Even though human trafficking, theft, and other types of criminal activity are on the rise in most vacation spots, hotel employees everywhere are trained to recognize these threats early. This helps them prevent the majority of crimes from affecting their guests. Additionally, there are a few practices you can use to ensure your stay in any hotel will be safe and enjoyable.
Check Your Room
As soon as you get into your hotel room after checking in, take the time to make a quick visual inspection of the room. Check the shower, closets, and beneath the beds to be sure there aren’t any intruders present. You should also check the door and windows to be sure they can be locked securely. Making this inspection will ensure your room is safe. Be sure to report anything suspicious to the hotel staff. They may move you to another room if you do feel unsafe.
Use All of the Door Locks
When you are in your hotel room, be sure to engage all of the locks. Even though the average person can’t open the door without a key or access card, a clever thief may have more skills and better tools for getting past the lock. If your room has a chain, deadbolt, or other security locks on the door, be sure to use them all. You should also use a door stopper to be sure an intruder won’t gain access to your room as you call the front desk for help.
Keep Your Room Number Private
When you check into a modernized hotel, you’ll likely get access cards instead of a traditional key. Those cards will typically come in a small envelope that bears your room number. It’s safer if you discard the envelope and memorize your room number. You should also avoid using your room number when requesting hotel services. Instead, provide your last name or show your I.D. The hotel staff can easily look up your room number with your last name.
You should also think about the safety of your vehicle when it’s parked in a hotel lot. Be sure to park in an area that’s well lit. If possible, park in a straight line of sight with security cameras. Removing your personal belongings from your vehicle will also help to make it a less tempting target.