Hotel Safety Tips

As frequent business travellers we get so used to the hotel living that it starts to feel like a home away from home and we slowly cease to care about our safety and security. It is always better to wake up and smell the coffee before something goes drastically wrong. It is a fact that we live in unsafe times where attacks and thefts have become pretty common place even in top hotels that brag about their super tight security.

Rather then blaming the hotel and the staff, if we take a few simple precautions, we can prevent any untoward incident from happening with us. Specially women travelling alone need to be more vigilant as they face more security issues then men. Play safe rather then being remorseful later on.

• Always select hotels that are situated in populated areas, the noise and the traffic might be an irritant but it will save you from travelling on deserted roads when you get back from your meetings in the late hours.
• Avoid taking an outside cab wherever possible, always ask your hotel to arrange for a cab, it might be a bit expensive but they are more reliable and safe.
• Never open the door without checking who is outside first even if you were expecting room service. Keep the safety chain on when you open the door, verify the person and only then let him in.
• Check that all the locking devices on the windows and doors have been fastened properly before you fall asleep.
• Do not invite strangers to your room, if you are meeting the person for the first time always arrange to meet in the lobby.
• Always carry your keys safely with you all the time, do not leave them lying around carelessly on the restaurant tables, they could easily get stolen.
• Deposit your valuables in the hotel safe deposit box and take a receipt for it, do not carry too much cash on your person or flaunt expensive jewellery.
• If you are going up to your room late at night and you feel someone suspicious is lurking around, do not take the elevator alone, instead ask for an escort at the front desk.
• If travelling with your own vehicle, always drive up to the main entrance and ask for valet service as parking lots can be pretty unsafe especially during the night time.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
• Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.
• If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the hotel management.
• Upon arrival, notify the Front Desk if you require special evacuation assistance in the event of an emergency.