While hotels have a responsibility to provide a safe environment, they are not liable for lost or stolen items unless they can be proven negligent. This is why it is important for guests to review their insurance coverage before traveling.

Hotel policies regarding stolen items vary, but generally, hotels are not legally liable for the loss or theft of personal property unless it can be proven that the hotel was "grossly negligent." Under "Innkeeper’s Liability" laws in many jurisdictions, a hotel's liability is often capped at a very low amount (sometimes as little as $100 to $500) if they provide a room safe or a central vault for guest use and the guest fails to use it. If an item is stolen from your room, the hotel will conduct an internal investigation, which usually involves checking the "lock interrogation" report to see which keycards were used to enter the room. However, they will rarely compensate you directly for the full value of the item. Instead, they will assist you in filing a police report, which you will need to make a claim on your own travel or homeowners' insurance. To protect yourself, always use the in-room safe for electronics and jewelry, and never leave expensive items in plain sight when the "Do Not Disturb" sign is not on the door, as this is the standard fine print in most guest registration agreements.