We’ll Leave the Light on for you – Hotel Safety

Are you going on vacation? Or, perhaps, traveling for business? If so, you may be making a hotel room your “home away from home.” Hotel safety should be an important consideration.

While it may lack the comforts of home, a hotel shouldn’t lack the security. Keep these safety tips in mind the next time you travel.

Check-In

Limit the amount of personal information you provide to the front desk agent or in conversation with others.

You don’t know who could be nearby, and what they may have in mind. Take note of anyone watching you or listening intently to your conversation.

Tips

• Ask the front desk staff to write down your room number rather than saying it aloud.
• Sign any documents with your last name and first name’s initial. Women traveling alone are frequently targeted by criminals, so this will make it difficult for someone to determine gender.
• Be careful with your credit card information. Provide the card to the front desk agent, but make sure it doesn’t sit out on a desk for too long.

Your Room

If possible, avoid motels with exterior doors. These provide no barrier between you and the outside world. If you do stay at a motel, request a room that is above the ground floor.

Tips

• If someone knocks on your door that you weren’t expecting, check with the front desk before opening the door.
• If you order food, don’t mark your first/last name or number of room occupants on the pre-order menu that hangs from your door. This reveals too much personal information to passersby.
• Secure your valuables in the room or front desk safe. You can also purchase a portable safe to bring with you.
• Leave a pair of shoes near your bed in case you have to rush out in the night. Make sure your phone, keys and wallet are on the bedside table or within reach.
• Add another layer of protection by purchasing a travel lock or door jammer. These locks are inexpensive and can be placed on doors to prevent them from being kicked in. Some of these locks even have alarms that will sound if someone is trying to break in.

What to Look For in a Hotel

Before you book, do a little research. Websites are great for photos, reviews and amenities, but may lack the information you seek when it comes to hotel safety.

Don’t hesitate to contact the hotel if you have specific questions or concerns.

Secure hotels should have:

• Modern locks that are electronic rather than key-based. Most electronic locks automatically change the lock combination with every new guest, ensuring no one else has access to your room.
• Well-lit hallways, stairwells, parking lots and exterior areas that are equipped with fire alarms, sprinklers and fire exits.
• The elevators in the parking garage should only access the lobby, not guest floors.
• Well-maintained exterior areas that enhance visibility.
• Doors with deadbolt locks and a peephole.
• A working room phone that allows outside calls.

Let us ensure you are safe and secure! Contact us a 281-506-8466 or visit us online!

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay