Is it legal for the hotel to collect the deposit?

Legal analysis: it is legal for hotels to collect deposits. Whether renting a house, staying in a hotel or renting a bicycle in a scenic spot, the purpose of paying the "deposit" is: 1) to ensure that the lessee can use the leased property such as the house, room and bicycle correctly and reasonably, and 2) to give priority to the party receiving the deposit when the ancillary facilities and bicycles in the house are damaged.

Legal basis: Article 425 of the Civil Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) guarantees the performance of the debt. If the debtor or a third party gives his chattel to the creditor for possession, if the debtor fails to perform the due debt or realize the pledge according to the agreement of the parties, the creditor has the right to be paid in priority for the chattel. The debtor or the third party specified in the preceding paragraph is the pledger, the creditor is the pledgee, and the delivered movable property is the pledged property.