16 Tips for a Safe Hotel Stay

When staying in a hotel, safety and security should be your top priority. Although it’s impossible to list every single safety tip, there are some common sense precautions that you can take to lessen the likelihood that you’ll be a victim –whether of a crime or an unfortunate accident.

1. When traveling in the hotel van or shuttle, wear the seatbelts provided.  In most states it’s the law.  If the seatbelts is inoperative, let the driver know.
2. If the hotel is unfamiliar to you, and you are at all uncertain of your whereabouts, ask to be escorted to your room.  Have the hotel point out the location of elevators, emergency exits and evacuation routes.
3. When you get to your room, take a look around and note where the fire exits are and how you will get there in the event of an emergency.  Make a note of which direction you will need to go if you come out of your room, and approximately how many doors away you will need to go.  In the event of darkness or smoke, this is information that can help keep you from getting turned around.
4. Note where the in-room sprinklers are.  They should be there and look in good working order. If note, call the front desk and ask to be moved to another room.
5. Check to see if the phone in your room is in working order.  Call the hotel operator or front desk to verify.  With all our laptops and gadgets we frequently don’t use the room phone, but it’s important to know that it will work in case of emergency.
6. When inside your room, use all locks.  Most rooms have a primary lock (often automatically enabled when the door closes), and an additional deadbolt.  Be sure to check for sliding glass doors and opening windows as well.
7. Some people like leaving the do not disturb signing hanging on the door to make it appear that they are in their room – even if they’re not.  I’m not a fan of this option, as it’s far too easy to determine if the room is really empty.  Another technique is to leave the radio or television on to make it seem like someone is in the room.
8. If you are returning to or arriving at the hotel late at night, feel free to request an escort to your room.
9. If the front desk announces your room number, request another room.  Hotel employees should be properly trained to NEVER do this.
10. Never mention that you are traveling alone.  Avoid the question altogether, or simply say you are meeting up with a friend.
11. Do not hang the “make up room” sign on the door of your room.  If you need maid service, call housekeeping with your request.
12. Use the room safe for valuables when leaving the room.  Many are now large enough to put your laptop and other electronics in it.
13. If you hear a disturbance, avoid the natural tendency to rush to a window to look out.  In times of serious violence or calamity, being away from the window (and invisible) is a better option.
14. Watch the volume of your voice in conversations and on your cell phone.  It’s easy to eavesdrop for information that shouldn’t be public knowledge.
15. If you find yourself in a serious situation, keep conversation to a minimum to safeguard your hiding place.  When calling for help, speak slowly but quietly to let rescuers, but no one else, know your location.
16. If you are going out exploring, ask the hotel concierge or front desk about the neighborhood you’re interested in.  Get information about whether it’s safe to be walking there, especially if you’re alone.

There’s no reason to be afraid to travel, nor to travel alone.  As a frequent solo traveler, I enjoy getting out and exploring the city around me, and have never encountered a major problem.  Just use the common sense, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Photo credit: SXC