Hotel check in, do they actually check to see if you are 21?

Question

I am currently twenty, and I am planning a weekend trip with some friends. A lot of decent hotels (chain hotels like hilton, best western, etc), say on hotels.com that you must be 21 to check in. I can certainly pass for 21, but do you think most hotels actually check? It's not like I look young or irresponsible or anything.

Answer 1

I'm young (early 20's), and they have never actually checked my DL.  They do ask for it though and usually take a copy of it (if you're the one that paid)  so that they can track you down in case your room is damaged.

If you're not the one that held the room with your credit card or are paying for it don't worry about it they won't ask you for your DL.

Answer 2

When you check in they will ask the person who is paying for a drivers license and a credit card.  If you paid on Hotels.com they will will still ask.

Answer 3

Most hotels will ask for your driver's license. They want to be able to track you down if you damage their facility.

Answer 4

it just depends, strike up a conversation with the person checking you in 9 times out of 10 they will look at your pic and not your birthdate.  Its worth a shot.

Answer 5

I used to work front desk at a few hotels.  Depends on the hotel employee and what's going on at the time.  Best bet is to check in when there's a lot of other people checking in at the same time-- usually between 3pm and 6pm is the busiest, but no guarantee on that.  Don't check in after 10 or 11pm, as you may come in on the night auditor's shift.  They're known to be picky, or at least that used to be the case.