Did you know that many hotels ban guests with local addresses from staying with them, and will even cancel confirmed reservations? This policy is more common than many people realize, and is currently getting some attention on social media, after a guest had his reservation canceled.
In this post:
Hampton Inn hotel bans locals living within 50 miles
A Bluesky user shared a frustrating experience online, while redeeming Hilton Honors points for a stay at the Hampton Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. As he explained, the hotel canceled his family’s reservation because the address on his Hilton Honors account (incorrectly) showed an old address within 50 miles of the hotel.
When he asked why his reservation was canceled, he was told it’s “because of our homeless population,” and the employee added that most hotels in the area have similar policies.
A Hampton Inn in Asheville just canceled my family’s reservation because our address (incorrectly) showed Asheville—and the hotel bars locals within 50 miles. When I asked why, they said, “because of our homeless population,” adding that most hotels here have similar policies.This is outrageous.
— Brian Goldstone (@brian-goldstone.bsky.social) December 28, 2025 at 4:21 PM
There’s even a sign in the lobby confirming that this policy exists:
This hotel reserves the right to refuse occupancy to those who reside within 50 miles. Exceptions are as follows: natural disaster, inclement weather, or power outage which creates hazardous conditions. Any exceptions must receive management evaluation for approval.
Since some people have questioned whether this really happened—or whether such a policy actually exists—here’s an auto-generated transcript (with errors) from the voicemail canceling our reservation, and a sign posted next to the front desk when we arrived.
— Brian Goldstone (@brian-goldstone.bsky.social) December 28, 2025 at 9:29 PM
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He points out that what’s most chilling about the exchange was “the sheer casualness of ‘because of our homeless population,’ as if those experiencing homelessness were *obviously* people to be kept out.”
What was most chilling about this exchange was the sheer casualness of “because of our homeless population,” as if those experiencing homelessness were *obviously* people to be kept out.
— Brian Goldstone (@brian-goldstone.bsky.social) December 28, 2025 at 4:58 PM
He also points out how “if you’re a family evicted from your apartment, or a mother fleeing domestic violence with her children, or someone unhoused trying to get off the street or out of their car for a night,” you’re not welcome at many hotels.
So if you’re a family evicted from your apartment, or a mother fleeing domestic violence with her children, or someone unhoused trying to get off the street or out of their car for a night… you’re not allowed to stay at these Asheville hotels.Just unabashed discrimination.
— Brian Goldstone (@brian-goldstone.bsky.social) December 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Interestingly, the person sharing this experience is also the author of a book named “There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America.”
This hotel policy is pretty common, but is it reasonable?
This story is far from the first time I’ve heard of a hotel banning local guests. I’d say it’s even fairly common at limited service properties in (relatively) smaller cities and suburban areas.
Of course there’s a certain irony to this for the miles & points community, since many of us are known to do mattress runs, whereby we check into hotels to get elite nights, and that often happens locally.
On the surface, it seems super unethical and illogical to have a policy like this, if you ask me. There are all kinds of reasonable situations where someone would need somewhere to stay, that doesn’t include natural disasters, inclement weather, or power outages. Like, on the most basic and “innocent” level, what if you were just having a disagreement with your spouse, and want a little bit of space for a night (which says nothing of much more serious situations where a room may be needed)?
What is the concern, exactly? It’s interesting how this policy was specifically blamed on the “homeless population,” because I could see just as many concerns about high schoolers having a party and trashing a room, locals booking a hotel to have an affair, etc. If an otherwise unhoused person is willing to pay the hotel’s rate, what, specifically, is the problem?
The policy definitely rubs me the wrong way, and I can understand the outrage. I’m just curious what the other side of this is, and what the specific concern is that causes so many hotels to have such a rule in place.
Bottom line
A Hampton Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, canceled a guest’s reservation, because the address on file for his Hilton Honors account was “local.” The hotel has a policy of banning guests with addresses that are within 50 miles, with limited exceptions. The employee at the hotel reportedly blamed this on the “homeless population.”
As you’d expect, this policy isn’t well received by many people. However, it’s more common than you might assume.
What do you make of this hotel policy banning locals?
I think it is silly, but if that is the hotel policy, then you have to honor it.
Well Done! Aggravate your top tier customers. Keep using ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE instead of REAL INTELLIGENCE!
I often book a hotel room within a mile from home using my points to house visiting friends and family.
What Hilton and other hotel owners seem to forget are the situations that arise in summer with temperatures in the 100’s and your AC goes out, it’ll be a week before it can be fixed, so why should you have to sleep in a sauna instead of an air conditioned hotel?
I experienced the same thing at the Holiday Inn Express in Greensboro, NC. I live in Winston Salem, NC and my church has held several conferences in Greensboro, NC, about 26 miles from my home. I sing in the mass choir, and due to the scheduling of practices and church services, I always found it convenient to use my IHG points to just book a room at this hotel, which is only 3-4 miles from...
I experienced the same thing at the Holiday Inn Express in Greensboro, NC. I live in Winston Salem, NC and my church has held several conferences in Greensboro, NC, about 26 miles from my home. I sing in the mass choir, and due to the scheduling of practices and church services, I always found it convenient to use my IHG points to just book a room at this hotel, which is only 3-4 miles from the conference center (I am an IHG Diamond Elite member). The last time I tried to book a room, I was told that I could not book if I reside less than 50 miles away. They didn't say why. I stayed at this hotel several times in the past. I was able to circumvent this rule because, prior to the conference, I had a work assignment for a few months in another state. I stayed at a different hotel chain during the assgnment and I received packages there. I changed my address in the IHG system to reflect my address at the time of booking and was able to stay at the Greensboro Holiday Inn Express anyway. I wasn't lying because at the time of the booking, the hotel where I resided was my home continuously for the months I was there without checking out.
Prior to booking, I called IHG and they told me that this was a decision made by the local proprietor and had nothing to do with the IHG corporation. Being allowed to make such a decision still reflects poorly on the brand, especially when I am in the top tier of your reward membership.
What about in event of natural disasters?
I booked a block of rooms at a Doubletree a couple miles from my home for out of town relatives to stay at for my Mom's funeral. Yes, the family was from out of town, but I booked the rooms under my name and address and credit card. The hotel called to ask why I had booked so many rooms but did not ever move to cancel my reservations. Maybe because Im Gold Honors Elite???!!!
A hotel in Charleston SC, at which we had stayed on more than one occasion while we were local residents, introduced a similar policy within the last 12 months. As guests who no longer lived within 50 miles, we were not denied accomodation but the new policy was made clear to us. They must be very confident that they can fill their rooms without need for local, monied support. BTW, will not be staying there again.
Stopped reading when the liberal used the term unhoused. Giving a problem a nicer name to make yourself feel better does not and will not solve the problem. People are homeless. Some are homeless by choice and unfortunately many are homeless not by choice. Putting lipstick on a pig does not offer a solution.
Really? Do you know firing the recession college I instructors stayed in their cars?
Have stayed at a Hyatt place two streets away as my bathroom was being remodeled without any issues. If this is a Hampton issue (Hilton) time to flood the CEO of Hilton with harsh letters criticizing this policy
A blanket policy like this I think would cause more issues than it solves. I have stayed in a local hotel a couple times. For my wedding night to have something special and several times since to have a special night down town with the wife.
Asheville was devestated during Helene and folks are still trying to get their houses back to a livable condition. In some cases, that means a hotel stay while contractors are in your house working on drywall or flooring. Not everyone has family in the area and need to stay local to work. This is short sighted on this hotel's part - they need to support those trying to rebuild and may need to rethink their policies.
This is a reasonable policy in order to protect customers and property. A few years ago, a customer at a Courtyard Marriott hotel in Poughkeepsie, NY was shot and killed in lobby after 2 homeless tennants got into a fight. If a hotel chooses to allow homeless for economic reasons, so be it as long it is abundantly clear / disclosed to potential guests before booking. If there is a legitimate reason for a local...
This is a reasonable policy in order to protect customers and property. A few years ago, a customer at a Courtyard Marriott hotel in Poughkeepsie, NY was shot and killed in lobby after 2 homeless tennants got into a fight. If a hotel chooses to allow homeless for economic reasons, so be it as long it is abundantly clear / disclosed to potential guests before booking. If there is a legitimate reason for a local stay by a low risk guest, imagine management would accommodate.
Had a similar experience several years ago. My husband and I would go to Asheville once a month roughly. It was date night, we'd get a room call a cab and go out for an evening. We had a hotel we usually stayed in when in Asheville. But it was booked and we went to a couple of close by hotels and was refused rooms. We live in a different county not 50 miles away. So this isn't a new policy that has been several years ago.
Tried to comment wasn't nice wouldn't let me. Hampton Inn apparently has no philanthropy and the one in Asheville really has no class
Even if a homeless local has enough to stay a night at the hampton inn let alone not a cheap hotel never mind near Asheville not a cheap city why would it matter maybe they won the friggin lottery and needed a shower a night in a real bed. Who gives a crap all money is green. The homeless probably could only afford a half a night anyways. When did hotels become too good to...
Even if a homeless local has enough to stay a night at the hampton inn let alone not a cheap hotel never mind near Asheville not a cheap city why would it matter maybe they won the friggin lottery and needed a shower a night in a real bed. Who gives a crap all money is green. The homeless probably could only afford a half a night anyways. When did hotels become too good to take a locals money even if they are a local homeless person. I will never stay at a Hampton Inn ever again in my life.
Even if a homeless local has enough to stay a night at the hampton inn let alone not a cheap hotel never mind near Asheville not a cheap city why would it matter maybe they won the friggin lottery and needed a shower a night in a real bed. Who gives a crap all money is green. The homeless probably could only afford a half a night anyways. When did hotels become too good to...
