I've checked bags at a hotel I'm not staying at with success.

First time I've been refused: Three days ago at Millennium Bostonian Hotel in downtown Boston. It was pouring rain at the time.

Bellman: Can I help you with your bags, sir?
Me: I'd like to check these two, please.
Bellman: Are you staying with us this evening, sir?
Me: No.
Bellman: I'm sorry, sir. I'd like to, but management won't allow us to.
Me: You don't have a baggage fee or service for holding bags?
Bellman: No, I'm sorry, we can't do that.


(The bellman then cited terrorism fears as the reason. Seriously. Because that's how you can tell someone's not a terrorist: they've booked a hotel room. Must not be a terrorist, then. Good ol' American .........)

You would think that hotels would allow this just for the sake of boosting their staff's tips. You would think hotels would care enough about their staff to provide this service to people who are willing to pay for it.