Today, travel is no picnic. After you have stumbled into the lobby, you may be tired and dirty and in a hurry to get to work, catch up on some sleep, or finish the first task on your agenda. Even though hotel safety is not on your mind, you should remain vigilant.
While hotels are just as safe as other types of lodging, they are still very important factors you should consider when planning a trip. Several strategies can help you get the most out of your stay.
When You Arrive
One of the most important factors you should consider when planning a trip is keeping your bags close to you while walking into the lobby. This will allow you to keep track of your items and prevent them from being stolen.
According to some safety experts, you should stay between the third and sixth floors, as these are the areas where rooms are higher enough to prevent easy break-ins.
Check-In
Most reputable hotels do not announce room numbers or names, but this is still a common issue. If this is the case, you should ask for another room. It is important to note that you are never sure who is listening in, and your room number is personal.
Make sure to keep your credit card off the counter, as it is very easy for thieves to take the numbers with a digital camera.
Make sure to have two business cards with the hotel’s name and address. One should be placed in your room, and the other should be in your wallet, purse, or pocket. This will allow you to keep track of your location and ensure that you are not mistakenly taken to the wrong hotel.
In Your Room
If you have a porter or a valet accompanying you to your room, you should block the door open. Before you close the door, look in the closet, the shower, and behind the curtains.
Ensure the door is working properly, and lock it whenever you are in the room. Having a properly functioning door can help prevent unauthorized entry.
A door wedge can also be used to secure the door. Crooks often target hotels that have good access to spare room keys, as they are not always caught and have no record. Some would wait until you are in the shower before robbing or attacking you.
If an alarm goes off, you should have a flashlight or a light by the bed to help you find your way around the building if the electricity goes out.
Checking Out
You should also lock all your electronics, such as your laptop, in the room safe. Modern hotels have safes that allow you to select your combination, which is safer than having keys.
You should request a receipt to ensure that the hotel covers your losses. Most hotels don’t accept liability for the items left in the guest room safes.
If you don’t have your room key or entry card, you should report it to the hotel. You shouldn’t assume that you lost it, as someone with bad intent could have stolen it.