The Proposed International Hotelkeeper's Contract …Does it Benefit Anyone?

Abstract

The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law proposed that an International Hotelkeeper's Contract be signed by all nations so that innkeeping laws be consistent throughout the world.

The benefit to innkeepers is the right to sue guests who fail to use the agreed upon accommodations for a percentage of the first seven days rent if the innkeeper can prove actual damages. The disadvantage to the innkeeper is the responsibility for all guest property up to 500 to 1, 000 times the daily room rate.

Lined up against the proposed contract are both the International Hotel Association and the American Hotel and Motel Association. In favor of the contract are the government representatives who voted for it.

The paper discusses the seeming inconsistencies between the groups.

Keywords

Common Law Liability Situs Statutory Limitations UNIDROIT

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References

Gould

Rodney E.

Ramsey

Thomas J.

Sherry

John E.H.

1980

“The UNIDROIT Draft Convention on the Hotelkeeper's Contract” A Major Attempt to Unify the Law Governing Innkeeper-Guest Liability.”

Cornell International Law Journal 13 (1) 33–60.

Lotz, Dr. Gustav, President of the International Hotel Association 1979 Letter to all National Hotel Associations 20 September.

Lotz, Dr. Gustav, President of the International Hotel Association 1978 “Draft Convention on the Hotelkeeper's Contract,” International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, Rome, Italy.

Richards, Robert L., Executive Vice President of the American Hotel 1979 and Motel Association, letter to Thomas J. Ramsey, United States Department of State, 23 October.

“Some Practicalities of Hotel Law,” Hotels and Restaurants International 1984 18(5)38–40.