Some hotels in Europe do not even bother to seek your permission before photocopying your passport. I dont have a problem with them making a copy but I thought it's only polite to ask first.

As a non-American I am baffled to learn here that showing your photo I.D to the Front Desk is such a big deal to some Americans. On a recent trip to the US, I stayed at 6 different hotels (including 1 Hilton) and all the hotels did ask to have a look at my photo I.D. which didnt cross my mind as being unreasonable.

Having said all that, I would never allow myself to be threatened by a Front Desk agent.