Travelodge Minimum Age to Stay

When planning a hotel stay, especially if you’re a younger traveller, one of the most important questions is: “What’s the minimum age to book and stay at Travelodge?” Learn about the Travelodge Minimum Age below.

Policies can vary between hotels, so it’s essential to understand the rules before you reserve your room. This guide covers the official Travelodge minimum age requirements, how they work in practice, and what young travellers should know.

Booking Age Requirements

The general rule is simple: You must be at least 18 years old to book and stay at Travelodge without a guardian.

• 18+ years: You can book and stay in a Travelodge room independently.

• 16–17 years: You cannot stay alone, but you may stay if accompanied by a responsible adult (18+).

• Under 16 years: Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; hotels will not allow check-in without an adult.

Why 18?
Hotels set the age at 18 because it’s the legal age of majority in the UK. This ensures the guest is legally responsible for the booking, payments, and any damages.

Related reading: If you’re 18+ and looking to save money on your booking, check out our Travelodge Prices guide for strategies to get the best deals.

Staying with Minors or Guests Under 18

Travelodge welcomes families, but there are clear rules if someone under 18 is part of the booking:

• Children under 16 stay free when sharing a room with a paying adult, making it a budget-friendly choice for families.

• Rooms typically come with double beds plus pull-out beds for kids, so families can share without extra room costs.

• Proof of age: If a guest appears under 18, the front desk may ask for photo ID.

Example scenario:

• A 17-year-old travelling with friends (all under 18) will be refused check-in.

• A 17-year-old with a 19-year-old companion will usually be allowed, as the booking is in the adult’s name.

This policy is strictly enforced to ensure child safeguarding and reduce liability for the hotel.

Exceptions and Hotel-Specific Rules

While Travelodge has a standard policy across the UK, some exceptions apply:

• International locations: If you’re booking a Travelodge outside the UK (for example in Ireland or Spain), age rules may differ slightly depending on local law. Always check the hotel’s booking conditions.

• ID requirements: Some city-centre Travelodges (London, Manchester, Birmingham) may ask for ID for all guests, especially younger travellers, due to security policies.

• Group bookings: School trips or youth groups may need to go through Travelodge’s group booking department, where specific adult-to-student ratios are required.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Policies can vary, so always double-check the official Travelodge website or call the hotel directly before booking.

Tips for Young Travelers Booking Travelodge

If you’re 18–21 and travelling independently, here are some useful tips:

1. Carry photo ID – Even if you’re over 18, front desk staff may request ID if you look younger.

2. Book with a credit/debit card in your name – This avoids problems at check-in if your parent’s card was used.

3. Avoid last-minute walk-ins – Online bookings are easier to verify, and staff may be stricter with age checks for walk-in guests.

4. Consider Flexible Rate rooms – If plans change or you face issues at check-in, these can be cancelled without losing your money. (Read our Travelodge Prices guide for how Flexible vs Saver rates work.)

5. Travel with a responsible adult if under 18 – Even if you’re nearly 18, it’s better to avoid the risk of being turned away.

These precautions help avoid disappointment and make your stay smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travelodge Minimum Age

What is the minimum age to book a Travelodge room?

You must be 18 or older to book and stay without a guardian.

Can a 17-year-old stay in a Travelodge alone?

No, Travelodge does not allow guests under 18 to stay alone.

Can children stay at Travelodge for free?

Yes, up to two children under 16 stay free when sharing a family room with a paying adult.

Do I need ID to check into a Travelodge?

Not always, but ID may be requested if you appear under 18 or if the hotel is in a city-centre location.

Can a group of 16- or 17-year-olds stay together?

No, Travelodge requires at least one guest per booking to be 18+.

Do age requirements differ by location?

In most UK hotels, the minimum is 18. However, international Travelodges may have slightly different rules. Always confirm before you book.

The Travelodge minimum age to stay is clear: you must be 18+ to book a room without a parent or guardian. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. While this is a standard rule across the UK, always check individual hotel conditions — especially in city centres or international locations.

For younger travellers planning ahead, Travelodge is a budget-friendly and family-friendly chain, but knowing the rules in advance prevents awkward surprises at check-in.

👉 If you’re 18+ and ready to book, don’t miss our in-depth Travelodge Prices guide to learn when Travelodge prices go down and how to secure the cheapest deals.

How Travelodge Minimum Age Compares to Other UK Budget Hotels

If you’re under 18 and considering alternatives, it helps to know how Travelodge’s rules stack up against other budget-friendly hotel chains. Here’s a quick comparison:

Hotel ChainMinimum Age to Book & Stay AloneStaying with Minors PolicyID Required at Check-InNotesTravelodge18+Children under 16 stay free with adultSometimes (city-centre)Strict on under-18s staying alonePremier Inn16+ (with parental permission)Under 16s must be with adultUsually not unless requestedMore flexible than TravelodgeIbis Budget18+Minors must stay with adultOften requiredPolicy varies slightly by countryHoliday Inn Express18+Up to 2 kids under 17 stay free with adultsYes, especially in city hotelsStrong family focusYHA Hostels16+ with parental consentYounger children must be with guardianYesPopular with student groups and school trips

Key Takeaways

• Travelodge is stricter than Premier Inn, which sometimes allows 16–17-year-olds to stay with written parental permission.

• Chains like Holiday Inn Express and Premier Inn tend to be more family-oriented, with generous child-stay-free policies.

• YHA Hostels can be a good alternative for 16–17-year-olds who want more flexibility when travelling.

⚠️ Always confirm with the hotel directly, as policies can differ by location and may change over time.

FAQs About Travelodge Minimum Age and Other Hotels

Is Premier Inn more flexible than Travelodge for young guests?
Yes. While Travelodge requires guests to be 18 or older to book and stay alone, Premier Inn sometimes allows 16–17-year-olds to stay with written parental permission. However, this can vary by location, so always check before booking.

Can a 17-year-old stay at Travelodge with a friend?
No. Travelodge’s policy requires at least one guest in the booking to be 18 or older. Two 17-year-olds travelling alone would not be able to stay without an adult.

Do other budget hotels allow under-18s to stay alone?
Most budget hotels, including Travelodge, Ibis Budget, and Holiday Inn Express, set the minimum age at 18. YHA Hostels are a rare exception, sometimes allowing 16–17-year-olds with parental consent.

Do I need ID to check in at Travelodge?
Not always, but some city-centre or airport hotels may request ID at check-in, especially for younger guests. It’s best to carry valid photo identification if you’re close to the minimum age limit.