Andrew O asked:
Hotels insist on wanting my address and phone number when I check in. I refuse them but usually this leads to arguments where they say they “need” this information. I tell them the only thing they need is my credit card to guarantee the payment. Is there any law saying they must collect this info?
i work at front desk and yes they really need it for security reasons
Yes, they have the right to do so.
yea cause if theres any damages to the room they need to know how the attorney can find you in order to serve papers on you…
they use the address as a guarantee that they can collect any money due to them if theres damages to the room..
Why are you hiding something? Just give it to them. if they really didn’t need it, why would they even bother? Its mainly so it things go ‘missing’ from the room they can find you and charge you for either broken, or missing items.
they need it because of credit card theft most likely. even stolen/broken items in the room you stayed in. just give it to them not like they are going to send you spam in the mail or anything like that.
i dont know.
Its probably a precaution. Because a credit card can be stolen or completely empty.
If you are real adement about not giving an address thing – then i would call the hotel ahead of time and make sure they dont need your address.
I am pretty sure they have to have your phone number, so not sure if you can get around that.
GOOD LUCK- hope u find more info
I do not believe there is a law demanding this information; however, this is the policy in most hotels and they have the right to deny you if you do not provide them with the information needed.
Hotels do need this information, it is for several reasons:
1- They want a back up if the credit card your using was stolen or not yours and they can prove it with the information provided.
2- Sometimes the credit card used expired or was canceled before the charges were approved. Some people plan to skip payment to save money.
3- Incidental Holds. Most hotels offer Mini Bars, Pay per view and telephone services, they need to obtain payment for these perks.
4- Lost and Found. Many guest forget items in their rooms and when they give the hotel their old addresses or expired college e-mail address, more often then not, these items are returned to the room attendants. Say bye bye to your charger, Ipod, earrings, passport, camera, clothes, shoes, etc.
Think about it, how would you feel if someone grabbed your credit card and charged a $400 room on your behalf and the hotel property took his/her word for it that they are “good for it”.
Keep in mind, Hotels do not have the right to ask for your Social Security Number.
If you are still uncomfortable giving out your information to a Hotel. Just book a package with an online agent (they would ask for your info anyway). To check in to the hotel all you would need is your ID and a credit card for incidentals. Your room would be prepaid and you always have the option of paying for your incidentals in cash.
Or, you can always sleep in a off highway motel, where you pay for by the hour.
Safe travels.
In Ontario, it is a LEGAL requirement, under the Innkeepers Act, to identify and record the names, and home addresses of all who stay in the hotel or motel.
How many times has someone died in a hotel room ? Happens all the time, Or a guest has become ill and requires emergency Ambulance transfer to a hospital ? Or a important message is received from back home ?
Without proper identification of guests, the whole thing becomes much more involved and needlessly confused.
I echo the previous comments…..what are you trying to hide ?
Jim B. Toronto.