Do I have to be 18 to check into a hotel?

Yes, you need to be 18.

Also, Frederick is wrong. You have to be 21 years old now to apply for a credit card NOT 18.

And most likely if you look young they'll check your ID and ask for more proof and if all 6 of your friends can't provide more proof, you'll more likely be denied entrance.

Going to a sketchy motel, however, raises your chances of getting entry. Most motels don't care about their customers just their money. Unfortunately, you also have a greater chance at getting bedbugs at a sketchy motel.

Your hotel stay is basically a contract between you and the hotel. You agree to pay for the room (and any incidental costs, which may or may not include repairs due to normal wear and tear, amenities, room-ordered meals, entertainment, etc...) and they provide you with the room and said incidentals.

Unfortunately, for a contract to be binding, both parties need to be 18. If you show up with a fake ID, then you are committing fraud and the penalties, if caught will make buying cigarettes with a fake ID a small time knuckle slap in comparison.

So, one way that hotels want you to cover any and all costs is with a credit card. Again, credit card companies don't like to give credit to minors, which is generally why you need to be 18 to apply for one.

Again, try to forge one or try to use your parents' card without permission and, well, it'll bring your potential problems to a whole new level.

Sketchy hotels bring about a different kind of clientele and Lord knows what will happen there in the middle of the night... You may be able to get rooms, but then, you'll maybe have adventures of the likes you don't like.

I would check if there is a YMCA where you are planning to go. They may open their doors to you and you motley crew even if you're only 17. This may require a membership to a local (to you) YMCA, but that might do the trick.

Alternatively, there are always campings. It's less cool than a hotel room, but in a hypothetical world, it may be your best alternative, hypothetically speaking.

Depends on the hotel's policies but most require you to be at least 21, some 18.

You'll also have to provide a credit card on file to pay for incidentals....