I recall reading (a long time ago) that if you are checked into a hotel and need to stay past the reservation date, they are not permitted to throw you out.
I ask because I was about to make a Thursday - Sunday reservation and see that Saturday night is blocked out. I'd like to know if I check in Thursday, but try to stay past Saturday checkout, if the rules for hotels allow me to stay. This is a US question, and of course, I'm paying for the room.
Update - The North Carolina law states -
A written statement setting forth the time period during which a guest may occupy an assigned room, signed or initialed by the guest, shall be deemed a valid contract, and at the expiration of such time period the lodger may be restrained from entering and any property of the guest may be removed by the innkeeper without liability, except for damages to or loss of such property attributable to its removal.
So, yes, it's by state, and no, I can't stay. Will book hotel a few blocks away.