Are you inviolate in the sanctity of your hotel room? How to protect yourself when traveling.
Anyone can be assaulted, or worse, in their hotel room. Women (and men) should keep personal safety topmost in their minds, even on business trips. Most important to remember - don't let anyone in your room, either by forgetting to lock up properly, or by actually opening the door to strangers. Didn't your mother teach you anything?
Safety While In Your Room:
- Use the swinging metal security lock when you are there. You'd be surprised how few people use this important security feature.
- Make sure your door is shut and locked - even on quick trips to the ice machine. Don't prop the thing open, not for a second. It doesn't take long for an observant thief to grab your wallet or mobile gear and run.
- Take the duplicate key if you are traveling alone. Anyone could walk to the counter and ask for the second key. In some hotels, they might even get it; thieves can be very clever and use a plausible scenario to convince a clerk they need the key. Someone having unauthorized access to your room key is bad for you, whether you are in your room or not. This is a very good tip for solo women travelers, especially.
- Use your peephole when someone knocks. You never have to open your door if you are not comfortable doing so. This should go without saying. If you have the slightest whiff of something amiss, call the hotel desk and confirm someone saying they are hotel employees, for instance, or to send up a security guard. Never let a stranger trap you in your room.
- Actually, this does bear repeating. Just because someone says they are room service or maintenance, you STILL don't have to let them in. Think first. Did you actually call for room service? Call the front desk and ask if they sent maintenance for any reason. Or, for example, if a stranger wants to tell you your car lights are on, just thank them through the doorway. Don't worry about seeming rude. You really, really do not have to open that door.
Got your own tips, warnings or safety stories to share? Add your tips to the travel safety and security discussion.
Related, on Suite101:
- Hotel Room Security (for your valuables)
- Hotel Parking Lot Safety
- Laptop Coffeeshop Theft
- Laptops at the Airport
- Best Hotel Business Amenities
- Business Travel Forum
The copyright of the article Hotel Room Safety Tips in Business Hotels is owned by Dan Florio. Permission to republish Hotel Room Safety Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
