Originally Posted by
xooz
What state outlaws video recordings yet allows videos at every gas station, along the highways, at traffic lights etc....? Plenty do not allow audio recordings unless 2 parties agree, but would wonder whether a static video recorder is not allowed. A guess would be that a video recorder in the hotel room is not against state or city law but may be against some hotel policy and they could boot you out if so.
A big difference with the ubiquitous surveillance cameras in gas stations and other stores is that they are accompanied by equally ubiquitous signs stating some variation of, "Premises under 24-hour video surveillance." IANAL but this would seem to constitute informed consent when one chooses to enter the premises. Using a disguised video recorder in your hotel room means you are recording someone with no notice or consent.