Even if a homeless local has enough to stay a night at the hampton inn let alone not a cheap hotel never mind near Asheville not a cheap city why would it matter maybe they won the friggin lottery and needed a shower a night in a real bed. Who gives a crap all money is green. The homeless probably could only afford a half a night anyways. When did hotels become too good to take a locals money even if they are a local homeless person. I will never stay at a Hampton Inn ever again in my life.
The Holiday Inn Express in Charlotte has that policy. It's posted in public areas. I never understood why. I guess they want to prevent squatting.... maybe♀️
What many of you don't get (they can't afford it, they don't have an address) is that it isn't them (homeless) renting the rooms, it's local organizations and groups on their behalf.
Asheville is rife with groups that support the habits and behaviors of drug addicts, sex workers, and the willfully homeless amongst other things.
Many of these homeless are not safe to be around and are quite destructive, and most of these...
What many of you don't get (they can't afford it, they don't have an address) is that it isn't them (homeless) renting the rooms, it's local organizations and groups on their behalf.
Asheville is rife with groups that support the habits and behaviors of drug addicts, sex workers, and the willfully homeless amongst other things.
Many of these homeless are not safe to be around and are quite destructive, and most of these hotels have policies that allow exceptions if you preplan ir have emergent needs.
The world and its people are becoming increasingly indifferent every day! I pray may God help us be a unified people and nation, He created us to be from the beginning! Let love, mercy and the peace of God reign in our hearts and our lives!
Had a similar experience several years ago. My husband and I would go to Asheville once a month roughly. It was date night, we'd get a room call a cab and go out for an evening. We had a hotel we usually stayed in when in Asheville. But it was booked and we went to a couple of close by hotels and was refused rooms. We live in a different county not 50 miles away. So this isn't a new policy that has been several years ago.
Hotel 6 has residential hotels all over Texas. It's a way for people to get back on their feet. Also, I booked a local hotel for my son, who's visiting from Australia. So, because I booked the room within 50 miles of my home for someone literally coming from the other side of the GLOBE, my reservation could be canceled by Hampton Inn. Solution is simple: don't patronize any Hampton Inn.
Surprise that humanity have been lost in this country.
This policy has been this way for decades and as he mentioned. It was all good when they didn't have any customers. This same thing happened to me a few years back during covid. My son and I stayed at Red roof Inn in Hendersonville nc and we booked for 2 weeks or more. But once theu started getting more business the OWNER all of a sudden says we can no longer stay. Used me...
This policy has been this way for decades and as he mentioned. It was all good when they didn't have any customers. This same thing happened to me a few years back during covid. My son and I stayed at Red roof Inn in Hendersonville nc and we booked for 2 weeks or more. But once theu started getting more business the OWNER all of a sudden says we can no longer stay. Used me when it was ghost town. If thats your policy stick with it . But don't play dumb as if you just discovered your employees rented out your room for over 2 weeks and then kick is out after business starts booming again. Smh. Now all the out of towners damaged the hotel and it turned out to be a meth pharmacy full of it. Trash motel.isgusting and filthy. Serves them right. Should of rented to locals. Karma at its best lol
My husband and I every once in awhile like to book a room not far away from our house but near venues for accumulating points and just a night on the town without having to go back and forth to our house.
This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
If they are homeless, they probably can't afford a medium or up scale hotel.
I've stayed in local hotels when I've had repairs done and exterminator treating my home. I had to stay somewhere for a night when my water heater broke and leaked into the apartment below me (the landlord payed for that).
You know, if you DO have THAT big of a homeless problem(Live in Las Vegas, 37% of the city is homeless), then MAYBE instead of being super strict with hotel policy...MAYBE get off your tufts and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Making everything super expensive and unattainable is probably EXASPERATING the situation. Probably why despite what the local news shows, the Strip is getting more and more deserted. "Oh all these hotels are sold out..tourism is...
You know, if you DO have THAT big of a homeless problem(Live in Las Vegas, 37% of the city is homeless), then MAYBE instead of being super strict with hotel policy...MAYBE get off your tufts and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Making everything super expensive and unattainable is probably EXASPERATING the situation. Probably why despite what the local news shows, the Strip is getting more and more deserted. "Oh all these hotels are sold out..tourism is up", except the sold out rooms are because of the entertainers staying there, NOT because tourism. That's why I don't even stay in hotels anymore. I'm either Vrbo-ing it, or I sleep at whatever family house I'm going to.
This is 100% correct. It is so ridiculous. Best Western Asheville will allow locals to rent. We needed a hotel for a few days during renovations and were denied as well, for the same 'homeless issues' . Good old Asheville!
Funny how these comments fall into a such obviously and predictable groups.
One is people complaining about how they needed a local room for a family member or their house flooded. So what. Call the manager and explain, like I have, and you'll get the room.
The second is crying about social injustice without any skin in the game, meaning never being the ones (like hotel owners) who have to deal with the fallout...
Funny how these comments fall into a such obviously and predictable groups.
One is people complaining about how they needed a local room for a family member or their house flooded. So what. Call the manager and explain, like I have, and you'll get the room.
The second is crying about social injustice without any skin in the game, meaning never being the ones (like hotel owners) who have to deal with the fallout or pay the price of local reservations.
It's also funny how whenever someone makes a salient rational reflection on the problem, ie lots of locals cause problems, homeless can't pay for damages, the business model fails without enormous deposits, etc. the other side either has no response, or one like oh man you need help and I'd never want to stay near someone like you anyway you bigot.
Some people want to blame everyone but the actual culprit. The hotel is the terrible demon, not the crack smoker who craps the walls and locks the card.
Since in my city MOST homeless are either out priced seniors or disparaged youths, I'm sure these people ARENT cracked out. Also, blaming homeless for being homeless ALSO exacerbates the problem. Addiction is a disease, so long as you're not on crack...if you're on crack, that's not a choice?? Get over yourself. I was homeless at one point in time because of government works NOT doing their jobs, do I seem like I'm on crack?...
Since in my city MOST homeless are either out priced seniors or disparaged youths, I'm sure these people ARENT cracked out. Also, blaming homeless for being homeless ALSO exacerbates the problem. Addiction is a disease, so long as you're not on crack...if you're on crack, that's not a choice?? Get over yourself. I was homeless at one point in time because of government works NOT doing their jobs, do I seem like I'm on crack? But I still am not worthy of a room? I'm a HUMAN, that makes me worthy. I don't follow the "bad daddy kink" religion because it's not MY place to prove worth. Being alive makes you worthy. And if YOU can't agree, then YOURE the unworthy one
It happened to me. I moved from Hendersonville to Virginia. My doctor's are all in nc because good ones are hard to find. I schedule all my appts in 3 days time and go to the Hampton. I had to get my Virginia license and register my car on my first trip because they wouldn't honor my nc license because the address was in town.
I lived in Asheville in the mid 80's and recall it being the policy back then as well. At that time it was because of prostitution and drugs mainly. Homelessness wasn't a big thing.
This happened to me. Needed a place for four nights because my bathroom was being remodeled. No water or toilet. Got to the hotel and they wouldn't let me check in. Ended up staying at home and went to ingles to get ready for work every morning.
If they are homeless, how could they have a home address?
'nuff said!
Just because you've currently lost your address doesn't mean you've never had a home address in your adult life. Actually, more and more people are ending up without a home address even though they're still working, either because a no-fault eviction led to them not being able to find another place with a rent they can afford thanks to rising housing costs, or because someone had to leave their abusive spouse/partner quite suddenly for their...
Just because you've currently lost your address doesn't mean you've never had a home address in your adult life. Actually, more and more people are ending up without a home address even though they're still working, either because a no-fault eviction led to them not being able to find another place with a rent they can afford thanks to rising housing costs, or because someone had to leave their abusive spouse/partner quite suddenly for their safety's sake and didn't have the time to go hunting for an apartment they can afford, or because a roommate stopped paying rent/moved out without notice...the reasons go on and on. What it comes down to is that if your income is in the bottom 50%, you're almost certainly living hand to mouth and paycheque to paycheque, with no ability to build savings or an emergency fund because real wages have been been stagnant at best, but usually actually falling, for the average North American for over 60 straight years at this point. It's not that people aren't being financially careful. It's that when your minimum monthly expenses are within $200 of your monthly income, any progress you make in a good month is eaten up by the next minor crisis (such as needing to buy a new work outfit - yes, that kind of thing is a crisis when your income is that close to your expenditures), so when a serious crisis comes along, you have no cushion at all.
All this to say, there are an awful lot of people who have lost their housing for the first time in their adult lives in the last year or two through no fault of their own, and until they have to get ID or memberships renewed, their old address comes up when the hotel looks them up.
I've never had this problem and hope to never have it. Of course I've used it for my friends and family when they are in town and I pay to get the points. If I can't reserve in the town I live in, that lessens the benefit of the friends and family program.
50 miles is also quite a strech thats pretty far for anyone with out a car to travel. Alot of homeless dont have vehicles.
What if your car broke down and you needed a place to stay the night? Most managers arnt even on at night to make acceptions.
What if you just needed to use your free night award so it didn't just expire?
Would the hotels realy prefer homeless sleeping outside the hotel where all of its guests can see and deter other guests?
The fact that hotels feel comfortable shunning the homeless seems gross. I'm sure there have been unpleasant experiences, but this is NOT Limited to the homeless guest. Embrace the difficulties of your business and be creative to find good solutions or GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS! SMH
But its not gross. Its perfectly reasonable to not allow homeless people into your business. Statistically, and which is proven by countless pieces of evidence, homeless people are more likely to steal, vandalize, and harass actual customers. There is also the hygiene and danger issue. Homeless people can and have brought things like lice and bedbugs in. Having to decontaminate infestations is NOT cheap. Statistically, a good majority of homeless are either mentally unsafe or...
