Staying Safe During A Hotel Stay With These Key Points
Staying safe during a hotel stay is extremely important. Surprisingly, however, many travelers overlook accommodation-related safety issues when they’re on the road. Don’t allow yourself to do the same thing. Take a few minutes to read the following information. Doing so puts you that much closer to a completely positive (and safe) hotel stay.
These tips for staying safe during a hotel stay work equally well if you are traveling with a group or heading out on a solo travel adventure. Let’s get started.
Staying Safe During A Hotel Stay Starts At Arrival & Check-In
Depending on how far you’ve traveled, there’s a good chance you’ll be tired when you arrive at your hotel destination. This is all the more reason to remain as alert as possible, at least until you climb into your (hopefully comfy) bed.
I always recommend parking your car under a streetlight in the parking lot. With any luck, the more modern the hotel, the more chance there is that there are also security cameras on the light posts. This is an especially handy tip if you are leaving your vehicle at the hotel and flying somewhere else.
Experts recommend that you request a room located higher than the ground floor. These same experts go on to explain that somewhere between the third and sixth floors is ideal. Why? The rooms on these floors are high enough to avoid someone breaking in and low enough to be reached, by ladder, in the event of a fire.
Resist the temptation to walk into the hotel before your luggage. In fact, during check-in, it’s best to stay as close your bags as possible. This prevents the likelihood of your belongings getting stolen if you become momentarily distracted. I tend to enter first, and my husband has our luggage behind me and in front of him.
Never inadvertently set your credit card on the counter. In today’s digital world, it’s extremely easy for someone to snap a quick photo of it and then use the card for fraudulent purposes. When the desk clerk hands it back to you, make sure it belongs to you and not someone else. I recommend prepaying for your room whenever possible, so the only thing you will have to show is your ID.
Key Safety Tips Once You Reach Your Room
When you get to your room, there are several things you can do to help to ensure your safety. First of all, block open the door with your body or a heavy suitcase and look around the room.
Check the shower, the closet area and behind the curtains before you close the door. You can easily go one step further and request that a staff member accompany you to your room to perform the check. Since we usually travel as a couple, this isn’t an issue.
Pay close attention to the door lock. Make sure it is fully functioning. Don’t stay in a room that doesn’t have a deadbolt. Always use the deadbolt when in the room. This happened to us one time when we were visiting our son at college, I immediately called the front desk and they sent someone right up to replace it.
Invest in a door wedge to use at night or when you’re in the shower. Many criminals wait until they hear water running to try to break into a room. Keep a flashlight near your bed. In the event of a power outage, this makes it easier to navigate an unfamiliar building.
And some obvious, but common things people may forget:
- Don’t answer your door without verifying who it is
- Never, ever invite strangers into your room
- Keep your room key with you at all times, and put it away when you are in your room
- Stay alert for phone scams to hotel rooms
- Locate the nearest emergency exit to your room
- If something seems off, call hotel security and let them handle it
Ways For Staying Safe During Your Hotel Stay When Leaving Your Room
Each time you leave your room, ask that your valuables be put in the hotel safe. If the hotel doesn’t have a safe, consider making reservations elsewhere. Always carry your passport with you if you’re using one.
If you lose your room key, ask to be moved to a new room. There is no way to be sure that you simply misplaced it. It’s always possible that someone actually took it. While it is a rare occurrence, I feel it is something you should keep in mind.
Staying Safe Continues After Check-Out
Keep in mind, once you leave the hotel, you could still be subject to harm. If possible, try to leave when it is light out. If you have an early flight, take the provided hotel shuttle. If you have to park at the hotel, have a member of security escort you to your car for added safety.
Now that we’ve covered some of the simple things you can do to ensure a safe hotel stay, why not plan your next getaway? There are some great hotel deals out there, just waiting for you. Remember, as long as you follow this advice, chances are you’ll never have to deal with a negative hotel or motel experience in future.
More Travel Tips For Awesome Vacation Adventures
Excellent tips Jennifer for staying safe during a hotel stay and so glad you’re the newest co-host at SSPS (Welcome)! Saw it at SSPS#298. My shares this time are#37 through 41. Warm regards, Nancy Andres @ Colors 4 Health