Hotel Security Tips
Play It Safe, But Keep Traveling

You should think about your safety when you're traveling, but don't avoid your trip because you think something might happen. If you really are worried about unrest in the area you're visiting, there are some things you can think about to make your stay safer.

Stay in small, local type hotels rather than big famous landmark hotels. Terrorists want to make headlines, and big international hotels where there may be famous guests are more tempting. That small hotel is less apt to be a terrorist target, and we think you get more of a feel for the country when you stay in a small local place.

No matter what size hotel you choose, if your destination has had recent unrest or if it is the subject of a U.S. State Department travel warning or travel alert, our next hotel security tip would be don't stay next to government offices or embassies. Also avoid hotels near famous sights or religious centers.

For big hotels, you can check to see if the hotel staff has security and emergency training. See if they have an evacuation plan. Do they do background checks on all members of the staff? Do they have security on duty all day everyday? Do they have sprinklers in every room?

Small hotels should at least have some sort of emergency plan and basic safety features.

For maximum safety it's best to avoid rooms facing busy streets or rooms with ground level windows. This includes sliding doors that front pools or the beach.... anywhere someone could gain easy access.

If your room overlooks the lobby, stay on the fourth floor or higher. Rooms between the third and seventh floors are more secure from prowlers who can gain access from the street, but they are still within reach of most fire department ladders.

Think about safety and escape routes just as you would in a plane. Look at those diagrams about where the stairs and exits are.

Good hotel security tips for women traveling alone include avoiding rooms by stairwells and elevators. Late at night, don't hesitate to ask that a hotel employee escort you to your room in those big impersonal hotels. Smaller hotels won't have the staff, but because it's smaller, there's less need for this.

Don't indicate that you're traveling alone. A room service order for one breakfast could tip someone off. Also don't put up those little "make up the room" signs that might let someone know that you're not in your room

Only stay at hotels with electronic key-cars access. Do your research... if you'll be staying in a city with a high crime rate, make sure you hotel's elevators also require card keys. Small hotels won't have this, but it's a little harder for someone who just doesn't belong to wander in unobserved.

Ask the concierge or receptionist about safety in any areas you're planning to see. Neighborhoods can change and new threats can emerge since the last time you visited or since the guidebook you're using was printed.

When we stayed at a cute local hotel in Rio de Janeiro for instance, the receptionist (there was no concierge, mind you) advised us which areas were safe and how we should dress. Rio does have a reputation for high crime, but we felt safe enough with some friendly local advice.

We believe that one thing you can do to counteract terrorists is to keep on traveling... don't let them stop you. Keeping a few hotel security tips in mind is smart travel anytime.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

New! Comments