But its not gross. Its perfectly reasonable to not allow homeless people into your business. Statistically, and which is proven by countless pieces of evidence, homeless people are more likely to steal, vandalize, and harass actual customers. There is also the hygiene and danger issue. Homeless people can and have brought things like lice and bedbugs in. Having to decontaminate infestations is NOT cheap. Statistically, a good majority of homeless are either mentally unsafe or on drugs.
Are there honest and good folks in bad situations that are homeless? Yes. But they're a minority. And that minority isn't worth the risk of hundreds or sometimes THOUSANDS of dollars worth of damages.
Why we the humans blame are problems on some one else and not are selfs that’s not the problem the problem is us yes that’s right us cause we don’t push are congressman are women to have a better laws and take care of the problem in our local cities and not worried about some one else businesses and if the person is a local guess who cares that’s why they have the guess credit...
Why we the humans blame are problems on some one else and not are selfs that’s not the problem the problem is us yes that’s right us cause we don’t push are congressman are women to have a better laws and take care of the problem in our local cities and not worried about some one else businesses and if the person is a local guess who cares that’s why they have the guess credit card and if there’s is any problem with the room after you leave then go ahead and deduct from the account oh the deposit the take out in case there are some damages in the room simple is that that’s pathetic to treat people like that they should remember were they come from in a ship cross the ocean and then pretend they owed this land and the rest of the world
Now you know why !!!!!! That happened to me not long ago at the Glow Hotel in Asheville North Carolina 28803 !!!
Homeless people do not have an address, an inherent consequence of being without a home. So, how is this targeting keeping homeless population out?
A few years ago I stayed at a Sonesta close to work for nearly 90+ days due to an extensive home remodeling project.
This makes me ask, especially during the holidays, how would that work for those young or energetic enough who live in suburbs but want to party responsibly at downtown venues, etc.
It’s disgusting the way our world has condemned the homeless instead of helping them. Yes there are drug addicts and alcoholics there are also some with mental illness but why are any of them less deserving of being treated human with even the most basic of things like a pillow to lay their head on inside 4 safe walls. But banning someone from using a service because you don’t like their kind. Sounds like we...
It’s disgusting the way our world has condemned the homeless instead of helping them. Yes there are drug addicts and alcoholics there are also some with mental illness but why are any of them less deserving of being treated human with even the most basic of things like a pillow to lay their head on inside 4 safe walls. But banning someone from using a service because you don’t like their kind. Sounds like we are going back to the times when segregation was looked at as necessary and we pushed each other away instead of building up one another. At this rate humanity is doomed to fail.
There's shelters. Also a hotel is a business and risk management is a thing. So they also have to weigh risks. A homeless person is far more like to damage the room, bring in bedbugs or lice, and harass or endanger other customers. By preventing homeless people, they reduce the risk of revenue lost due to damage OR lawsuits.
I grew up in the Phoenix area, and if this were the policy at the mega-resorts there, they would be pretty much empty for most of the summer. At least in my experience most of the summer guests at those resorts were locals taking advantage of super low rates (often discounted even further for those who could prove local residency) for a reasonably priced and fun staycation. The brutal heat of a Phoenix summer is...
I grew up in the Phoenix area, and if this were the policy at the mega-resorts there, they would be pretty much empty for most of the summer. At least in my experience most of the summer guests at those resorts were locals taking advantage of super low rates (often discounted even further for those who could prove local residency) for a reasonably priced and fun staycation. The brutal heat of a Phoenix summer is a lot more fun at a 5 star resort with a mini-water park and most, if not all, of the amenities they offer in high season.
This has impacted my family twice in Asheville. First was when we were moving into our home after staying at AirBnB for three months. We were doing massive renovations, and they extended 1 day beyond plan. Our AirBnB reservation had expired, and we couldn’t get another stay with such short notice. I remotely booked at room at a local Marriott using my Silver status and points. When we went to check in and showed my...
This has impacted my family twice in Asheville. First was when we were moving into our home after staying at AirBnB for three months. We were doing massive renovations, and they extended 1 day beyond plan. Our AirBnB reservation had expired, and we couldn’t get another stay with such short notice. I remotely booked at room at a local Marriott using my Silver status and points. When we went to check in and showed my drivers license, with a local address, we were immediately turned away. Corporate supported the local rule, despite my history and status with Marriott. I was so frustrated and upset, that I stopped staying at Marriott hotels altogether until very recently, 6 years later.
The second time was this past weekend. We were moving out of our house, and our movers cancelled on us. With everything in boxes and wrapped up, we found ourselves without a place to stay (again). Knowing the rule, we called around to multiple hotels, until we found one that would allow us to stay the night. It was the Doubletree by the Baltimore.
Unsure why there is so much outrage from those who are unable to walk in someone else's shoes. It is a common practice for Americans to condemn and retaliate those who inconvenient and stand up to them, without understanding the root cause. The property owners and businesses are most affected by the locals' unruly behavior and damages have the right to dictate their policies, within reasons, to minimize their financial hits. However, there should not...
Unsure why there is so much outrage from those who are unable to walk in someone else's shoes. It is a common practice for Americans to condemn and retaliate those who inconvenient and stand up to them, without understanding the root cause. The property owners and businesses are most affected by the locals' unruly behavior and damages have the right to dictate their policies, within reasons, to minimize their financial hits. However, there should not be "one size fits all" policy but like all readers who do not own affected business/ accommodation property, frontline employees cannot determine how guests behave on the property. A simple "no" is an easy way out. All businesses will turn away problem guests when their misconduct affect the bottom line, like hotel and airline loyalty programs that all seasoned travelers complain about. The policy is geared to keep unruly locals at bay rather than homeless people. No amount of security deposit will make the owners whole.
I ran into this policy at a Choice Comfort Suites near Oregon's PDX. Saw it on their site and decided not to book though had stayed long ago. My mailing address is now Vancouver,WA and I did not want to risk it. Their loss. Stays at other hotels near their never an issue.
Don't blame Asheville for this idiotic policy. We need tourism dollars to help small businesses and the individuals who work in the local restaurants and hotels. Remember that corporations are people, according to the Supreme Court. So if you see Hampton Inn walking down the street, give him hell. But don't stop visiting Asheville.
Blaming homelessness for this policy is abhorrent, but also makes no sense. No one within 50 miles of their listed address blah blah blah...A homeless person has no address.
You still have to provide an ID in quite a few hotels. And they'll go by the old address. So... while they might not have a current address due to homelessness, it doesnt matter.
There are MANY hotels/motels in the Detroit - surrounding areas that have 'homeless' people LIVING in them. I DO NOT rent at these places. They're generally trashed, people outside talking loud ALL night, smell the weed in every corner.... Naw, imma pass. I do NOT blame hotels/motels for this rule. They're a BUSINESS not a Charity.
Booked a local room for us or renters of our properties when the houses are undergoing maintenance. Plumbing, heating, fumigation etc. many issues can pop up. Stupid to cancel without a call to verify circumstances.
This is insane some people just need somewhere to sleep due to house repairs or something, maybe revising the policy & allowing working people to show a check stub that link with their banking accounts or something, I’m saying you already getting a deposit from the customer, however Asheville keep this up they going to reap with they sow due to the fact that just because homeless people are visible to the eye that will...
This is insane some people just need somewhere to sleep due to house repairs or something, maybe revising the policy & allowing working people to show a check stub that link with their banking accounts or something, I’m saying you already getting a deposit from the customer, however Asheville keep this up they going to reap with they sow due to the fact that just because homeless people are visible to the eye that will stop tourists from coming there anyway & it will be no money made to the hotels anyway
Asheville is a cesspool anyway. Ask me how I know
How do you know?
I’ll bite, how do you know?
Across the mountains from Asheville in Tennessee, it's the same. We wanted to rent a motel with an indoor pool with water slides for our grandkids but were refused for being locals. Why would the homeless want to rent the most expensive hotel in town? It doesn't make sense. Sometimes, you need a hotel even though you own a house. AC or heat goes out, repainting, just space for breathing room when you have a...
Across the mountains from Asheville in Tennessee, it's the same. We wanted to rent a motel with an indoor pool with water slides for our grandkids but were refused for being locals. Why would the homeless want to rent the most expensive hotel in town? It doesn't make sense. Sometimes, you need a hotel even though you own a house. AC or heat goes out, repainting, just space for breathing room when you have a full house. It's ridiculous. Kick out locals causing trouble but don't lump us all into a group as bad for being local. Me and my husband had 5 kids. Sometimes, we rented a room just to get away from the stress.
I wanted to make a reservation at a small hotel in Ashville and read the same policy that if you lived less than 50 miles away they would not accept the reservation.
Avoid Asheville like the plague. It's a dumpster fire
I lived there 1988-1992 worked in BB&T building. Loved the mountains and thought about returning to Asheville for retirement. When I came back in 2013 my first reaction was WTF happened. Downtown where I often walked on lunch break is indeed a cesspool now.
The whole city is being destroyed. So yes I agree with you.
I found a place in Franklin and it was nice in the beginning. But we are experiencing rapid growth now too.
This is the first I've heard of such an unacceptable policy, though "higher end" anything is intrinsically prejudiced and usually self- superior, elitist. But I've stayed in numerous hotels single digits miles from home. So either this place is always busy or has extra awful management.
