Gordy,
Technically they have no authority to ask, and there is no requirement for me to supply, it or even provide the correct information. This would then basically make a mockery of the whole thing (not unless they were a Police Officer)
It's not as if someone up to 'no good' is realistically going to provide the correct credentials, assuming of course they were stupid enough to arrive in such an attention drawing style, and in a public place.
I can see the conversation now.
Hotel Manager "Excuse me sir, would you mind answering a few questions about your machine gun-toting, missile laden helicopter. I'm going to need your name, point of departure and purpose of your journey "
Pilot "No problem, Osama bin Laden, departed from a secret location somewhere in the U.K and the purpose of my visit - Terrorism."
Hotel Manager "Thank you sir, enjoy your stay."
Joel