In North America, most hotels only charge per person for parties of three or more. When dealing with a single individual or couple, the same rates apply. For this reason, if you’re travelling solo and invite a friend to your room, the hotel will say nothing.

Of course, should the person cause problems, the staff will interfere. For example, a rowdy and disorderly person not registered to the room may get escorted off the premises. In seedier situations, where the companion is paid for illegal services, other complications may arise.

Bringing Multiple People Back to Your Hotel Room

Besides the few aforesaid exceptions, having someone stay the night is no problem. Note the phrasing, though—someone. Taking the party from the club to the hotel is unacceptable. For one, too many people occupying a room becomes a fire hazard; hotel rooms have capacities. As well, too many people in one small space will inevitably disturb neighbouring suites.

If you intend to bring multiple people back to your room, then you need to ask permission or for an upgrade. Sneaking people in is never a good idea because it implies that you knowingly violated policy. In such cases, the consequences can become more severe (i.e. fines).

If you already purchased a room for two or more people, then unexpected guests might put the room over capacity as well. For example, a room with a single bed and no cot or couch will hold only two people (excluding children). A room with double beds will house four or more, depending on the other furniture.

In most situations, these rules only pertain to adult visitors. If a friend asks you to unexpectedly babysit, for instance, then this should be okay even with two adults already in the room.