Okay, my girlfriend needs to be in Kansas City in the next week or so for a family emergency, and since her mom can’t go with her, she asked me to go along. Unfortunately, the drive from Fort Myers to St. Louis (where she’ll drop me off) is a 2-day trip. So if we go, we’d need a place to stay overnight, probably in the Atlanta metro area (preferably the north side). But I’ve called Holiday Inn and Choice Hotels, and both of them have an age limitation of at least 18, and in some cases 21, depending on the hotel. Does anyone know of a hotel chain (not too far off the interstate and safe and relatively clean), or even a hotel in that area, which will allow two 17 year olds to stay there? I have a credit card and a deposit would not be a problem. If they need to call our parents ahead of time, or get something signed, or whatever, that’s doable. But we can’t make this trip if it means we have to sleep in her little Civic hatchback by the side of the road… :\ Thanks in advance for your help.
I’ve slept in bus stations and all night laundromats. If you look clean they often won’t pester you for hours. They may even pretend to believe your excuse that “my friend was supposed to come back for me hours ago. I guess he had car trouble.”
Practically speaking, if you just show up at a hotel and ask for a room, I doubt they will check your age. It’s been a while, but when I was 19 or so (and looked younger), no one asked me my age when I stayed in a hotel.
Other option: underage people do stay in hotels without parents. Perhaps what you need is one of your parents to make the reservation and give consent.
Sua
I was shocked when I saw my first motel that didn’t allow guests under 21 years of age.* (It was in Portland, ME, and I don’t recall what chain … I’m tempted to say Motel 6.) I’d slept in many places before where my age wasn’t a problem. Days Inn is the only specific one that I recall, but I hate to think that I’ve stayed in exceptions to the rule.
I’m sorry I can’t add much information, but I’m sure there’re plenty of places out there. Good luck!
[sub]*And yes, they did card me. I was disgusted, so I left. There was another motel next door that didn’t have a problem, and I slept there. [/sub]
Thanks for mentioning that, Sua – I called the people at Choice again and they said if we made reservations with the particular hotel we should be able to make some arrangement.
They may not ask, but in many locations, it is required by law that they do check ID against the registrations. Even where not required by law, most chains require it as policy.
Sleep in a hospital parking lot.They are often populated by people like yourself(sleeping in the car),who are visiting loved ones in the hospital,so you do have an apparent rationale when spotted by security.
People are always coming and going at all hours,so it is safer than parking in some lonely place where an assailant can be assured of no witnesses.
Looks like you got some helpful suggestions, but I’m going to move this to IMHO forum, where you may get more.
Jill
I live on the north side of Atlanta and have an extra room in the house, with a bed. If you like, you’re welcome to stay (depending on when it is … I’m doing some travelling in the next month or so).
Email me, it’s in the profile.
A few months ago I was on my way back from New York, and I was exhausted. I hadn’t slept in over 24 hours. The road was beginning to blur. I pulled over to find a room so I could get a couple of hours of sleep, but was turned down by like 3 different motels, because I was only 19. I was on the verge of sleeping in my car, but I finally found a Days Inn that let me in. You might try them…
A little background: I work as a CSR for the corp that owns the franchise rights to several hotel chains, including Days Inn and you would be surprised how many calls I get on this subject. Please allow me to offer some advice.
90% of all hotels are independently owned and operated franchises and there is nothing in the franchise contract about age limits. Except in those states/jurisdictions that have laws regarding the issue, each hotel makes it’s own policy. That is to say, call the hotel before you show up, do not simply accept the res monkey’s* word that it is ok.
That being said, the only state I know that has a 21 year old age restriction is IL, which is where most of my calls come from.
*that is to say your friendly, helpful reservation agent --whose intelligence sometimes marvels that of small, singular celled organisms.
Thanks for the advice. We’ll make some calls tonight and get things worked out. I took down the numbers of some motels and Dad can call and see what kind of a deal can be made. Wish us luck and a safe trip!
I was going to suggest American Youth Hostels
which offers free membership to people under 18, but I see their only hostel in Georgia is in Savannah, and they have none in AL or TN.
Something to consider for the future, though, since they
have very cheap rates and won’t turn you away for being 17.