I can see both sides. There are many reasons to book local. On the other hand people getting outraged that homeless people aren't allowed? Maybe think for a moment. What happens if an unhoused person trashes the room? How will the hotel charge them the hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of dollars? They certainly can't pay it. So the hotels insurance goes up. There is studies about homeless staying in hotels. In most cases...
I can see both sides. There are many reasons to book local. On the other hand people getting outraged that homeless people aren't allowed? Maybe think for a moment. What happens if an unhoused person trashes the room? How will the hotel charge them the hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of dollars? They certainly can't pay it. So the hotels insurance goes up. There is studies about homeless staying in hotels. In most cases they damage the hotel by destroying fire alarms so they can smoke or cook in the rooms. Presenting a fire safety hazard. If the hotel burned downed and killed 200 guests because they allowed homeless that would be the last day the chain was profitable EVER in the usa. So no hotel is going to risk EXISTENCE just to house a homeless person.
On the other hand, I've seen some hotels offer a "Friends and Neighbors" discount to customers who live nearby.
I've heard of a Friends and Family discount... but NEVER have I heard of a Friends and Neighbor discount from a hotel...
It happens all the time in popular tourist destinations that have seasonal high/low demand. I grew up in the Phoenix area, and one of the highlights of the summer was taking advantage of super low rates for AZ/Phoenix-area residents at some of the 5 star resorts when no one wanted to come here. You could get sub $100 rates at hotels (like The Phoenician, AZ Biltmore, or Scottsdale Princess) that could easily charge $500+ in...
It happens all the time in popular tourist destinations that have seasonal high/low demand. I grew up in the Phoenix area, and one of the highlights of the summer was taking advantage of super low rates for AZ/Phoenix-area residents at some of the 5 star resorts when no one wanted to come here. You could get sub $100 rates at hotels (like The Phoenician, AZ Biltmore, or Scottsdale Princess) that could easily charge $500+ in winter/spring when they were in high demand.
I agree with most people here, there are times when you need a room close to home ( including family in town, large maintenance or repairs to house). But having managed resorts and hotels at one point in my life, they are also trying to keep prostitution/drugs and certain homeless populations out that cause damage to hotels and bother other guests.
I can say that there is no good answer to this, but recommend talking...
I agree with most people here, there are times when you need a room close to home ( including family in town, large maintenance or repairs to house). But having managed resorts and hotels at one point in my life, they are also trying to keep prostitution/drugs and certain homeless populations out that cause damage to hotels and bother other guests.
I can say that there is no good answer to this, but recommend talking to management to make arrangements. Usually these are not one size fits all rules.
This is not a thing in Australia at all.
This is especially shocking to me as someone who is actually homeless by the standard of these hotels. For the past 7 years I have been living on the road, so whatever hotel I'm staying in for the night is indeed a mere hotel and I have no actual home. I do this across 5-19 countries a year rarely returning to the USA
I recently worked for a HI and was written up for allowing a DV woman, whom we had a contract with a nonprofit to take and because of our error wound up with no reservation, to stay without paying for a night while things got squared away. HI puts money over safety and it's pretty bad when life no longer matters. Money comes first.
It's absurd that these hotels can single out so called homeless witch should be considered discrimination. And should be treated in such a manner. There's no way for someone who's homeless to get out of the situation and try and rebuild their life's when they are smacked back down and living in the streets. So what are they suppose to do. Some places will not even hire you because you are homeless and then you...
It's absurd that these hotels can single out so called homeless witch should be considered discrimination. And should be treated in such a manner. There's no way for someone who's homeless to get out of the situation and try and rebuild their life's when they are smacked back down and living in the streets. So what are they suppose to do. Some places will not even hire you because you are homeless and then you can't rent a hotel because your homeless so please tell us how are they suppose to improve there situation if they are knocked right back down and there's no way rout for them. I hope one day each person who has made these rules are subjected to the same rules. Because there discrimination is WHY there's such a huge population of homeless. Please spread the word all across the nation that if your homeless in Asheville your gonna die homeless in Asheville.
That is flat out illegal and discriminatory, but they will get away with it because: lawyers. Someone would actually have to take them to court, which is can't think of anyone that has enough spare change laying around for that to be worth it. And 2, they would have to get that policy in writing that it's because of the homeless, or else they have just put parameters on who they will serve (not discriminate...
That is flat out illegal and discriminatory, but they will get away with it because: lawyers. Someone would actually have to take them to court, which is can't think of anyone that has enough spare change laying around for that to be worth it. And 2, they would have to get that policy in writing that it's because of the homeless, or else they have just put parameters on who they will serve (not discriminate based on housing). And the parameter is that you live more than 50 miles away. Totes legit, same as dress code being enforced at a restaurant or you can't get in.
Here's what I don't get...if they are trying to keep out homeless people...is this because they can't pay? Many hotels run your credit card upon check in. Who cares where they are from if they can pay?
No, usually homeless people cause damage and require extensive cleaning.
In most places hotels also will not allow you to spend over 29 or 30 days in one room also due to laws that establish residency after an extended amount of time.
These situations cause an extreme financial burden on the hotels, due to extra cleaning and maintenance. I have seen situations where rooms were unable to be inhabited for over a month after homeless...
No, usually homeless people cause damage and require extensive cleaning.
In most places hotels also will not allow you to spend over 29 or 30 days in one room also due to laws that establish residency after an extended amount of time.
These situations cause an extreme financial burden on the hotels, due to extra cleaning and maintenance. I have seen situations where rooms were unable to be inhabited for over a month after homeless guests left.
(Used to have some pictures from when I managed hotel properties, where you could not even see the floor in the room due to the amount of trash liked in the room).
This is just a sad result of people abusing the situation.
Rock stars and celebrities also trash hotel rooms. Gonna ban them?
Lol, no because they have accountants who pay for it all.
Rock stars have the money to PAY for any damage to the room, homeless don't!!!
What if they are having work done on their home and can't stay there. Your rule is stupid.
During the pandemic we did a quick loop from San Francisco to Phoenix to Reno and back. Outside of Reno they checked my ID to make sure I wasn't local. When I asked why, they said that many homeless and/or local drug addicts got their stimulus checks, booked rooms, bought drugs, and trashed the shit out of a bunch of their hotel rooms. They showed me some of the rooms that had fire damage and massive holes from smashing things.
I totally understand the problem, but this is using a broadsword to perform surgery.
Never heard of this Before. I rent Rooms at Hampton Inn/Courtyard near my House for Guests and employees all the time. Just last month Irented a Room for someone that was Fixing my house.
I can think of a lot of reasons for getting a local hotel, such as having your water or sewer pipe replaced and it takes longer than one work day. It is hard to live in a house with no water or sewer
Many hotels ban locals out of fear they host parties.
But an Extended Stay American isn't exactly the most glitzy pregame venue.
I have had this problem with a few hotels neer my in-laws house. We live less then 50 miles from their house but it's a 45 minute drive and at night it's no good. So my Mother in-law pays for a hotel room for us. The closest hotel is a Hilton brand and they cancelled our room once. Because "we lived to close" I called the hotel soon as I received the cancellation notice. And...
I have had this problem with a few hotels neer my in-laws house. We live less then 50 miles from their house but it's a 45 minute drive and at night it's no good. So my Mother in-law pays for a hotel room for us. The closest hotel is a Hilton brand and they cancelled our room once. Because "we lived to close" I called the hotel soon as I received the cancellation notice. And corporate re-booked the room with a note, we were not homeless we were visiting family in the hospital. When I got to the hotel they were extremely apologetic, and gave us a $20 gift card to the Gas station nextdoor.
The county changed hotel licensing requirements last year and July that said that all new business license could no longer restrict hotel rooms based on address. They are allowed to ask for a maximum $50 a night deposit maximum at $150.00 that must be returned with in two hours of check out. (That means it must be released from credit card within that time)
Oddly enough the unhoused aren't staying there anymore then they were.
Among a variety of reasons for "locals" making reservations would be the need to accommodate out of town family or friends or customers who are visiting.
The policy is presumptively absurd. Even if "homeless," if such an individual has the ability to make reservations and pay for their accommodations their "homelessness" should not bar them from staying.
!
I work for a hotel and yes it is a ridiculous policy! Power outage, fire, no electricity, no heat, plumbing issue, work from home but wifi is down. There are many reasons to stay at a hotel locally. I do not turn locals away. Some hotels in the area charge a $250 refundable security deposit for a local address. Another reason they should stop calling it the Hospitality Industry. Everything but.
When I lived in Bethesda. I remember Marriott would advertise a holiday rate for extra family. How far we have fallen all around.
Why not place a reservation and and then 10minutes before you exceed the cancelation time, cancel on them. If enough people do it they may change their minds on this bullshit policy.
My wife and I rented a room for a night during winter 20years ago at a local hotel just so oit kids could go to their indoor pool in winter. It was a spur of the moment decision and was fun. If that...
Why not place a reservation and and then 10minutes before you exceed the cancelation time, cancel on them. If enough people do it they may change their minds on this bullshit policy.
My wife and I rented a room for a night during winter 20years ago at a local hotel just so oit kids could go to their indoor pool in winter. It was a spur of the moment decision and was fun. If that rule existed back then we probably couldn't do it. They made money and out kids had a fun time during a cold snowy winter night.
There was a pizza delivery guy who got shot making a delivery at a local hotel because local drug dealers were working from the hotel to keep their home from being seized by cops if they got busted. After that the hotel made it their policy not to deal with local people.
I stay at a Hampton Inn every couple of months that is 12 miles away [just because sometimes I want to spend the weekend in the city for various reasons]. I have never been denied my reservation.
