The Ins and Outs of Video Surveillance Guidelines in the Hospitality Industry
Whether you’re a seasoned pro at installing hotel security systems or just starting your research, understanding the security camera requirements for hotels is essential.
Installing security cameras helps deter criminal activity, supports police investigations, and keeps your staff and guests safer than in properties without surveillance.
Read on to learn where hotels should and shouldn’t place cameras—and how to stay compliant with the law while protecting your business.
What is a Security Camera?
A security camera monitors and records activity in or around a residential or commercial building to protect people and assets. Hotels, motels, and resorts use them to track movement and reduce risk in high-traffic areas.
Hotel security teams often monitor multiple feeds at once from a central control room. They can quickly communicate with guards stationed throughout the property to prevent crimes or monitor vulnerable areas.
These systems capture live footage and store it for future use. While you may not review the recordings regularly, they can be crucial when investigating guest complaints or suspicious activity—especially if you don’t have security staff onsite full-time.
Where are Security Cameras Required?
Hotels, motels, inns, lodges, and similar properties must place cameras in public areas to help protect guests and staff. From the moment someone enters the lobby, they should be on camera—unless there’s a malfunction, which most guests wouldn’t notice.
Cameras should monitor:
- Lobbies and entrances
- Hallways and elevators
- Parking lots
- Recreation spaces like pools and gyms
Footage from parking lot cameras can help resolve incidents like theft, vandalism, or collisions. In recreational areas, recordings can be critical in understanding events such as injuries, accidents, or drownings.
In all these cases, video evidence can offer clarity when no one witnesses an incident firsthand.
Where are Security Cameras Not Allowed?
As much as hotels need surveillance, they also need to respect legal privacy boundaries. That means you cannot install cameras inside hotel rooms—including bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, or any other area where guests expect privacy. Recording in these spaces is illegal.
You also need to consider camera placement carefully:
- You can mount a camera on a balcony facing outward to monitor public spaces like a parking lot.
- You cannot point that camera toward the inside of a hotel room.
- If your cameras rotate, ensure none of their angles capture private interiors.
Surveillance belongs in public and common areas only. Avoid any space where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
For more on proper placement, check out our post: Should Hotel Lobbies and Hallways Have Security Cameras?
Types and Features of Security Cameras
State-of-the-Art Systems
We recommend top-tier systems like Verkada, Dahua Technology, and Ubiquiti Networks. These brands meet hospitality industry requirements and scale easily with properties of any size.
Hybrid Cloud-Video Surveillance
A hybrid system gives you flexibility. Choose between:
- On-site video storage, where footage stays local
- Cloud-based storage, ideal if you don’t want or can’t support physical storage
Both options offer reliability and easy access to footage.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
PoE systems keep recording during internet outages by using Ethernet cables to power the cameras and store footage locally. Once service returns, the system uploads the stored data to your network—protecting you from losing footage during storms or other disruptions.
Real-Time Analytics
Look for systems with:
- Searchable footage to quickly find key events
- Real-time alerts so you’re notified of issues as they happen
These features eliminate the need to manually comb through hours of video.
Choosing the Right Security System for Your Hotel
Selecting a surveillance system that fits your property’s size, layout, and guest needs is key to maintaining safety and compliance. Look for providers that understand the unique requirements of the hospitality industry and offer scalable, modern solutions.
Features like cloud or hybrid storage, Power over Ethernet, real-time alerts, and intelligent search functions can help streamline operations and improve response times in the event of an incident.
If you’re exploring new or upgraded video surveillance security options, Groove Technology Solutions offers a range of systems that align with hotel industry standards. Their team can help you evaluate the right features and technologies to meet your property’s goals. Reach out to learn more or to request an estimate tailored to your needs.
