Hotel Safety and Security

When traveling and staying in a hotel, it is extremely important to make sure that you are safe. Sometimes individuals feel a false sense of security depending on their location. At other times, people simply may not be aware of the dangers that exist in certain surroundings. Nevertheless, personal safety should always be of utmost importance and you can take specific actions to better guarantee that you are not harmed.

Choice of Lodging

First and foremost, you should take particular care in selecting the best possible lodging. I recommend staying only at facilities that have indoor access to rooms. When you choose rooms with immediate access to the outside world, you subject yourself to greater danger. Choose a hotel facility with a lobby and inside access to rooms. When making a reservation, kindly ask if there are cameras or security workers on the premise. It may be a bit more expensive to stay in these safer hotels, but it certainly is worth your personal security to pay a little extra.

Inform Others

Before departing for your hotel stay, inform others of where you will be staying. Upon arrival, phone in and let others know that you have arrived as well as your room number. If you have multiple days that you are going to be away and lots of movement during your stay, check in with others periodically to let them know you are doing alright.

Parking

Try to arrive during daylight hours if possible. If you are in unfamiliar territory, be sure to park in a well lighted area and close to the lobby entrance. Avoid dark areas and parking spots far away from the building. If the hotel provides a security guard, request an escort. Do not forget to remove any valuable items and lock your car door.

Room Selection

I personally recommend a high floor and at the center of the hallway. By all means, stay off the first floor if you can. The bottom level floors have far more traffic and outsiders have easier access to lower floors. Lower floor windows also offer entrances for intruders. Higher floors at the center of a hallway provide much more of a headache for some misfit or robber to get to you. They will probably have to pass too many people and risk being seen. Likewise, they are not apt to want to climb if your room is at a higher level. At all costs, stay away from the rooms at the end of halls and next to stairs. Also, as a good precaution, request a room that does not have a doorway to an adjoining room. Finally, never show your room key in public and never identify your room number.

Lock Doors

This one may seem obvious, but some people really do fail to close and lock their hotel door properly. Whenever you enter your room, check the closets and bathroom and then close and lock your door and set the security lock. I also recommend purchasing a small travel door alarm. This can be hung on the door or window and will wake you if someone happens to enter your room. Without the alarm, you can also wedge a chair next to the door at bedtime.

Do Not Open the Door

Do not open the door once you are inside. Many tricksters and scam artists have devised ways to try to get hotel guests to open their doors. Do not fall for any of these illegal actions. If you did not call for room service or assistance, keep your door closed. All quality hotel residences will have workers with badges, uniforms, or both. Have anyone coming into your room be fully identified.

Play the Television and Radio

When you are absent from your room, it is always a good idea to have some noise taking place. A few tunes from the radio or a movie playing tells a would be intruder that someone may be present. This often will deter illegal entry into your room if you are not there. The great thing about a hotel room is that you do not have to pay any additional costs for electricity used.

The Maid

If you have the opportunity, meet the maid or cleaning person face-to-face and greet them. Establishing contact, believe it or not, can create a small bond that can be beneficial. Provide a small tip for the maid and always leave a kind note. The maid will be more inclined not to bother any of your belongings and will most likely look out for you and your personal possessions.

Safety Items and Behavior

When lodging at a hotel, try to be with a group of people when traveling back and forth through the halls and lobby. Try as much as possible to never look lost or like an outsider. Report any suspicious people or activities to the front desk immediately. Always have a whistle and pepper spray with you while in your room. If you have a major emergency, these two items can be very useful. Also, if you absolutely find yourself in a bind, pull the nearest fire alarm and shout fire. This will certainly draw attention to any situation you are experiencing. Shouting for help may not yield the results you are seeking from other guests.

Overall, take a few simple precautions and you will help secure yourself when staying in a hotel. Remember, any hotel can be a dangerous place. It does not matter if it is a five star resort or mom and pop establishment. It is always up to you to make certain you are fully protected.