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I can’t remember the last time I was required to give a license plate number at a hotel. I have on some occasions years ago, but not any time recently. I assumed it was just a matter of parking enforcement. Surely it can’t be a legal requirement if it’s so inconsistent.

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I've only stayed at a motel once, and they asked for my license plate (paid with a credit card). I've been to hundreds of hotels and they have never asked.

Were you paying by cash or by card?

When you pay by cash, you need to do that, as well as supply photo ID.

Oh, it’s only if you pay cash? What do they do if you say you don’t have a car?

If you're not in one of five metro areas where you can reasonably navigate without a car, they'll know you're a liar and a scoundrel, and will do nothing about it.

I'm curious what those 5 metro areas are. (NYC is one, obviously.)

My guesses: Chicago, Boston, SF, ??

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