Hotels can be a cause for concern when it comes to safety, from loitering criminals to unexpected natural disasters. To ensure a safe and smooth stay, it is essential to take the necessary precautions and pay attention to your surroundings. To help you do this, we’ve compiled a list of hotel safety tips to keep in mind during your stay.
Know the Hotel Layout
Before you check in, it is important to get a lay of the land in order to be aware of all potential exit points in the event of an emergency. Make a mental note or snapshot of how all exits are located in the event of a fire or other crisis. In addition, always select a hotel room that is located on a higher floor, away from the parking lot, and located near the elevator.
Secure Your Room Carefully
Once your room is assigned, take a moment to secure it carefully. This is a good practice even for regular days as it can help to deter criminals. Use the keycard to lock the door once you have entered the room, and do not answer the door without verifying the identity of the person seeking admittance. It is also essential to keep the door deadbolted whenever possible. Additionally, consider purchasing a door stop for additional protection.
Inspect the Room for Anything Unusual
Once you have settled in, it is important to thoroughly inspect the room of anything unusual. Look around for any suspicious items, as well as any potential access points to the room that could be exploited. Be particularly aware of any items that appear to have been tampered with or could be used to gain entrance into the room.
Minimize Activities While in the Room
To ensure personal safety, it is best to keep activities in the room to a minimum. This includes not opening windows, or leaving a TV or radio running while you are away. Keep noise levels low at all times, as criminals may use loud music or voices as a potential distraction.
Keep Valuables Safe
When staying at a hotel, it is likely you will bring some valuables along with you. It is wise to buy a safe for storing items such as cash, jewelry, or other small items. It is also a good idea to take a picture of all valuables before storing them away, in order to document their presence.
Be Aware of Hotel Procedures
When staying at a hotel, it is essential to be aware of the hotel’s procedures for different emergency scenarios. Be sure to become familiar with the fire exit plan, as well as any other procedures which require guests to quickly vacate the premises. In addition, it is important to regularly check the hotel’s virtual guest system for any updates.
Use Caution When Utilizing On-Site Services
It is essential to always take caution when utilizing any of the hotel’s on-site services, such as the swimming pool, spa, or restaurant. Use common sense and pay attention to your surroundings in order to avoid any potential danger. It is also wise to gain an understanding of any rules and regulations for using these areas.
Limit Access to Your Room
Limit access to your room by only giving access to those you know and trust. Make sure the room is locked when not in use, and use the key card or room number to identify yourself when entering or leaving the hotel. Do not leave any valuables in the room upon leaving, as they could be taken while unsupervised.
Be Prepared to Report Anything Unusual
In the event that anything unusual is encountered in the hotel, be prepared to report it to the front desk or staff immediately. Furthermore, document or take photos of any suspicious activity or items encountered while in the hotel in order to support your claims if necessary.
Hotels provide a great platform for enjoyment and relaxation, but it is essential to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. By following the above tips, you can rest assured that you are staying in a secure and reliable environment. Additionally, by taking preventative measures and being mindful of your surroundings, you can avoid any potential danger and have a great time away from home.