I know which hotel that is and I can verify this policy. The one time I had to stay at a local hotel (because the road to my house had collapsed down a hill) they reluctantly let me stay when I showed photo proof.
We’ve stayed at a local hotel when we’re having work done on the house like painting or a new roof. Also, when we have family coming in from out of town and we are paying for the room.
As an active duty family coming home on leave our address will be local. We dont change our home of address. So these policies are ridiculous. If mine are ever can else I'm calling the local TV station and blasting them for canceling a reservation of an active duty over the local address.
We have Helene that displaced 3 familys .No home to be able to live in or go back too. Let alone lost loved ones here from the storm. All of this small pieces of the full effect of Helene. Think 3 new family homeless after that this is from my job of 200 employees one plant. Shame on ruthless Asheville Hotels No Heart.
When I worked for Hyatt International in my college years we tried to offer the upmost privacy for all of our guests. Rarely did anyone care who was checking in. Some of the most wealthy guests dressed as if they were poor. It is something I picked up on. To me that shows more class than anyone wearing Prada!
One can dress in luxury clothing that isn’t covered in tacky labels. Mark Zuckerberg, for instance, wears a gray t-shirt as a matter of routine. Nothing special, you might think, except they’re made by Bruno Cucinelli and cost $400 each. The best thing about luxury clothing is not that it indicates how wealthy one is, but how it fits, how it feels to wear, and how it moves with your body. As it’s so often...
One can dress in luxury clothing that isn’t covered in tacky labels. Mark Zuckerberg, for instance, wears a gray t-shirt as a matter of routine. Nothing special, you might think, except they’re made by Bruno Cucinelli and cost $400 each. The best thing about luxury clothing is not that it indicates how wealthy one is, but how it fits, how it feels to wear, and how it moves with your body. As it’s so often said, “new money shouts, old money whispers”. Visible branding is a vulgar folly of the nouveau riche.
I think Zuckerberg falls into the nouveau riche category.
He came from a solidly upper-middle class background, and as such has avoided the worst excesses of the type.
Bro has a multimillion dollar bunker on Hawaii but sure, he avoids excess... Keep slurping that koolaid
I often book a local hotel for a night off care giving for my elderly mother. I stay close while another relative acts as care giver for my mom. I get to relax for the night at the beach less than 10 miles from my home. I would be furious if hotel canceled on me!
What happened to good old “short stay”, when you need some time alone with that special lady friend ?
We had my daughter’s family of four overnight and decided to spend one night at a Four Point Sheridan a couple of miles away. No problem they welcomed us with open arms. Also spent four nights at an Avid less than 50 miles away. No issue again. Both on points IHG and Bon Voy. The Asheville hotel’s policy is ridiculous. This is the first time ever I’ve posted here.
Completely unreasonable, to the point of "I should be one of those trolls who leaves a bad review for a place they haven't stayed" (which I never do).
First, who cares if it's a homeless customer if they can pay? It's not like "regular" customers don't have the same potential issues as homeless, no matter what stereotype you apply.
Within 50 miles?? They've never heard of a staycation? Or a bar crawl night? Or status...
Completely unreasonable, to the point of "I should be one of those trolls who leaves a bad review for a place they haven't stayed" (which I never do).
First, who cares if it's a homeless customer if they can pay? It's not like "regular" customers don't have the same potential issues as homeless, no matter what stereotype you apply.
Within 50 miles?? They've never heard of a staycation? Or a bar crawl night? Or status seeking? Or trysts? Or needing a place during home renovations? Or for extra guests? Or because your house might have flooded, or is getting a pesticide application, or a new roof, or a new floor, or any number of things that temporarily make it unliveable but don't generalize to the local area (ie, it's not a "local disaster")?
The level of dumb and callous is pretty extreme on the hotel's part. They deserve to be dragged.
Yes, they are probably losing a few million every year due to that stupid policy. Even Hilton is nothing special now adays, instayed in a smaller hotel chain with nicer rooms.
I had this happen and I don't appreciate it. My furnace went you for several weeks waiting on home warranty insurance to send someone out. So I thought I would stay in a hotel but b found that policy existed. Crazy. I think there are many reasons I might just want to get away for the night and if I'm willing to pay for it what does it matter where I live?
I needed to book a local hotel last year because our plumbing failed and needed replacement. We didn't have a working shower or toilet for a couple days, so I booked a nearby hotel so we had those basic amenities while the plumber sorted out our house!
I can think of a dozen other reasons why someone might book a local hotel. Nothing to do with homelessness. If a hotel did that to me I'd never start with that brand again!
I wasn't able to edit my comment as soon as I posted it...
*The high school parties you mentioned in your article were not a problem at our location, possibly due to our policies.
I also wanted to add that we partnered with local churches to accept vouchers for lodging in some circumstances, housed guests for the Veterans Administration hospital with vouchers or a discount, and provided lodging for females that were victims of...
I wasn't able to edit my comment as soon as I posted it...
*The high school parties you mentioned in your article were not a problem at our location, possibly due to our policies.
I also wanted to add that we partnered with local churches to accept vouchers for lodging in some circumstances, housed guests for the Veterans Administration hospital with vouchers or a discount, and provided lodging for females that were victims of domestic violence. Nonetheless, the largest amount of problems and crime that happened on the premises including the parking lot were from local guests with local connections, often for drugs.
I worked at a hotel in a medium sized city. The hotel mostly catered to hospital guests, hospital employees, and college sports events. All hotels retain the right to make their own policies. We had a huge problem with the unhoused coming in and it correlating with vandalism and drug use that led to other crimes such as sexual assault and physical violence. We also had to take a course to be able to detect...
I worked at a hotel in a medium sized city. The hotel mostly catered to hospital guests, hospital employees, and college sports events. All hotels retain the right to make their own policies. We had a huge problem with the unhoused coming in and it correlating with vandalism and drug use that led to other crimes such as sexual assault and physical violence. We also had to take a course to be able to detect human trafficking. Gang members from Chicago would often pass through this highway corridor trafficking females. The high school parties you received in your commentary were not really an issue. We had a policy about only renting to those under 21 except by management approval for those who were hospital guests or traveling for work such as members of a contractor group. A large problem with local guests were people who dwelled in small apartments that gave random local addresses, called many friends for loud parties with alcohol and marijuana, and left children unattended in the common areas and pool.
I cannot believe that this is somehow legal.
Violation of Fair Housing Act ? 1964 Civil Rights Act ?
I am saddened by this. For all of the reasons a person may need a hotel room in their own metro area.
This is the rule, rather than the exception, at hotels in the small (@60,000 population) town where I live. When my husband and I moved here 11 years ago, our realtor let us know we should never book hotels for our friends or relatives using a card connected to our address. The reservation would be refused. They have to stay either with us or on the other side of the county. Exceptions only for fires, natural disasters, unlivable dwellings.
So those in the military, who by law do not have to change a 'home' address nor ID, who come home for a visit might get cancelled? That will go over well in the media...
As someone that stays in hotels about 225 nights a year and have spoken to plenty of GM's, I can explain why hotels do this:
1. Parties, including kids parties, where the hotel is destroyed and guests are disturbed. Your deposit doesn't come close to the damage you can cause.
2. Homeless, especially where social services pay for the room. If you don't think this is an issue, I invite you to invite...
As someone that stays in hotels about 225 nights a year and have spoken to plenty of GM's, I can explain why hotels do this:
1. Parties, including kids parties, where the hotel is destroyed and guests are disturbed. Your deposit doesn't come close to the damage you can cause.
2. Homeless, especially where social services pay for the room. If you don't think this is an issue, I invite you to invite a few into your home for just a few hours. Many, not all, but enough to remember, cause problems with mental and/or drug dependency.
3. Drug usage, both consuming and processing.
4. Prostitution. Yes, even higher-end hotels.
This is so true, from personal experience managing these types of properties, the damage from homeless people is extreme. The prostitution and drug issues are also extreme ( usually go hand in hand). I usually tell people to get in touch with the manager in special circumstances, they will usually work with you in the interest of hospitality.
As the bible tells us, GREAT things can happen when there's no room at in the inn.
What happens in a situation where you have visitors arriving from out of state and you are paying for their room(s) & using your home address bkz it is on your credit card? That would be terrible! Shouldn’t the hotel have a policy of calling the party to inquire/advise before cancelling?
I wish I could ban locals from staying at my hotels. 100% of my issues are always instigated by locals. Smoking weed in my hotel, domestic disputes, being arrested in my hotel, entitled mentalities. Yes, I would love to ban locals!
Given the quality of hotels in Williamsburg, color me unsuprised that you have problems.
Change your home address and then book.
You've got to check in with your ID though. Well, another reason for a passport card.
I find that policy ridiculous. I volunteer or are event staff at multiple local Science Fiction conventions. Even though I'm reasonably local to these events, commuting is a logistical nightmare. Taking public transportation across town can easily be an hour each way and on top of a 10-12 hour day, the lack of sleep adds up
It is absolutely true that gods of all religions spread their influence and beliefs among their poor and gullible flocks. Today, dominant religious leaders and organizations are worth tens and hundreds of millions dollars, tax free for non-profit status (Quite corrupt)!!!. They use their vast wealth to pursue their agendas to control our lives and convert/ suppress followers of other faiths. Religions and hypocricies are joined at the hip.
This policy is neither discriminatory...
It is absolutely true that gods of all religions spread their influence and beliefs among their poor and gullible flocks. Today, dominant religious leaders and organizations are worth tens and hundreds of millions dollars, tax free for non-profit status (Quite corrupt)!!!. They use their vast wealth to pursue their agendas to control our lives and convert/ suppress followers of other faiths. Religions and hypocricies are joined at the hip.
