Customer Spotlight: Donita Rae Billingsley

Zahra Jamal

Our next customer spotlight is on Donita Rae Billingsley, who came to Atlanta 17 years ago from Kansas City, Missouri, with her two children and former husband.

Billingsley and her husband had a passion for the hospitality industry and wanted to open up a new restaurant in the city. With a sad turn of events, her husband passed away from lung cancer. Soon after, Billingsley was going through the struggles of being a single mom while working long hours as a teacher in Virginia Highlands. In need of more income, she also started up a successful side business to outsource nannies.

"I didn't think about it. I just thought about my children, and they needed me." said Billingsley. "I wanted things to be better for them financially and mentally."

Last year, however, she had to take a leave of absence after she got hurt on the job with a torn meniscus. At the time, she was renting out a house in Eastland which had major electrical problems that caused the power to overheat. "It was too dangerous to live there and the owner wouldn't fix the issues," said Billingsley.

While looking for a new home, she heard about Economy Hotel from her niece who was living at the hotel. "It's much more preferable to signing a fixed lease term," explains Billingsley, who enjoys the flexibility of "pay as you go." With all utilities included, it became a deal that she "couldn't pass up."

She hopes to see more affordable housing deals, such as Economy Hotel, in Atlanta. "Ten years ago, I could find a place to rent for $800-$900. Now it costs up to $3,000 to live in a nice, affordable area" said Billingsley.

She went on to describe the vicious cycle of poverty so many Atlantans find themselves trapped in before coming to the hotel. "I've talked to people here. It just takes one disagreement with their landlord to be evicted, and one eviction could mess you up for years because you can't get into another lease agreement. There's no 'second chance' rental agreement program," said Billingsley. "We have a lot of people who were in that situation before coming to Economy Hotel."

Billingsley moved to the hotel in 2019, and brought her daughter and mother to live with her. Her mom was previously living in a care home. "She wasn't getting adequate care and it was way too expensive," said Billingsley.

Nowadays while healing from her injury and spending quality time with her mom, Billingsley is saving up enough to own her own home, and exploring her passion for painting.

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Two Young Women at a Hotel Reception Desk

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Hotel Room? Age Rules and Check-In Requirements

By Freddie Hart • November 6, 2026

In the United States, you usually need to be 18 or 21 to check into a hotel room on your own. There is no federal law that sets one minimum age, so each hotel sets its own policy. The rule can even differ between two locations of the same brand. Quick answer Minimum age: Many hotels allow guests who are 18 years old to check in. Also common: Some hotels require guests to be 21 or older, especially in certain resort areas and destinations with nightlife. Under 18: You generally need a parent, legal guardian, or an approved adult to make arrangements with the hotel. Always bring: A valid government-issued photo ID and an accepted payment card. Before you book: Confirm that you meet the hotel's minimum check-in age, ask whether you must present your own photo ID and payment card, and check whether a security deposit or parental consent is required. Below, you'll learn why age rules vary, what you need at check-in, and how to find hotels that allow 18-year-olds. What Is the Minimum Age to Get a Hotel Room in the USA? No federal law sets a universal minimum hotel check-in age. Each property establishes its own rule, subject to state and local laws. If you're wondering, “Do you have to be 21 to get a hotel room?” the answer depends on the hotel's policy. Hotels can set age restrictions because a hotel reservation or long-term stay involves a financial agreement. In many states, minors have limited ability to enter binding contracts, which can make collecting payment or recovering damages more complicated. However, contract laws vary, and this is not the only reason hotel management may set a minimum age.