Originally Posted by
runningshoes
It's different today and hotels won't even have the book you note given security concerns. Level I security is visible, Level II and III are not and only LEO's, TSA, etc., even know what to look for with added tools. Since 9/11 and the advent of imported Chinese fake ID's, it's a real headache for the States, especially those on the borders as e-DL's can also double as transit documents. The hotels really only care about matching the name given the fraud mentioned above.
I've been in the industry almost a quarter century with Hilton and Marriott, both franchise and corporately managed, and I have never seen that book. I know it existed at one time, but good luck finding a hotel that actually has it or has one that's current.
Originally Posted by
PTahCha
For 99% of my hotel check-in in the US, a confirmation of my identity is all that is required, which is viewing my ID from my wallet. When I asked the FD clerk the reason behind my requirement to hand over the ID, and whether this is required, they did not have an answer, other repeating that I need to give them my ID. To me, standard ID validation, whether at the airport or at a bar or grocery store, is part of enforcing a law to make sure that your name and/or age is verify. Here, there was no upfront disclosure on the level of inspection was required (i.e., handing over the ID vs. viewing the ID), which was acknowledged by the FD supervisor, and there are no laws being enforced by the request. If they have stated a rational explanation (key word being rational), that would have changed the situation.
And no, I did not refuse to show my ID, just refused to hand it them. In fact, I did hand over my credit card, with my name on it that matched to the reservation, which they should have not asked for nor held on to it.
It's their bat, their ball and their internal LSOP rules per either local management or ownership. If that's what they want, either you do it or you stay somewhere else that doesn't require it.
The bottom line is that a hotel does not owe you or anyone else an explanation on this and no, there are no rules from the parent company barring them from asking for/requiring it.