This policy is neither discriminatory nor illegal. It is to protect property owners and their businesses from both risky locals and homeless people.
Business sense dictates you rather leave the room empty than rent it to the wrong people. Those who are not in the business should take to heart what those who are in the business explain. You can stay at non-chain hotels if you cannot find other local chain hotels turn you away. Businesses make policies according to how their experiences are from the guests because nobody refuses a smooth transaction without a hitch. More locals inflict damages, file a charge back dispute, or post a derogatory review without cause compare to out of towners and foreigners. Barry summed it up quite effectively to explain why such policy is in place: One rotten apple will spoil the whole basket.
You sound like a mental patient. You make no sense
Another psycho comment. Everything is a conspiracy and everyone is corrupted. Good God get yourself help!
Based on the comment from the GM it seems that some hotels have decided that it's not worth the bother to sift out locals who they feel are going to be a problem from those that aren't. The question is whether its legal to do so.
At a minimum the policy would need to be disclosed at the time of booking and if it isn't could potentially shift the behavior from civil to criminal.
As...
Based on the comment from the GM it seems that some hotels have decided that it's not worth the bother to sift out locals who they feel are going to be a problem from those that aren't. The question is whether its legal to do so.
At a minimum the policy would need to be disclosed at the time of booking and if it isn't could potentially shift the behavior from civil to criminal.
As another commenter noted some jurisdictions have laws that might prohibit this sort of discrimination. Likewise if the true intent was to discriminate against a protected class, that almost certainly would be illegal.
Failure to disclose at time of booking is certainly actionable even if the reservation wasn't prepaid. Whether the policy would stand up if disclosed and failing any ordinances to the contrary is an interesting question.
Would any members of the bar would like to weigh in with their thoughts?
Just looking into this and I think there is more to the story... apparently Asheville has the highest instance of African-Americans out of any city in North Carolina... seriously makes you wonder what this apparent rule is all about.
It would be a lot of fun if someone sued the hotel for indirect racial discrimination.
You must be a left leaning democrat to immediately try to make this a racist issue
@Scott one doesn't have to subscribe to a certain worldview, much less belong to a specific political party, in order to use a piece of legislation to [what they perceive to be their] advantage.
Relax, Scottyboi. I am not a "left leaning Democrat at all". I see you're an American - can't say I'm surprised!
The opposite is true, Asheville is one of the whitest metros in the state.
Better double check your facts, David.
I live in Asheville, we DO NOT have even close to the highest instance of African Americans in NC, why are you just making up random bs to fit some racist world view lol. Anyone can Google this information btw you dont have to take my word for it.
JD,
I am not "making up random bs" at all.
Source: asheville-nc.gov/our-city/demographics (go to section 7)
Darryl, you seem to have gotten wrong data somehow. I couldn’t get your web address to work, so I checked the AI summaries for Asheville and Durham, where I used to live. Asheville is 80% white, while Durham is only 40% white. These both come from census data. Asheville is a liberal city, but not all that diverse.
This isn't even a real website. The Asheville official website is "ashevillenc.gov" with no dash, and that section does not exist. But I see you're just doubling down so go off sis.
Not sure why my first reply was disallowed, but you're completely wrong. Asheville is one of the lowest NC metros for that demographic.
Greensboro 42%, Fayetteville 35%, Charlotte 35%, Winston Salem 32%, Raleigh 28%, Durham 25%, Wilmington 15% are all higher than Asheville 11%.
I have encountered this. I am a digital nomad who lives in my RV up in the gorgeous high country of the US West. At least once a month I need to be in Southern California for a 4-7 days for work, family, and friends. The first few years, I would take the RV and stay at various RV resorts near the beach. Then I got sick of driving a rig 350 miles and not...
I have encountered this. I am a digital nomad who lives in my RV up in the gorgeous high country of the US West. At least once a month I need to be in Southern California for a 4-7 days for work, family, and friends. The first few years, I would take the RV and stay at various RV resorts near the beach. Then I got sick of driving a rig 350 miles and not having a car.
I started staying at a residence long-stay style hotel that was pet friendly and I could cook my own meals, After a few stays, I got snide remarks from 2 front desk clerks, as my 'residence address' was at my sister's house a few miles away. Eventually, the snide remarks turned into the General Manager watching my every move.
As an RVer, you have to have a 'residence address' somewhere, even if you are no where near that address for most of the year. I explained this to them and it made it worse, as they thought I was a homeless person living in an old RV who came to theirs to have a shower and a good bed.
I had achieved top tier status at said hotel chain and was being treated terribly by staff. In 2022, the same chain opened a business hotel nearby and I switched to the other hotel AND I changed my 'residence address' in their systerm to a Northern California friend to save the problem. At the new hotel, I have never mentioned that I live in my RV as a digital nomad - I am just another business traveler to them.
I am unable to bring my dog and can't cook for myself, but my alleged middle class dignity is allegedly intact.
The funny thing is when I travel to Europe and stay at that chain's hotels I treated wonderfully for being top tier in their system.
I'm sorry how this has worked out for you but thank you for relating it so others know how to avoid being similarly treated.
You technically do sleep in a car.
RVers I know still have a house and permanent residence.
Snide is not a replacement for insightful. Please try and post comments that are helpful.
Lot of retirees RV full time after selling their prime residence.
So where am I gonna take my mistress? My wife won't allow her at home, either. This is outrageous!
It's totally common and by no means discrimination - it's self preservation.
I'm the GM at a large hotel in the southeast and we have a different incidentals policy for those residing within 50 miles of the hotel. They are charged a one-time incidental fee of $250 vs. $40 per night (up to seven) for non-local guests. We also don't accept prepaid cards for payment of room charges or incidental fees.
Why do this?...
It's totally common and by no means discrimination - it's self preservation.
I'm the GM at a large hotel in the southeast and we have a different incidentals policy for those residing within 50 miles of the hotel. They are charged a one-time incidental fee of $250 vs. $40 per night (up to seven) for non-local guests. We also don't accept prepaid cards for payment of room charges or incidental fees.
Why do this? 90% of behavior issues and damage to our rooms is created by locals and those two hurdles collectively prevent the majority of them from staying with us. Prepaid cards can be locked after an authorization is received and the amount of fraud perpetuated by locals is staggering.
We'd rather lose that business even at the expense of some legitimate local guests to preserve the experience for the majority of our guests and protect the hotel from crime and damage.
Don't hate the player, hate the game. Hotel guests no longer look or behave like their archetypes in Hilton and Marriott marketing material.
Don't worry. Few of us understands how your business operates.
This is just about one dramatic clickbait trying to promote his book.
This is the Cahill playbook.
Why wouldn't taking a refundable deposit solve the problem without penalizing locals who don't cause problems?
@Steve
Unless the deposit is $2000, it's never going to cover the damages.
We're not talking minibar incidentals here. We're dealing with broke things and smoke smells.
Better a large deposit than a blanket ban but the issue here is there appears to have been no notice at the time of booking.
Do you think that hotels should be able to refuse guests with valid bookings, even prepaid bookings, they made in good faith without any knowledge of a rule that they wouldn't be honored?
I'd hope we can agree that there has to be an upfront notice. Yes?
What if a guy just needs a room for a couple of hours to bang his secretary? These new rules and regs everywhere suck. I sure miss the good old days.
It's called Administrative Assistant, now-a-days, Frank-o.
The 'because of homeless' comment doesn't have any validation other than his statement. It's not in the voicemail and not on the sign.
The 'no locals' policies have plenty of reasons for risk management at some of these smaller properties - including the 'locals tend to party, trash' risk.
On a lark I checked what I think is the hotel's website (I am guessing that this is the Hampton Inn Asheville-Tunnel Rd.). There is no mention (as far as I can find) of the policy on their website (it's a cookie-cutter website).
I'm trying to imagine the sort of mess that could result if they did this with a prepaid rate while rooms were otherwise in short supply in the area (since at that...
On a lark I checked what I think is the hotel's website (I am guessing that this is the Hampton Inn Asheville-Tunnel Rd.). There is no mention (as far as I can find) of the policy on their website (it's a cookie-cutter website).
I'm trying to imagine the sort of mess that could result if they did this with a prepaid rate while rooms were otherwise in short supply in the area (since at that point you would arguably have the elements of a contract, and I don't think a signn posted in the lobby would necessarily make up for a lack of notice on the website).
Likewise, I'm wondering whether e.g. a Marriott pulling this would trigger the Ultimate Reservation Guarantee or otherwise allow someone to demand that it be handled as being walked if it happens at the (proverbial) last minute.
A state attorney general may be interested in this.
They are a private company if you do not like their policy you do not need to stay there
If the policy isn't stated when making the reservation and the hotel takes a booking then refusing to honor it would be a breach of contract.
If it is disclosed it might or might not be permissible. It would depend on whether the intent was to discriminate against a protected class.
Global Traveler, in the United States, if you sell to the public, you are subject to the civil rights laws. Being a private company is quite irrelevant.
I will sometimes use my Marriott reward points to book a local hotel when we have lots of relatives and/or friends coming into town. It's easy for them to stay just down the road when we just don't have enough space at home. I always call the hotel to explain this and never had a problem.
This is not injustice to the homeless. First of all several hotels in this area has had that policy even in the mid 80's! I for one would not want to stay in any Hotel that housed homeless people even if the rate was cut from 200 per night to 10! I don't think I'm better than anyone all you have to do is ride down the road and see how they live on the side of the road. You can be poor and throw your trash in a can!!
A hotel can slap folks who make a mess with a ban, however, and I highly doubt that a resourceful person would be stopped from just using an ID with a fake address.
