Each year, thousands of travelers stay at hotels while on vacation or during business trips. Use the guidelines that follow to ensure a safe hotel stay the next time you travel.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
When you decide on a destination, research the area and begin your search for suitable lodging. Look for low-crime zones, easy access to freeways and structures with well-lit parking lots. Also, pay close attention to guidebook recommendations and suggestions from family and friends—rarely will someone willingly endorse a place they don’t find desirable.
When you’ve found the hotel you want to stay in, call the reservation desk and request a room on a floor low to the ground, but not at the bottom level. You won’t want to be too high up in the structure in case of a fire, but you also don’t want to be on the first floor where theft is most common.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Look for parking near the main entrance and preferably under a light. If you’ll be going in and out of the hotel at night, you don’t want to have to walk too far and you have less chance of being mugged or attacked if you’re lit up where passersby may see.
Also, many hotels require your room key to open the main entrance after hours. This is a fantastic safety measure, however, be cautious of strangers that may follow you in as you gain access.
IN THE CAR
You shouldn’t leave any visible valuables in your car at a hotel, period. Thieves know that folks pack nice clothes, electronic equipment and extra money while they’re on vacation. If you can’t fit everything into your trunk, carry it to your room. Also, if your vehicle allows access to the trunk from the back seat, keep everything with you at all times.
AT THE FRONT DESK
Refuse any room keys you won’t need and if any strangers are standing within earshot of you, don’t allow the attendant to say the number of your room aloud. It is typically written on the envelope that contains your key and they can point to that.
GETTING HELP WITH YOUR BAGS
It’s nice to have a well-meaning bell hop help with your bags, and it’s okay to let them, but stay with them for the duration if you do. Hotel staff is almost always trustworthy, but if they get the bags confused with another party, or leave them unattended, evildoers may take that opportunity to steal from you.
YOU’RE INSIDE—NOW WHAT?
Check the room—if anything seems like it’s been disturbed, alert the desk immediately and ask to change rooms.
If you’re room is fine, locate the fire escape route and gauge how far you would have to jump if the window was your only option during an emergency. Also, if there is a safe in the room, transfer all of your valuable belongings (extra cash, plane tickets) into it. Don’t forget to keep your identification and/or passport on your person at all times. And, while you’re inside the room, lock all of the locks. They’re there for a reason.
WHEN YOU GO OUT
When you leave, turn your TV on to make it sound like someone is home. Thieves that pass by won’t even consider stopping if they think a guest is in the room. You may also want to hang a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door—which will also make it appear to be inhabited.
WHILE YOU’RE OUT
If you’re making friends on your trip, don’t give them unneccessary information. You should never share with strangers what room you’re staying in or what your hotel phone number is (which sometimes reveals the room). Use your cell phone to communicate or obtain their number and call them.
WHEN YOUR BACK IN FOR THE NIGHT
If you got the room you asked for, you’ll most likely be taking elevators to get there. If you suspect someone with you on the elevator is following you, push the button of a floor that has a restaurant or fitness center and depart there. If they get out on the same floor, go to one of those public places and remain in the company of others until the person is gone. Don’t escape to a stairwell or down a dead end hall. Keep your wits about you and only proceed to your room when you feel safe. If you can’t shake the feeling that this person is up to no good, report what you experienced to the front desk or security.
INSIDE YOUR ROOM
Be aware of uninvited guests. Room service, housekeeping, or other legitimate visitors may come knocking, but always check your peephole before opening the door. If someone claims their ‘maintenance’ or ‘security’ and you haven’t been warned they need to enter the room, call the front desk and verify that they sent someone. Even if the person is in uniform that doesn’t mean that they’re legitimate.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you hear a fire alarm or smell smoke, attempt to exit the room per the instructions on your door. If you can see flames burning in the direction you’re headed, try to find an alternate route or wave a signal out your window for help. At no time during a fire should you use the elevator—always opt for the stairwell unless you have a disability that prevents you from it.
WHEN YOU CHECK OUT
As you leave the hotel, double-check the safe, drawers, nightstands and any other places you may have left belongings. Forgetting important items can lead others to your personal information or simply make an attractive find for thieves.
If possible, try to leave in the daylight hours so you are not vulnerable as you transport your belongings to your car.
Erring on the side of caution can make a world of difference when you travel.
