Re: Challenge to Hospitality: The ID Check in the Lobby

The New York Times
> "I'm one of those New Yorkers who doesn't have a driver's license, so > I carry my passport with me in case I do need to show a picture ID."

Many states offer official photo-IDs for people who do not have a driver's license. New York State does. I would think it'd be more prudent to carry such an ID card rather than a passport in case it's lost or stolen. (see:

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But because she was not checking into the hotel and not going anywhere > but the lobby, she did not count on having to produce a > government-issued photo ID just to have a clerk phone a guest room > from the front desk.

That seems a bit extreme just for a visitor. However, hotels have more liability about security, especially a place in a busy city.

"At that point, I was kind of irritated at myself. I mean, a hotel > lobby is, like, a public place, right? They claim the right to > demand ID just to come in?"

No, a hotel lobby is NOT a public place. It is private property and the owner may require such security checks as the owner deems appropriate. Indeed, the hotel owner may HAVE to require such ID to meet liability insurance or legal requirements to protect the security of its guests. If the hotel had an incident of serious theft or personal attack, I can see them being very cautious. Further, the ID check may be a way of preventing undesirables from coming in and loitering, looking for targets for theft, etc.

Keep in mind that a great many private property spaces have closed circuit TV recording all movements. Big brother is indeed watching you.