I’d rather live next to a homeless person than someone like you who looks down on people struggling to get by. You may say you support initiatives to address housing insecurity but, when push comes to shove, you turn you back and justify it over something as trivial as littering. Let’s see…do I focus on ensure my physical and psychological safety first the evening, or do I find a trash can?
Also, @Wendy, many budget...
I’d rather live next to a homeless person than someone like you who looks down on people struggling to get by. You may say you support initiatives to address housing insecurity but, when push comes to shove, you turn you back and justify it over something as trivial as littering. Let’s see…do I focus on ensure my physical and psychological safety first the evening, or do I find a trash can?
Also, @Wendy, many budget and tax extended stay hotels rent rooms to organizations like the Red Cross to house the temporarily homeless. So, I’m sure you’ve slept in the same building as a homeless person.
Also, @Parker I'm sure you never lived next to a homeless person.
I'd ask you to consider if this snide comment adds to the conversation.
You could have just as easily pointed out that while homelessness is a real problem so is living in proximity to homeless camps.
"I’d rather live next to a homeless person than someone like you who looks down on people struggling to get by."
So noble of you, so virtuous.
Until you get a homeless dude that some do gooder booked a room for start smoking meth in the room requiring the room to be professionally cleaned and the original booking party fights the charges.
In addition, many countries have a Hotel Proprietor's Act which FORBIDS refusal to provide a room.
This is anti-social behavior. Disappointing to see from what used to be my HCoC (Hotel Chain of Choice).
What if your home burns down, or a pipe bursts and it floods, or a tree falls through your roof?
Those aren't considered natural disasters, but they can render a home uninhabitable.
Where would someone go in this situation? Should they drive 51 miles away?
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary...
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because she had an address within 50 miles of the Hampton Inn and hotel policy prevented them from allowing potentially homeless people shelter on a winter night, sorry for any inconvenience.
And her first born son wasn't even born in the winter.
But his disciples feel it's much easier to assimilate the pagans if they celebrate on the same day with the pagans so the day was changed and the Coca Cola inspired St. Nick is now the poster child of a grand marketing propaganda for shopping season to boost sales.
Another nut job
What the hell are you talking about?
Bethlehem is 150km from Nazareth...
Really?
Can't any of you see through his book tour bait?
If the guy's name is Cahill, this whole narrative would be different.
None of his transcripts photo shows the world "homeless" only himself is using this word.
Like few have said, it's the damages done by locals that is behind this policy.
Many places have had this policy forever.
And these businesses have every right to refuse anyone the...
Really?
Can't any of you see through his book tour bait?
If the guy's name is Cahill, this whole narrative would be different.
None of his transcripts photo shows the world "homeless" only himself is using this word.
Like few have said, it's the damages done by locals that is behind this policy.
Many places have had this policy forever.
And these businesses have every right to refuse anyone the feel can potentially cause problems.
Besides being Homeless isn't bound by radius and there are many cheaper hotels within 10 mins walk. Paying more to stay here doesn't look like what people with financial constraints would do.
We stay locally a lot. Mostly for events, Concerts or performances. We love to go to a nice dinner and a show and enjoy some adult beverages. A hotel near the event is perfect. We have also used local hotels when moving, home renovations, supporting work events, travel to places inside 50 miles where we want to explore for a couple of days, and staying at the airport for early morning or late night flights....
We stay locally a lot. Mostly for events, Concerts or performances. We love to go to a nice dinner and a show and enjoy some adult beverages. A hotel near the event is perfect. We have also used local hotels when moving, home renovations, supporting work events, travel to places inside 50 miles where we want to explore for a couple of days, and staying at the airport for early morning or late night flights. Fortunately I’ve never encountered this policy. I would hope they could at least have a waiver once you tell them what your plans are. I live in FL so loud parties and trashing rooms can be common, particularly in March/April. But those guests aren’t locals. Haha.
We also stay locally for events such as concerts and theatre, so we know exactly what you are talking about.
We also have done overnights locally for New Years Eve and other celebrations.
I know of families that check into hotels in the winter so the kids can swim.
And we have checked into hotels for dog sitters to spend an overnight with our dog before we use them
...later for an extended trip.
We also stay locally for events such as concerts and theatre, so we know exactly what you are talking about.
We also have done overnights locally for New Years Eve and other celebrations.
I know of families that check into hotels in the winter so the kids can swim.
And we have checked into hotels for dog sitters to spend an overnight with our dog before we use them
later for an extended trip.
Aside from stigmatizing the homeless, this sort of policy does have a lot of negative consequences for people like us that stay locally for very valid and harmless reasons.
I still haven't seen the REASON for this policy.
If you can pay for it what does it matter where you live?
The reason they say "the homeless" is because if they don't, there are NGOs that will buy up all their rooms. As a hotel, the last thing you want are your rooms being filled by those who are either so high/addicted that they can't use the local shelters or so violent they have been banned from them.
What happens if you don't have electricity or no heat due winter storm, will they give some exemptions.
This is 100% true. I lost everything in a house fire and not a single hotel would let me pay for a room in Haywood county or in Asheville!
Most hotels take a security deposit when you check in. In certain city locations (Chicago comes to mind) I've had hotels require a $200 a night deposit. Of course, it goes back to your card when you check out without room damage.
Most homeless could not afford the room charge and security deposit so this doesn't make sense.
Of course it doesn't.
The Econo Lodge next door is much cheaper.
But every homeless would pay double for the hot breakfast and heated pool because being homeless doesn't mean money is an issue right?
Nothing about this policy makes any sense at all.
I live in a small MN city of ~25k and am on our local tourism board, so I have some insight into this. We have a handful of hotels, and many have the same no locals policy. The issue for us isn't homelessness, it's that locals sadly destroy the hotel. They rent a room so they can throw parties & use the pool but do so in an obnoxious and destructive manner. I've seen the...
I live in a small MN city of ~25k and am on our local tourism board, so I have some insight into this. We have a handful of hotels, and many have the same no locals policy. The issue for us isn't homelessness, it's that locals sadly destroy the hotel. They rent a room so they can throw parties & use the pool but do so in an obnoxious and destructive manner. I've seen the photos of some of the damage that has been done. It's really sad, but that's the reason many times.
I have never encountered such a policy. I recently moved locally and wanted to spend a few nights in an uncluttered space without all the chaos of living between two places for close to a month. I stayed three nights at a local Hampton Inn. Zero questions or issues. And this was in Washington DC which has a large homeless population, and at an off-season rate of $110/night, ie, accessibly priced.
Maybe DC prohibits...
I have never encountered such a policy. I recently moved locally and wanted to spend a few nights in an uncluttered space without all the chaos of living between two places for close to a month. I stayed three nights at a local Hampton Inn. Zero questions or issues. And this was in Washington DC which has a large homeless population, and at an off-season rate of $110/night, ie, accessibly priced.
Maybe DC prohibits this type of practice (wouldn't be surprised), but I wonder if this is a franchisee policy that Hilton has simply chosen not to challenge. I also wonder if other data points come into play, eg, Hilton status/stay history. I bet that it isn't that difficult to figure out what profile a local falls into, like if you're using a special rate code for a wedding or event, or have stayed a multiple Hilton properties that a not local. Not saying that's cool/moral/justifiable, just wondering if YMMV if you fit the demographic of a regular OMAAT reader.
*that are not local.
Wish we could edit our comments!
This isn’t the only injustice done to homeless. I found out the hard way that if you are homeless and your car insurance finds out they will drop you. So living in your car won’t last long because if you get pulled over and have no insurance they can tow your car. That’s unfair. Just because someone is homeless they can’t have insurance? That’s such BS.
Speaking from your experience, would you pay more to stay at Hampton Inn or pay half at the Econo Lodge next door?
I recently visited Quincy, Illinois and stayed at the Holiday Inn. They have a sign at the front desk saying they don't accept guests from within 100 miles of the hotel. 100 miles is basically St. Louis and even the capital of Illinois, Springfield. Of course, this is NOT disclosed on the IHG website.
They clearly deserve Corporate Social Responsibility awards for their contributions to drink driving, domestic violence etc within the local community!
I’m sure it was just sheer coincidence that someone writing a book on homelessness ran into this issue. Totally random coincidence.
Speaking as someone who has been a hotel manager for many years, though not at hotels with this policy. I get it. Although 90% of local guests are not a problem - 90% of your problem guests are locals. Parties, drugs, smoking in rooms, fights. Almost any time you read a shift report from the night before of a guest who got evicted for whatever reason and check their address, it's a local. Our brand...
Speaking as someone who has been a hotel manager for many years, though not at hotels with this policy. I get it. Although 90% of local guests are not a problem - 90% of your problem guests are locals. Parties, drugs, smoking in rooms, fights. Almost any time you read a shift report from the night before of a guest who got evicted for whatever reason and check their address, it's a local. Our brand used to even have it codified in the employee travel program that you couldn't use it at a hotel within 40 miles of where you worked to try to prevent employees from doing the stupid stuff. For many hotels it's just easier to not allow locals without prior management approval. It will upset a few legitimate guests but will eliminate so many other problems.
Would it also be true that: 99% of your male guests are not a problem, but 99% of your problem guests are male?
No, that would not be true.
Albert's got 99 problems but Murray ain't one.
This is the dumbest thing I've read this week! I've booked hotels close to home for many reasons:
1) Need an extra night or two for status that year. Why should I have to spend time and money going away for that?
2) Staying at the airport when I have a flight so early that it's impossible to get there in time by train.
3) Staying in town when I'm at a...
This is the dumbest thing I've read this week! I've booked hotels close to home for many reasons:
1) Need an extra night or two for status that year. Why should I have to spend time and money going away for that?
