Short answer: Usually yes — hotels need public-performance licenses for music played in common/public areas (lobbies, bars, restaurants, pool, fitness center, event/meeting spaces, elevators, etc.). The obligation comes from federal copyright law and is normally fulfilled by buying blanket licenses from the performing‑rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR) or by using a commercial music service that includes those rights. (law.cornell.edu)

What matters (summary):

• Public performance vs. private/in‑room: Music played where the public or non‑guests can hear it (or where a “substantial number of persons” outside a normal social circle gathers) is a public performance and requires permission. Guest‑room TV/music for an individual guest is generally treated differently than music in common areas. (law.cornell.edu)
• Narrow statutory exemption: There is a narrow exception in 17 U.S.C. §110(5) for retransmitting a broadcast on a “single receiving apparatus of a kind commonly used in private homes” and only if strict limits on TVs/speakers, screen size, and no cover charge are met. Most hotels do not qualify for that exemption because they use multi‑speaker systems, multiple TVs, large screens, or commercial sound systems. (law.cornell.edu)
• Consumer subscriptions are not enough: Personal Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, etc., are licensed only for private use — playing them over a hotel sound system or in public areas is a violation of their terms and of copyright law. Use a business‑licensed streaming provider (Pandora for Business, Soundtrack/SoundMachine, SiriusXM Music for Business, etc.) or obtain the PRO licenses yourself. (bmi.com)

Typical practical approach for hotels:

1. Audit where and how music is played (lobby, bars/restaurants, pool, gyms, elevators, TVs in public areas, music‑on‑hold, live bands, events).
2. Decide: buy blanket licenses from the PROs (ASCAP/BMI/SESAC/GMR) that cover live and recorded public performance, and/or subscribe to a commercial music provider that bundles those rights. Many hotels buy blanket PRO licenses to cover the whole property. (bmi.com)
3. For special events, DJs, live bands or paid performances, make sure contracts allocate licensing responsibility or that the venue’s licenses cover the use.
4. Keep records of licenses and receipts; if you use a vendor, get written confirmation they cover PRO licensing.
5. If you’re unsure whether the §110(5) exemption might apply (rare for larger properties), get legal advice — the exemption is fact‑specific (speaker counts, screen size, layout). (law.cornell.edu)

Consequences and enforcement: PROs and copyright owners do enforce rights (audits, license demands, lawsuits). To avoid risk, either obtain the appropriate PRO licenses or use a service explicitly licensed for commercial/hospitality use. (bmi.com)

If you want, I can:

• Draft a short checklist you can use to audit your property (rooms/zones, speakers, TVs, events).
• Find contact links and typical license cost ranges for ASCAP/BMI/SESAC and a few business streaming services.

(If you need formal legal advice about a specific property, dates, or contracts, consult an attorney — the statute and its exemptions are fact‑specific.)