Hyatt Hotels Anti-2A...Find another place to stay

[Paladin7]

Friends and Fellow Patriots,

I just returned from a trip to Chicago where I stayed at the Hyatt McCormick Place. When I arrived at the Hotel there were signs posted on every door that guns were not allowed in the Hotel. When I contacted Hyatt about this, they told me that due to the recent CCW Law enacted in Chicago, Hyatt made a decision to not allow lawful CCW Holders to carry their weapons while staying at their hotel.

I responded to Hyatt and respectfully challenged their policy, but they are adamant that they will not change it, effectively, making everyone staying in their hotel a potential victim.

All their stupid signs do is tell criminals and the insane that no one in the hotel is armed. This, when coupled with the fact that Chicago is one of the most violent cities in the country, creates a situation that puts everyone staying in their hotel in jeopardy.

When you make travel plans, please take this into consideration and avoid Hyatt Hotels.

Thank You

 

[Paladin7]

Also, if you would like to let Hyatt know what you think of their policy, you may contact them at http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/customer-service/share-feedback/share-feedback-on-a-recent-stay.jsp

 

[hso]

Do you have a copy of the response that can be posted?

Is this a local Chicogo Hyatt or corp/national Hyatt policy?

 

[Paladin7]

Here is the response I received from them...

Good Afternoon,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to extend my apology in regards to the dissatisfaction you experienced during your previous stay. It is our goal to provide you with a stay that is as seamless and enjoyable as possible and it is a great disappointment to me to hear that we fell short of that goal during your visit. Thank you for providing comments regarding the Illinois concealed carry laws, however the majority of Chicago hotels, schools, hospitals, and businesses have made the decision to leave any emergency response to local law enforcement agencies. I apologize for any frustration this has caused, but please ensure we have security staff on the premises 24/7. Thank you again for providing your feedback, as your safety is our concern. If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me at any time that is best for you. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon!


Sincerely,

Anna Howley
VIP Manager
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
[email protected]
312.528.4285

I'm not sure if this is a National Policy from Hyatt, but it is the policy of the Hyatt in Chicago.

 

[taliv]

vast majority of hyatt properties aren't posted. at least not the ones i stay in. i was diamond status with them for years and used a lot of free stays traveling to matches so i've carried a lot of guns through hyatt hotels.

 

[HankR]

...

[email protected]
312.528.4285

I'm not sure if this is a National Policy from Hyatt, but it is the policy of the Hyatt in Chicago.

Maybe some of us should call Ms. Howley and ask her?

 

[Ryanxia]

My email to Hyatt, hopefully I'll get a response.

I was recently made aware of a policy of Hyatt McCormick Place in Chicago, IL that prohibits lawful citizens from traveling with firearms and staying at this hotel. I would like to know if this is a national policy or this one location. If it is a national policy members of the gun owning community will begin to spread the word to no longer do business with Hyatt. With over 100 million lawful gun owners in America, we take our Right to self protection and security very seriously. I would appreciate a response on this policy. Thank you.

 

[El Tejon]

You were in Chicago. Did you not expect any business to do as the Mayor of Chicago desires?

If Hyatt does not post the signs, what do you think will happen? Let me answer for you, fire inspections, health code violations, loss of liquor license, permanent "construction" in front of their hotels.

It's the Chicago way, do as they say or be impoverished.

 

[hso]

I don't think this is corporate policy for all the Hyatt properties since I haven't seen this anywhere this year in my travels, but it is worthwhile to politely contact the Chicago operation and let them know you won't be doing business with them. The greatest inpact would be if their competitors you would patronize could be listed as not having made this decision to exclude law abiding customers.

 

[Ryanxia]

Just received this from Hyatt.

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Your concerns are very important to us and due to the nature of the experience you have described, we feel it is important to involve the executive management of the hotel for review and follow up.

We appreciate your patience while this matter is fully investigated.

If you should have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office.

Best Regards,

Anna Mejstrik
Guest Relations Specialist
Global Contact Center - Omaha

Will wait to see what the follow up is. It sounds like from some members here that this isn't a national policy but I think it's still good to make them aware of our concerns and see where they stand at the higher up.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

What do they expect you to do with your property if you do opt to stay there?

Will they secure it for you?

 

[zxcvbob]

There's an interesting legal question here, I just don't have the vocabulary to ask it properly. A hotel room is your temporary domicile. I don't think a landlord can restrict you from having guns in your apartment. Hyatt did not inform you of the no guns policy when you made the reservation.

So does the sign have any legal weight at all? (other than telling you that they don't really want your business and stay somewhere else next time)

In the same situation (hotel was posted when I arrived, but I had a reservation) I ignored the sign and just kept it concealed -- the sign was obviously not intended for paying guests. But that wasn't in Illinois.

 

[armoredman]

It depends strongly on the state/city/local political subdivision. Look up the laws in the place you are going, and act accordingly. As for me, I have no plans to return to Chicago between now and when I take the dirt nap.
If a place is posted No Firearms, I accept that it is their property, their rules, and find another place to do business with post haste.

 

[hso]

The domicile question is a very good one. The postings may or may not have any legal standing for resident guests of the hotel. Keep in mind that the room you're renting is probably the "domicile" and not the entire hotel. I hope someone posts that question over in Legal.

