Gardin v. Emporia Hotels, Inc.

Pierron, J.:

Alfred L. Gardin appeals the district court’s summary judgment in favor of Emporia Hotels, Inc. (Emporia Hotels).

Emporia Hotels owns and operates the University Inn (motel). Mike Patel became the manager of the motel when Emporia Hotels purchased it in December 1997. Patel regularly worked at night between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

From the motel’s front desk, Patel could see the enclosed glass entrance to the lobby. Patel kept the doors to the lobby locked during his shift. If a person looked like he or she wanted to rent a room after hours, Patel would unlock the doors to the entrance…