Between 1970 and 1980 I used to visit Italy on business frequently.
The hotels always wanted to see my passport and used to take it and hand it back later.
On one occasion they gave me someone else's passport, so after that I always insisted that they took the details they required while I waited.
Also, when visiting suppliers' factories, the receptionist was instructed to take my passport before I was able to enter the factory.
To avoid losing my passport, I always gave them a photocopy of my passport.
One supplier told me that if I wanted a lady to visit me in my hotel room, all I had to do do was to ask for "una coperta estra " (an extra blanket).. an excellent euphemism.
I didn't.