 

[Elkins45]

What is the legal status of a posting in Illinois (or Chicago, if there is no statewide preemption) in regards to ignoring it? Here in KY it is not a violation of law to ignore a no CCW sign posted by a private business. If caught you can be asked to leave and cited for trespassing if you don't comply, but merely ignoring the sign isn't a violation in itself. Of course, there aren't all that many of those signs here.

Is ignoring the sign a crime?

 

[MedWheeler]

Hmm... haven't heard of the policy being posted at their units in Florida, and we've had statewide "shall-issue" concealed-carry since 1987. Also, I haven't heard of any mass-bloodshed as a result, either.

Keep in mind that Hyatt units may be operating under other well-known names as well.

 

[DT Guy]

What is the legal status of a posting in Illinois (or Chicago, if there is no statewide preemption) in regards to ignoring it? Here in KY it is not a violation of law to ignore a no CCW sign posted by a private business. If caught you can be asked to leave and cited for trespassing if you don't comply, but merely ignoring the sign isn't a violation in itself. Of course, there aren't all that many of those signs here.

Is ignoring the sign a crime?

Yep, and I believe the second offense removes your CCL. This state is seriously sideways...

Larry

 

[ilbob]

What is the legal status of a posting in Illinois (or Chicago, if there is no statewide preemption) in regards to ignoring it? Here in KY it is not a violation of law to ignore a no CCW sign posted by a private business. If caught you can be asked to leave and cited for trespassing if you don't comply, but merely ignoring the sign isn't a violation in itself. Of course, there aren't all that many of those signs here.

Is ignoring the sign a crime?

That's a good question. The law is somewhat ambiguous on this point, but I think it is wise to error on the side of not being a test case.

ETA: there is statewide preemption but it only applies to handguns and handgun ammunition, but the extent of it is unclear.

 

[jj1962hemi]

Part of the Illinois problem is that the State specifically does not protect employers for damage done by an employee on premises with a legally owned and carried handgun. Many (most?) states have allowed liability protection for businesses, whereas Illinois has not. I know of companies in Illinois that have put up those signs because, per Illinois law, they afford liability protection to the operator of the property. This is probably the same theory Hyatt operates under. Fifty states may have SOME provision for CC, but lots of them (think NYC too) make it really hard.

 

[Ed N.]

This is not just a Chicago situation. If you will google "hyatt hotels firearms policy" you will see that many Hyatt hotels prohibit their residents from carrying guns.

 

[steelerdude99]

This is not just a Chicago situation. If you will google "hyatt hotels firearms policy" you will see that many Hyatt hotels prohibit their residents from carrying guns.

http://lostpines.hyatt.com/en/hotel/our-hotel/firearms-policy.html

Firearms Policy

The safety and security of our guests and associates is of utmost importance to Hyatt. This policy is designed for the protection of our guests and associates, and pertains to the presence of firearms on hotel premises.

Hyatt recognizes that guests or visitors may legally possess firearms for a variety of legitimate purposes. This policy is intended to create a safe environment for all guests and visitors by providing appropriate guidance over the custody of firearms on our premises.

Hotel premises are private property. Guests or visitors of a Hyatt hotel who lawfully are permitted to possess a firearm, may bring such firearm onto hotel premises for storage purposes only. Any guest or visitor who is in possession of a firearm on hotel premises is personally responsible for abiding by all applicable federal, state and local laws with respect to firearms, in the jurisdiction where the hotel is located and ensuring that the firearm is:
· unloaded;
· secured in a locked, hard-sided firearm container provided by the guest; and
· securely safeguarded at all times in a guest room (or personal vehicle), except when transporting the firearm into or out of the hotel.

Guests who fail to abide by this policy may be asked to leave the hotel premises. A blanket exception to the restrictions described in this policy statement applies only to law enforcement officers and designated military personnel, who are on-duty and required to carry firearms in the performance of their duties. No exemption to this policy is allowed for private persons, even those licensed and permitted to carry a firearm, and/or where applicable, to conceal-carry a firearm.

Questions concerning this policy or its implementation may be addressed to Hyatt’s Global Security department.

 

[hso]

Ed N.

The question wasn't about carry, but about whether firearms were prohibited on the property or not.

I started a thread in Legal on this and they've been working the question. The CCW law in IL is -

Section 70
(a-10) The owner of private real property of any type may prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms on the property under his or her control. The owner must post a sign in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section indicating that firearms are prohibited on the property, unless the property is a private residence.

So the question is whether the room meets that definition and hotel rooms typically do. The common areas do not.

 

[Ed N.]

Ed N.

The question wasn't about carry, but about whether firearms were prohibited on the property or not.

Uh, no. The very first post in this thread reads, in part (emphasis added):

When I contacted Hyatt about this, they told me that due to the recent CCW Law enacted in Chicago, Hyatt made a decision to not allow lawful CCW Holders to carry their weapons while staying at their hotel.

The residency question is interesting, but this thread started out addressing carry.

 

[hso]

You're correct and I'm guilty of having drifted off of that topic.

 

[sharkman]

Hyatt Ohare in Rosemont is not posted...