There are unresolved questions over photography in public vs. private spaces. In the United States, a photographer is generally allowed to photograph virtually anything (except, apparently, child pronography and sensitive infrastructure, the photographing of which might constitute a terrorist threat) as long as the photographer is not trespassing on private (including government) property. That's not to say what the photographer can do with the images--there are privacy, copyright, trade mark, etc. concerns when it comes to publication.

An interesting question arises when "private" property takes on "public" characteristics. Do first amendment protections apply in some cases? In 2003, the Supreme Court let stand an appeals court ruling that the LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) could not restrict speech in a "public" square that Salt Lake City had given to the Mormon Church. I have often wondered whether the courts might extend such rights to quasi-public venues such as large shopping malls that are privately owned, but treated almost like public gathering places.

Hotels are generally privately owned. But within the hotel, there are "private" spaces (e.g. guest rooms) and "public" spaces (e.g. the lobby and sometimes ballrooms or meeting rooms). If a hotel welcomes the public in its "public" spaces, for celebrations, meetings, weddings, etc., should it be required to grant first amendment rights to the public using such spaces?

On a related question, if a hotel guest rents a room, shouldn't that guest automatically be licensed to carry and store "professional" equipment in that room and transport it through the hotel?

I had a first time experience recently. My wife and I recently stayed at the Fairmont Princess hotel in Scottsdale, AZ. We were there about 12 days. On the second to last day I was stopped by hotel security and told I was not allowed to have “professional cameras” on property. I sad a Sony a9 with a 200-600 mm lens. The property is beautiful with lots of wildlife to shoot. I’ve stayed there 4 or 5 times in the past with no problems. Security told me only cell phones were allowed.
I went and talked to a manager and was told that policy has been in effect for about 10 years. The manager further stated that no pro camera policies are in effect at almost all hotels. Something to do with social media and private property. Maybe they think I’m going to take some sort of voyeur shots. I don’t know. All the staff at the hotel were unaware of the policy and were dumbfounded when I told them what I was told. Never saw it expressed on their website either.
Any one else ever run into this issue?

I had a first time experience recently. My wife and I recently stayed at the Fairmont Princess hotel in Scottsdale, AZ. We were there about 12 days. On the second to last day I was stopped by hotel security and told I was not allowed to have “professional cameras” on property. I sad a Sony a9 with a 200-600 mm lens. The property is beautiful with lots of wildlife to shoot. I’ve stayed there 4 or 5 times in the past with no problems. Security told me only cell phones were allowed.
I went and talked to a manager and was told that policy has been in effect for about 10 years. The manager further stated that no pro camera policies are in effect at almost all hotels. Something to do with social media and private property. Maybe they think I’m going to take some sort of voyeur shots. I don’t know. All the staff at the hotel were unaware of the policy and were dumbfounded when I told them what I was told. Never saw it expressed on their website either.
Any one else ever run into this issue?