New Mexico: Alias in Hotel Registry

[shadeofmidnight]

I am writing a book, and the protagonist signed into a hotel registry under an alias and paid cash. Later, he will be talking to a detective who knows this is the case. Is it illegal in the state of New Mexico to sign into a hotel registry using an alias? Someone told me it would be criminal impersonation, but if he did not impersonate a real person or use this identity to commit fraud or engage in any illegal activity, would it really be criminal impersonation?

Of course, advice in terms of any state would be helpful, but seeing as how the sequence takes place in New Mexico, that's what I am most concerned with. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated!

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Celebrities book hotel rooms under false names all the time.

[Citicop]

That's not illegal anywhere I'm aware of.

But ever tried to rent a hotel room without a credit card? I don't know of a reputable hotel that will do that anymore...

Citicop.

[shadeofmidnight]

That's what I was thinking. I just wanted to get an outside opinion before I wrote it.

[shadeofmidnight]

I know what you mean, Citicop. Luckily, the hotel in the book isn't exactly a major chain. It's a privately owned location in the middle of the desert.