I've noticed a trend by some Choice Hotels to demand to copy my ID at check in. In my stays this year alone, I have been told that my ID "must" be copied at multiple hotels (but interestingly, NOT at my Cambria stays). Generally I volunteer to allow the hotel to verify my ID against my credit card, but I have refused to allow my ID to be copied. Given that the hotel has verified my name and address against my reservation, I cannot see a reason for a copy of my ID to be needed. When I make it clear that I won't allow a copy to be made, the hotels have agreed to check me in without copying my ID.

That is, until my recent stay at the Comfort Inn Oceanside in Deerfield Beach FL. When asked for my ID, I opened my wallet to show it. I was then told by the employee that it "must" be copied. I got the impression that she was fairly new to the job, but I politely told her that because I have been a victim of identity theft, I did not consent to having my ID copied. She asked me to wait while she talked with her manager and left the front desk (this is important). A couple minutes later, she returned with the manager. This gentlemen told me that it was hotel policy to copy the ID of all guests at check in. I again politely expressed my concern for the security of any copies of my ID. The manager assured me that it would be kept secure, and shredded upon check out. Not wanting to make a scene, and because I was concerned about finding another hotel on short notice during spring break, I consented, but asked the the copy be returned to me at check out. He agreed, and at that point, I surrendered my ID to be copied.

Upon check out 2 days later, the employee at the front desk (a different person), told me she would email me a checkout statement. I declined, and asked for the copy of my ID that had been taken at check in. She proceeded to check me out, and then, she reached in to the file on the front desk, pulled out my folio, and pulled out the copy of my ID. (Remember when the desk was left empty at check in? This file is within arms reach of anyone at the front desk) As she pulled the copy off the folio, i noticed a second copy, and asked for that as well, which she did give to me. Looking at the copies, I found that both sides of both my ID AND my credit card were copied. At no point was I told that my credit card would be copied. Period. So during my stay, the hotel had my ID and credit card (with CVV code). And remember, this information was kept at the front desk, unsecured.

I have absolutely no idea why hotels are demanding to copy IDs and credit cards. I'm a Choice Privileges member (already made Gold this year). Choice has my information, and it is kept secure under Choice's Privacy and Security Policy. Verify the ID and move on. I rented a car upon arrival in Florida. I have a profile with National. At check out, National took a small hit on my credit card, and verified my ID at the gate. No copies, and I drove out in a $50000 Dodge Charger R/T (with a Hemi). The Choice Privacy and Security Policy states: "We do not control the collection, use, or access of your information by the Franchised Hotels and their staff." Based on this statement, I believe that each individual franchisee has the responsibility to tell guests AT BOOKING that copies of ID and credit cards and a requirement for check in. AND, each franchisee must have an individual Privacy and Security Policy that spells out how they keep copies secure. Since Choice apparently is not going to stop franchisees from demanding this information and making it a condition for check in, the least they could do is add this requirement to the booking process.

I hope this doesn't sound too much like a "get off my lawn" rant. But if you've had your identity stolen, you understand.