Staying in a luxurious hotel can be a dream. You’re surrounded by decadent amenities, fabulous food, and incredible views. However, it can quickly become a nightmare if you’re not safe. You don’t want to put your guard down, even as you enjoy everything the fabulous accommodations have to offer you.
While studies suggest that hotel crimes are relatively low, theft, assault, and other crimes can still occur. Additionally, guests can experience hotel accidents, slipping on wet surfaces, getting burned by too-hot water, or injuring themselves on loose carpets.
As you stay in hotels, you need to stay vigilant. Below, we’ll discuss several safety tips that can help. Whether you’re staying in the United States, Europe, or another country, they will help keep you and your belongings safe.
Staying Safe in Hotels
You want to do everything possible to prevent anything from derailing your vacation. The last thing you want to do is spend time in the hospital or police station when you can relax or explore your surroundings. Consider the safety tips below for your next vacation so you can be prepared for the unexpected.
Read the Reviews
Before you choose a hotel to stay with, read the reviews. Look if other guests have had issues in their rooms, including stolen items, attempted break-ins, or unclean accommodations. Check if people have been injured on-premises and how the hotel staff handled the claims.
Guest reviews are a powerful tool that tells you much more than the official company line. If you have a negative experience, share it directly with the hotel and online for others to see. Help others learn from your experience when traveling.
Be Aware
The number one safety tip, whether in a hotel, walking the streets, or in a crowded restaurant, is to be aware of your surroundings. You can enjoy your time, but keep an eye out for what’s happening around you.
If someone is following you, do your best to lose them. If that doesn’t work, try to get a photo of the person should something happen. Keep your purses zipped and at the front of your body.
When you’re walking around in the hotel, look out for hazard signs. Watch for falling debris or tripping risks if it’s an active construction site. If you notice a wet floor, avoid it rather than walk through it. Try to get out of the way of staff who can’t see you with large carts.
While you can do what you can to be aware of your surroundings, hotel accidents still happen. If you are injured while at a hotel, contact a hotel accident lawyer. They can help you recover compensation from the hotel.
Check the Room
When you arrive in your room, do a quick walkthrough. Make sure bedding is clean and free from bed bugs. Look for hidden cameras and anything else that seems out of place. You can check the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure they’re in working condition.
Check places where someone could hide, including under the bed, in closets, and behind curtains. Call the front desk to request a new room if anything feels off. Trust your intuition. Your gut is a powerful tool.
Lock Up Your Valuables
Before you travel, you should leave your valuables at home. While traveling with your diamond ring can be tempting, it can also make you a target. Consider getting a fake ring for your trip.
Whatever valuables you choose to travel with, make sure they are secured on your person or locked in a safe when you are not in the room. These items include wallets, passports, electronics, jewelry, and other important items. Change the default combination to prevent someone from accessing your safe and taking your belongings.
If you’re interested in understanding how locks work and improving your security awareness, an easy-to-use beginner lock pick set can be a great tool for learning. Practicing with a basic set can help you develop useful skills while gaining insight into how different locking mechanisms function.
Secure the Door
Lock the door and secure the security chain in the room for added protection. Place a wedge or towel under the door for added security. Some people also place a hanger on the door as another security measure.
This can prevent someone from turning the door from the outside. It may also rattle and cause noise, causing you to wake up if anyone is trying to break into your room. Just make sure to remove them before cleaning comes in the morning or add the do not disturb sign.
When you’re staying at a hotel, you want to be safe and comfortable. You don’t expect to be the victim of a hotel accident or crime. However rare, these things can happen, so you want to do what you can to prevent them.
Read the hotel reviews and be aware of your surroundings. Check your room, lock up your valuables, and secure the door. Small actions can make a big difference in helping keep you safe on your next trip.
Happy travels!
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
