19-year old checking into Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Best Western?

Eighteen-year-olds can check in to hotels in Europe, just as they can in the U.S. I’m not sure how each property will deal with the reserver of the room being a different person than the person checking in. But, I’m sure that can be solved by reserving with a credit card that has both your names on the account. You might want to have your daughter’s name added to the credit card account and then have your bank send out a couple of the newly-revised credit cards.
Even if the room is fully paid for with points— the front desk will still want a credit card on file.

Cheers!

Kelly, some hotels do have a minimum age of 21 but you can find which of them do by checking policies specific to each. For instance, here's how to check minimum age at individual Hiltons:

https://www.hilton.com/en/help-center/hotel-information/hilton-hotel-policies/

In Europe, only some of the 'adult-only' hotels require a minimum age of 21.

Every hotel is different as to minimum age for check in. There is no set rule per chain. You can usually find this out by searching the hotel's website.

You must make the reservation in her name. They will not check her into a room under your name. Even if you pay by points you can do this. Usually online but if necessary call the hotel chain's frequent stay program for help.

She will also need a credit card for incidentals. It won't be charged unless she charges something to her room. They just put a hold of a certain amount on it "just in case" and release it when she checks out.

On other thing... if she will be traveling with friends, she has to be aware of the maximum number of people allowed in each hotel room. Hotel's don't like it when people try to pack hotel rooms. They have the right to kick out anyone who exceeds this amount.

what a lucky daughter!!

I was her age on my summer all around western Europe sleeping in hostels and on trains (late train to somewhere, get off around 2am, get one going back and sleep again until arrival - hoping nobody joined me in the compartment).

I never had a hotel the whole summer, small Pensions were as good as it got. I think I was all the better for having to fend for myself.

That said, hotels with breakfast and a super shower would be a real gift for a 19 year old.

Metz is beautiful by the way.

“ She is not keen on the youth hostel scene/group sleeping”
There is a huge variety in hostels. Yes, there are party hostels with 16-bed dorm rooms, but there are also hostels that offer private rooms with en-suite facilities. Staying in such a hostel gives your daughter the chance to meet up with likeminded people of her own age, while still having a room to herself. Take a look at these hostels for instance https://hihostels.com/

Frank II, I have noticed lately that hotels are requiring all the guests in a room be registered.

Look into transferring the points into her account. They all should under some scenario. Be aware of fees with some of the chains. Definitely make sure she has both a credit card and a debit card in her name.

Kelly, as mentioned the reservation must be in her name.

We checked into 4 Hilton hotels recently in the US. Each hotel asked for ID. 2 of the hotels asked to see the credit card used to guarantee the reservation, 1 hotel just asked me to verify the last 4 numbers of the card and 1 hotel only asked if it was okay to use the card on file for incedentals.

Wow, thanks y'all - some great info in the replies in this post! My daughter and I will check the policies of the individual chains and/or hotels as well as look into some of the hostels where you can pick a room with the exact number of travelers. She does already have a credit card (with no international transaction fees) and debit card in her name.

She knows that European hotels cannot exceed the stated occupancy on the reservation (we've usually had to book 2 rooms for that very reason on past family travels). She would not be traveling by herself but probably with 1-3 additional friends from her study abroad program (there are 400 students in it).

Maybe a mix of "classy hostels" plus "free chain hotels" is the answer here. Just trying to save her money as she will be paying for all "fun weekend travel" herself.

Keep the tips coming, all advice greatly appreciated! :)