel as to what age they'd like to set as the minimum. This is perfectly legal. As others have pointed out several times now: state law allows for the hotel operator to decide such things and it does not count as discrimination.

You may think there needs to be a state law saying that every hotel must rent a room to anyone regardless of age, but that would be against the property owner's rights and it's not going to happen. Regardless, it doesn't help solve the OP's question which others have tried to do when not engaging in this side topic.

At that age, the state considers them an adult in all aspects except to have a drink

Again, this is simply not true. At the age of 18, you acquire many "adult rights." However, there are certain adult things you get to do at 16 and even more you are privileged to do at 21. There is not one set age as to where you receive every privilege under law. While 18 is the general age for many privileges, it's not the sole one.

which I also believe must also be changed back to 18

You can believe that all you want. It's certainly your opinion. However, 50 states and the entire armed forces all agree that 21 is an appropriate age.

At that age, you can enter into contracts, join the armed services without parental approval, be convicted of criminal acts as an adult for ALL crimes and sent to an adult prison.

Actually you can be tried as an adult when you are younger than 18.

The state of Ohio used to have the drinking age to purchase and consume beer at the age of 18 and purchase and drink hard liquor at the age of 21. The US government forced the states to change the drinking age to 21 or risk loosing highway funds. The reasoning was the youth were too young and immature and would drink and drive. There are laws on the books to handle people that drink and drive.

You've said this about five times now. I'd go through it again, but let's make this short:

The above statement is not a good argument as to why you believe hotels should HAVE to offer services to anyone at the age of 18.

The reason I continue to bring up the subject of people in the armed services is they should be able to have a drink at the tender young age of 18 is because there are thousands of young soldiers that gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy that would not be able to have a drink if they walked into a bar asking for a beer.

To be frank, if they gave their life - they wouldn't be able to have a drink anywhere, they'd be dead. But, I won't get caught up in semantics. Just because this is how things were done in the past doesn't mean that things don't change. States had the option to raise the drinking age and they ALL chose to do so. The military chose to raise drinking age on their facilities to 21.

It may be your opinion that soldiers should be able to drink at 18, but that's not the legal case at the present time.

Also, it has NOTHING to do with hotels.

It is the same way when wanting to rent a hotel room.

No, it's not. Renting a hotel room and consuming alcoholic beverages as an adult are two very different things that fall under different kinds of rules.

Just because we now have an all volunteer armed forces does not mean they should not be able to rent a room.

NO ONE IS SAYING THAT MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RENT HOTEL ROOMS. All anyone has stated is two facts:

1) Even in the military, you still can't drink till you're 21 whether in the states or an American base (except Marine bases in Japan).

2) Hotels have the LEGAL RIGHT to set an age restriction.

That's just how it is.

Either you are an adult at the age of 18 with all the benefits and responsibilities or you are not.

No, please try to understand the law. You're an "adult" who now has more privileges in life at the age of 18 depending on residence. It does not, will not and never has been "all or nothing" at one age.

Next time, I'm going straight to the Picard photo...


SSL488, Were you able to get ahold of the hotel? Often times, even if the website won't sell to someone under 21, the hotel may and could match the deal for you. Doesn't hurt to ask.

[Creed Bratton]

The state of Ohio used to have the drinking age to purchase and consume beer at the age of 18 and purchase and drink hard liquor at the age of 21. The US government forced the states to change the drinking age to 21 or risk loosing highway funds. The reasoning was the youth were too young and immature and would drink and drive. There are laws on the books to handle people that drink and drive.

The law should be that all people that are 18 years of age should be able to have a drink and rent room or car. All people at that age should be able to do this as long as they meet the credit requirements to rent said room or car. Otherwise, the age should be changed back to 21 as it used to be in all aspects. This law should be changed and company policy should not come into play because they feel they are not mature enough to rent a room. Either you are an adult at the age of 18 with all the benefits and responsibilities or you are not. This is my firm belief and you should be considered as an adult in all aspects at the age of 18.

My only post on this and hopefully we'll get back on subject:

On the first point here: Age doesn't have to do with maturity....how many people over 18 have been killed because they were drinking and driving? How many people have gotten hurt because there were driking and driving? How many people over 18 have killed or hurt other people because they were drinking and driving? So saying that the reasoning was that the youth were too young and immature and would drink and drive, isn't a valid point, many many many people over 18 do this and it's unfortunate.

On your second point: Instead of posting about how you think the law should change on KIC, why don't you contact your representatives and senator? We don't have the powere here to magically change the law. Nor would I think KIC would get behind it, but you can actually be proactive and talk to your representatives and senator to maybe get your view point out there. And again, it's not a law that you have to be 21 to rent a room, it depends on the property and property owner.