I spoke to the front desk clerk on the morning I checked out, and the assistant manager came out from the back and took over. So she was the one I had most of the conversation with and was the one that repeatedly said it was due to "audit" that they had to have a copy. I never could get out if it was a local audit, and hence a local decision to require a copy, or if it was a Hilton audit.

I was ready to use the 100% Hampton Inn guarantee, since I was not all satisfied, however, before I had a chance to say it, she said that the coupon they were going to give me would make it the same rate. Since she offered the coupon so quickly, I have no doubt they were already going to give me that coupon, and easily could have on the bill rather then raise the rate and then make me fight them about it.

Since they did give me the rate I wanted, I did not dispute the charge with the credit card company.

I have called the Hilton customer service desk and opened a case. However, they said the manager of the property would call me, and instead I got an email from the same assistant manager that I had discussed the matter with that morning. So I am not sure that really accomplished much. However, I do plan on writing a letter to corporate and letting them know 2 things - they have lost at least 25 nights from me due to moving my business to Marriott during this job, and I am going to recommend that if a franchise wants to have a policy such as this, put it in the rate rules. The rules only say that an ID has to be shown, not that one has to be photocopied. If that had been in the rate rules, I never would have made the reservation in the first place.