OK guys, I can almost understand that the hotel should have no liability if some kid or drunk guy decides to pull the fire alarm...

BUT, what about the situation where the alarm was not set off by a guest, but is a "system tuning" problem with the system (that has happened before) or the staff fails to properly intervene between the time they receive the alarm and the time the alarm timeout forces the evacuation?

I have been in non-Starwood properties and seen both of the above problems. In my opinion, if the hotel has a chronic fire alarm problem (every few weeks or so) and doesn't get the system serviced or corrected, I think the hotel SHOULD do something for the guests. After all, the reason I go to a hotel is to get a good night sleep. I failed to get what I paid for. I should be either discounted or, in my opinion, compensated.

How do you find out where the responsibility really lies? I have ALWAYS been able to get a fairly clear answer from the front desk staff after the alarm issues settle down.