Hotel Security
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Tips for Travelers
Whether traveling on business or pleasure it may become necessary to
stay overnight in a hotel or motel. Your hotel room becomes your
home for the night and is your
sanctuary
while you sleep. It is important to give some thought about
security, and what hotel or motel you select, and what room you are
willing to accept. The cost of the hotel room is not always the
best predictor of how safe the room or property will be. There are
a few security rules that should apply to any hotel room you rent.
Always request a room on an upper floor, if possible. Ground floor
rooms are
more vulnerable
to crime problems because of access and ease of escape. In a
high-rise building, rooms above the fifth floor are usually safer
than those below, again because of accessibility and ease of
escape. Also, rooms not adjacent to fire stairs are safer
from room invaders because they use them for escape. Criminals do
not want to be trapped on an upper floor inside a high-rise hotel.
High-rise buildings usually have fewer access points and is easier
for the hotel staff to monitor who passes through the lobby after
hours.
Hotel or motel rooms should be equipped with a
solid
core
wood or metal door for best protection. Room doors
should have a deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt. If the
lock appears worn or there are pry marks around the lock area, get
another room or move to another hotel. The knob-lock should be
hotel-style where you can push a button on the inside knob and block
out all keys. This feature is designed to prevent a former guest or
housekeeper from entering the room once you are safely inside.
Hotels with electronic card access has the advantage of being able
to disable former keycards issued to previous guests. The room door
should have a wide-angle peephole so you can view who is at the door
before opening.
Do
not
open your door
to someone who knocks unannounced. Some criminals will pretend to
be a bellman, room service, maintenance, or even hotel security to
gain admittance to your room. Always call the front desk to confirm
their status with the hotel and only open the door if you requested
the service. Do not rely on door chains or swing bars to
secure the doors while you partially open the door to speak
someone. These are often unreliable security devices. Teach your
children not
to open the door to any hotel room without knowing
the person on the other side and without your permission.
Make sure all windows and sliding doors are secured, if they are
accessible from the ground. It is a good idea to pull on all
windows and glass doors to test if they are secure.
Beware
of balconies where someone can climb from one to
another and enter through an open window or sliding door. If the
windows or sliding doors are not securable, ask for another room or
find another hotel. If your room has an adjoining door to an
adjacent room, check it to see that it is secured with a deadbolt
lock. If it is questionable, ask for another room.
If
you are a woman traveling alone or with small children, take
advantage of car valet service, if available to avoid the parking
lot. After checking-in ask the bellman or desk clerk to escort you
to your room. After unlocking the room, quickly inspect the
closets, under the bed, and bathroom including behind the shower
curtain
before
the
bellman leaves. Tip the bellman for his efforts.
Put
the
Do Not Disturb
sign on the doorknob even when you are away, this deters room
burglars (it may affect housekeeping service, however). Turn on the
TV or radio just loud enough to hear through the door to give the
appearance that the room is occupied. Leave one light on inside the
room if you will return after dark. This helps you see upon
re-entry and gives the room the appearance of occupancy from the
outside. Always go through the room inspection routine ever time
you re-enter.
When you find a suitable hotel that meets your standards and will
cater to your needs try to stick with it or with the same hotel
chain. Don't be afraid to complain to management to get the safe
room you deserve.
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Always request a
room on an upper floor, if possible
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A solid door
with a good deadbolt lock is best
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Electronic card
access locks help limit access
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Make sure your
door has a peephole and night latch and use it
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Turn on the TV
or radio just loud enough to hear through the door
-
Turn on a single
light in the room if you plan to return after dark
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Inspect the room
hiding places upon entering and check all locks
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Ask the bellman
for an escort and use valet parking if alone
I hope
you found these ideas helpful |