2) Staying at the airport when I have a flight so early that it's impossible to get there in time by train.
3) Staying in town when I'm at a late event and getting home would cost as much as a hotel night.
4) Staying in town with friends so as to be near events when there's a festival on, rather than have to waste time commuting in and out every day.
I'd never even considered the possibility of such a stupid rule. Americans never cease to amaze me.
Correction.
The dumbest thing this week is actually believing everything you read on the internet must be true.
Exactly. Especially when a story originates from someone who has written a book about (and is currently trying to promote his book) the homeless and who posts nonstop about the homeless. And when the person doesn't appear to be local to the place that doesn't allow locals - and the street in the post doesn't match a street in the town - and where actual constantly locals stay at local hotels with airport shuttles because...
Exactly. Especially when a story originates from someone who has written a book about (and is currently trying to promote his book) the homeless and who posts nonstop about the homeless. And when the person doesn't appear to be local to the place that doesn't allow locals - and the street in the post doesn't match a street in the town - and where actual constantly locals stay at local hotels with airport shuttles because of airport parking shortages. But when you make a living by stirring up conflict on social media - why not - the world is full of people who want to believe the worst and thrive on conflict.
Second all of these.. Used a local hotel myself for all of these reasons as well.
Other reasons of using a local hotel,
I came home on a delayed flight and there were no more trains back to my local station after 10pm.
I came home on a delayed flight and my car was parked at the airport but I didn't want to drive after spending close to 24hours awake.
I...
Second all of these.. Used a local hotel myself for all of these reasons as well.
Other reasons of using a local hotel,
I came home on a delayed flight and there were no more trains back to my local station after 10pm.
I came home on a delayed flight and my car was parked at the airport but I didn't want to drive after spending close to 24hours awake.
I was in the middle of moving and stayed at a hotel down the street from my address because all of my furniture was inside the moving truck and I wanted to leave the morning after rather than that night.
How about for a simple staycation? Or because of work being done at your house (or a burst pipe, or the AC going down in the middle of summer)? Or to be close to the airport and not have to worry about traffic before a 6 AM flight? All reasons I've stayed in a local hotel.
Oh, how quickly they forget. During the hotel’s most turbulent time, they were practically on their knees begging us locals to book a 'Staycation.' We supported their business even when there was really little to no need, just to keep their lights on.
But now that they’re full again? Suddenly, my local zip code makes me a 'homeless' risk. Now they can just anyhow flag us names and cancel confirmed bookings? WTF? It was fine...
Oh, how quickly they forget. During the hotel’s most turbulent time, they were practically on their knees begging us locals to book a 'Staycation.' We supported their business even when there was really little to no need, just to keep their lights on.
But now that they’re full again? Suddenly, my local zip code makes me a 'homeless' risk. Now they can just anyhow flag us names and cancel confirmed bookings? WTF? It was fine to take my local money when you were desperate, but now I’m a problem? Screw themselves. Next time the economy tanks, don't come crying to the neighbors.
Live ten miles from downtown, but sometimes want to stay downtown for an evening out at the theatre.
I totally support the ban, anywhere. Its not a shelter. We have plenty of those and Asheville has more than adequate assistance available for people in need. Don't twist the narrative. It's a private business and they have a right to refuse service.
What are you on about? A local person paying for the stay does not make the place a “shelter”? Your statement is illogical inbever manner, just like this ban
@Itslegit do you celebrate christmas? If yes, you're being hypocritical:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,...
@Itslegit do you celebrate christmas? If yes, you're being hypocritical:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Then go stay at a church. See if they'll let you.
I wonder whether Hilton have a program for detecting "undesirable guests" on future bookings which uses certain key words such as "homeless" and so flagged up Brian Goldstone (his book on the topic is on Obama's top 10 of 2025!)
No. No they do not.
Maybe not Hilton corporate but what about this likely franchisee?
Well gee, Asheville is a popular spot for Appalachian through hikers to rest. Many are unhoused from the expense of the hike and yet, I'll bet this Hampton inn gladly takes their reservations. Awful they discriminate against their own community.
Are you saying that people spend so much money hiking the Appalachian Trail that they become homeless? No matter how much one enjoys hiking, that seems like a bad life strategy.
Shocking but the 8 plus months hiking the trail costs over 10k. Influencers now try to subsidize their costs, but curiously this raises the actual expense trying to show off.
On top of everything else, 50 miles is bonkers. In my area, that would cover hotels in two nearby resort areas. Up in DC, that would cover Baltimore and (possibly) Fredericksburg. Down in South Florida, much of that conurbation. And so on.
I'm a bit surprised that chains don't have some policy against this - you've got the DNR lists and so on that you can use, but at some point money is money.
This story has me absolutely infuriated – this is the most terrible thing I have ever heard of, having traveled to over 100 countries and stayed at thousands of hotels across all 6 inhabited continents. How dare this second-rate hotel chain pull such an outrageous stunt, canceling a loyal Hilton Honors member's points redemption just because his old address was within 50 miles? And then having the spineless employee blame it on "our homeless population"...
This story has me absolutely infuriated – this is the most terrible thing I have ever heard of, having traveled to over 100 countries and stayed at thousands of hotels across all 6 inhabited continents. How dare this second-rate hotel chain pull such an outrageous stunt, canceling a loyal Hilton Honors member's points redemption just because his old address was within 50 miles? And then having the spineless employee blame it on "our homeless population" like it's some chilling eugenics policy?
Hilton owes this guest – and every affected traveler – a full formal apology. Public, executive-level, and with real compensation, not some inconsequential points toss. Anything less is unacceptable.
Boycotting Hilton for life. Who's joining me in ditching this trash brand for real hospitality chains?
The article isn't clear, but suggests this may be not restricted to Hilton.
More a function of the geographic region (American "South", non-urban)
And probably of the hotel owner/operator rather than Hilton.
It's not unknown for operators to run hotels in more than one brand group within an area.
I don't think anyone is with you on anything, crazy Kathy.
Mini MaxPower, who is being exposed as a “dummy” every time he writes a comment, just stated to the degenerates attacking Tim Dunn that he would have done nothing different than American, the WORST AIRLINE IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. OMAAT commenters don't want to list to the story, the smart people on the site wish they never asked him the question that led to that terrible answer, but the Internet is going WILD.
Their wording doesn't even cover neighbour upstairs flooding one's apartment, staying next to work because car is in for repair, etc
So true, Albert! I am so ANGRY right now!
In the UK, some level of government sometimes pays to put asylum seekers / homeless in hotels.
Is this policy to prevent any public body, charity or similar, doing so at these hotels?
And they are then trying to avoid charges of discrimination by applying it to everyone?
By definition, homeless people do not have an address, so they are targeting the address of the government entity/charity?
Any hotel with such a policy is run by demonic morons!!
I want to give you my money and you dare to turn me away!? 50 miles??? That can be as far as 3 hours away??? What absolutely stupidity! Guess I will be avoiding Hilton hotels going forward!!! This is fucking corruption!
I expect that the people who came up with this idea have never lived in a city, never take public transport, nor walk more than 500ft, so for them 50 miles is only ever 1 hour's drive.
How about attending an evening event at a hotel involving alcohol?
They don't want the related room bookings?
Sounds like they would lose the event bookings too?
(Perhaps this is more a European view, where drinking and then driving is less acceptable)
Pretty strange. Not doubting the report (it is well documented) but I have never come across anything like this before. We were going through some massive renovations last year, which meant I have stayed at a number of hotels in the area (one of them less than a 3 minutes walk from my registered address) with no issue whatsoever.
I was thinking renovations too.
Perhaps the vision of whoever set this policy is that one should have enough bathrooms/kitchens that when some are being renovated one always has spares?
But people with houses that large probably aren't staying at such properties.
For those who need a place to stay but afraid of this policy: Just use a different mailing address in a different city. It’s not like mails are really sent anymore these days.
They check your state-issued ID when you check in.
The U.S. South is full of morons with asinine policy ideas.
And you're one of them, buster!
Never had a problem staying in a hotel locally, including literally across the street from my home. I believe it would be borderline illegal in my jurisdiction to refuse service based on this. Like Ben, I don't see a point in such rule. What does it matter where the person in question comes from if they're paying?
Also, I believe US doesn't have any ID showing residence address so can't you just update your Hilton profile to whatever address and stay anyway?
Given that passports are accepted as ID in hotels, and in most countries they don't show residence address, that's a global solution.
Perhaps put 7930 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA (Hilton's HQ).
Totally agree. It's discrimination, plain and simple.
My money is on the motivation for the policy being a puritan attempt to stop lovers' trysts or casual prostitution (organised prostition would not find the limitation a restriction).
The mention of homelessness in this case because of the book that this guest has written.
It's not the hotel task to solve homelessness issues. It's the task of the local government. Having homeless people in your hotel can potentially lead to issues and and overall decrease in quality and perception of the hotel.
I'm sure if you don't look homeless and have a valid reason to stay in the hotel, management will allow you to stay.
@ Michael -- "I'm sure if you don't look homeless and have a valid reason to stay in the hotel, management will allow you to stay."
As I understand it, the person who shared this experience is no longer unhoused, but was refused a reservation.
I don't get the impression that Brian Goldstone was ever homeless, except possibly as a "method-author" ?
Yes Albert is right, don’t think he ever mentions or says he was homeless. the title of the book is not alluding to him being homeless once, It is a catch all phrase of the plight of homeless people in America.
And he is promoting his book.
This happened to me. Needed a place for four nights because my bathroom was being remodeled. No water or toilet. Got to the hotel and they wouldn't let me check in. Ended up staying at home and went to ingles to get ready for work every morning.