The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) allows sex trafficking survivors to sue hotels and other commercial enterprises that "knowingly benefit" from trafficking. Hundreds of survivors have sued major hotel chains — Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham, Best Western, Choice Hotels — alleging front desk staff observed clear trafficking indicators (multiple men visiting the same room, rooms rented in cash, minors present) and did nothing. Several hotel chains have settled; active litigation continues.
TVPA § 1595 creates civil liability for anyone who "knowingly benefits" from trafficking while participating in a venture they knew or should have known was engaged in trafficking. Hotels benefit financially from room rentals used for trafficking. The "should have known" standard is relatively plaintiff-friendly — obvious red flags at check-in are sufficient.
TVPA (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) claims against hotel brands and franchisors allege the properties benefited from and facilitated sex trafficking. Marriott, Wyndham, Choice Hotels, and others are defendants. Cases proceed individually or in state court coordination.