Spending the night away from home in an unfamiliar hotel creates a nature feeling of vulnerability. Crooks prey on travelers by exploiting this unfamiliarity. The key is to be aware of the risk and to prepare. Some intruders plan to enter while you are await from the hotel room while others plan to invade rooms at night when the hotel staffing levels are lowest. A few simple tips can guard against both type of intruders.
To Start, choose a secure hotel. Here are a few simple conditions to evaluate your accommodations: Well-lit access to the building with electronic locks securing common doors. Well-lit hallways and walk-ways around the building. Hotel staff on premise throughout the day and night. An electronic door, swipe card lock, to your room. Solid core wood or metal room doors with peepholes and deadbolt locks. Deadbolts on any connecting doors between rooms.
After you are satisfied with the hotel’s general security. Now, you need to think through the selection of the room. As a rule, ask for a room on an upper floor, near the center of the hotel away from fire stairs and not isolated on an end. Rooms near the elevator bays come with more noise but are centrally located and normally well-lit.
The next step is to secure the room. Here’s a couple of tips to consider. Bell hop; you may wish to have a member of the hotel staff accompany you to your room. (remember to tip accordingly). Check the room; verify that the closets and bathroom are clear, check to ensure any sliding glass doors, windows or adjoining doors are locked. Shut your door; ensure it latches securely and use the deadbolt.
As you come and go throughout your stay, a couple of best practices to consider. Make sure to double check your room door when exiting to ensure the latch engages. Also, turn on a light and leave the television on when you are way. Use the main entrance when returning late in the evening. Never open the door to a knock when you are not expecting visitors. If you are unsure, call the front desk to verify hotel staff members before opening the door. When you are away, place the ‘Do Not Disturb” sign on your door and just call housekeeping when you return to receive maid service.
Be aware of the risk and stay prepared. It’s your safety, take charge of it.