Legal Right To Privacy In A Hotel Room

By Amy E. Feldman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - What is your legal right to privacy in a hotel room?

Webcam video showing a maid at a brand name hotel rifling through a guest's possessions went viral last month. The maid was seen rummaging through the guest's luggage and even trying to access his Google Chromebook. And, then she cleaned the room and left. She didn't take anything. Just snooped. Kind of like a bad houseguest who goes through your medicine cabinet.

Creepy, but is it illegal?

Hotel management has a right to enter your room to clean or perform maintenance. It's not a crime for a maid, whose very job is to tidy your room to touch your stuff, and you shouldn't expect privacy when you know that someone is coming in for the purpose of organizing your things - provided that nothing is taken or damaged.

That said, while looking at your stuff is not a crime, it probably is a violation of the hotel's own policy.

If you are concerned, ask the front desk about the security policy. Or just put a do not disturb sign on your door.