Marriott:Hackers accessed more than 5 million passport numbers during November's massive data breach

[BannonsLiver]

3. More of an international thing

I’m not sure if american hotels require them for international travelers, but almost everywhere I’ve stayed in Europe requests my passport number at check in. I think it’s ridiculous and outmoded, but there it is. In the olden day’s you apparently had to leave your passport at the front desk for the duration of your stay. Both are pointless excercises IMO. I’ve heard reasons ranging from taxes to security when I’ve asked why they neee the number. I’m not sure the hotels themselves know anymore.