Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 17: Loss by guest; negligence and violation of regulations as defense

Section 17. An innholder against whom a claim is made for loss sustained by a guest may show that such loss is attributable to the negligence of the guest or to his failure to comply with the regulations of the inn, if they are reasonable and proper and are shown to have been duly brought to the notice of the guest by the innholder.