At common law, a hotelkeeper was absolutely liable for damage to, or loss of, a guest's property unless the hotelkeeper could show that the damage or loss was caused solely by an act of God, a public enemy, an act of a public authority, the inherent nature of the property, or the fault of the guest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects the common law rule regarding a hotelkeeper's liability for a guest's property. The hotelkeeper was deemed an insurer of the guest's property and therefore was held strictly liable for any damage or loss, unless certain limited exceptions applied.

At Common Law, a Hotelkeeper Was Absolutely Liable for Damage