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Crime can happen anywhere, and hotels and motels are no exception. While these establishments do their best to ensure the safety of their guests, it ultimately falls on travelers to take extra precautions. Knowing and following hotel and motel security tips can help protect you and your loved ones from potential dangers, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trip. This article outlines practical advice for securing your room, navigating common areas, and maintaining personal safety throughout your stay.

Hotel and Motel Security Tips

1. Choose a Safe Room Location

The location of your room plays a crucial role in your safety during your stay. While ground-floor rooms may seem convenient, they are more vulnerable to crime because their doors and windows are easily accessible.

  • Opt for Higher Floors: Whenever possible, choose a room on an upper floor where the only entry point is the main door.
  • Avoid Exit Points: Rooms near stairwells and elevators can be attractive to criminals because of their proximity to quick escape routes.
  • Inspect the Room Upon Arrival: If you must stay in a ground-floor room or another potentially vulnerable location, check closets, behind doors, and under beds to ensure no one is hiding.

2. Secure the Main Entry Door

Modern hotels and motels often provide electronic key card systems, which enhance security by generating unique codes for each guest. However, additional measures can further protect your room:

  • Check Door Functionality: Ensure the door closes and locks securely on its own. If it doesn’t, report it to the front desk immediately.
  • Use Additional Locks: Engage all available security features, such as heavy-duty deadbolts, peepholes, metal swing bars, or chains. These provide an extra layer of protection when you’re inside the room.
  • Inspect Adjoining Doors: If your room has a door connecting it to another room, ensure it has a functional deadbolt. If it doesn’t, request a different room.

3. Secure Sliding Glass Doors and Windows

Sliding glass doors and windows, particularly in rooms with balconies, can be weak points in your room’s security. Follow these hotel and motel security tips to minimize risk:

  • Lock All Windows and Doors: Always double-check that sliding glass doors and windows are locked before going to bed or leaving the room.
  • Test the Locks: If any locks are flimsy or broken, report the issue to the front desk. Request immediate repairs or a room change if necessary.
  • Use Anti-Sliding Devices: If the sliding glass doors lack built-in security mechanisms, ask for a metal or wooden rod to be placed in the tracks to prevent them from opening.
  • Assess Balcony Accessibility: Determine whether a neighboring balcony, wall, or tree could provide easy access to your room. If you feel unsafe, ask for a different room.

4. Exercise Caution When Someone Knocks

One of the lesser-known risks of hotel and motel stays is criminals posing as staff members to gain entry into rooms. Protect yourself with these strategies:

  • Verify Their Identity: If someone claiming to be staff knocks, ask for their name and call the front desk to confirm their identity.
  • Avoid Partial Door Opening: Don’t rely on the swing bar or chain for protection. These can be easily broken. Instead, use the peephole to assess who’s at the door before opening it.
  • Teach Children Door Safety: If traveling with kids, instruct them never to answer the door without permission.
  • Report Suspicious Behavior: If you notice someone loitering near your room, alert the front desk and request assistance from security.

5. Opt for Valet Parking or Park Strategically

Parking areas can be hotspots for criminal activity, particularly if they are dimly lit or secluded. When choosing parking options, consider the following hotel and motel security tips:

  • Use Valet Parking: This eliminates the need to walk through potentially unsafe areas, especially at night.
  • Park Close to Entrances: If valet parking isn’t available, park as close to the building’s main entrance as possible in a well-lit area.
  • Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like fumbling with bags or your phone while walking to and from your vehicle.
  • Request Assistance: If you feel unsafe, ask a security guard or staff member to escort you to your car.

6. Make Your Room Appear Occupied

Criminals often target empty rooms to avoid confrontation. To deter them, make it look like someone is inside:

  • Use the “Do Not Disturb” Sign: Hang the sign on your door whenever you leave the room to give the impression that it’s occupied.
  • Leave Lights On: Turn on a lamp or the bathroom light before leaving.
  • Keep the TV or Radio On: Set the volume loud enough to be heard from outside your room.

7. Protect Your Belongings

While personal safety is the priority, protecting your belongings is also important. Here’s how:

  • Use the Safe: Store valuable items like passports, jewelry, and electronics in the room’s safe. If the room doesn’t have one, ask the front desk if a secure storage option is available.
  • Avoid Leaving Items Visible: Keep luggage and valuables out of sight, especially near windows.
  • Lock Your Bags: Use luggage locks to secure your belongings when you’re not in the room.

Additional Tips for a Secure Stay

Taking extra precautions can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and worry-free hotel or motel stay.

  • Research the Hotel or Motel: Before booking, read reviews to see if guests have mentioned any security concerns.
  • Check Emergency Exits: Familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency exits in case of a fire or other emergency.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns or request a room change.

Staying Safe During Your Travels

While hotels and motels strive to provide secure environments, your safety ultimately depends on your vigilance and preparedness. By following these hotel and motel security tips, you can minimize risks and enjoy a worry-free stay.

Remember, no tip is too small when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones. Stay alert, take precautions, and always prioritize your security. Safe travels!

Click here for more street-smart security tips by home security expert Jordan Frankel.