My girlfriend, Lisa, travels for business and often spends nights in hotels.
Her husband is in the security business and the two of them have provided SimplyChecklists.com
with some important ways to be safe when staying in a hotel.
The next time you plan a trip
that includes a hotel, motel or other lodging establishment, print off this checklist and
follow these valuable steps.
If alone when checking into a hotel, ask for two keys to give the impression someone is with you
Don’t leave your credit card sitting on top of the counter
If the desk clerk announces your room number so others can hear, ask for a different room (and ask the desk clerk to write down the room number instead)
In a hotel ask for a room on an upper floor away from stairs or the elevator
Avoid floors over the 6th floor as fire department ladders do not reach beyond that height
Ask a hotel employee to accompany you to your room and check your room if you don’t feel comfortable doing so by yourself
At a hotel, park in a well lighted area as close as possible to entrance doors
In a hotel parking lot if you see someone who looks suspicious or makes you feel uneasy, call the hotel from your cell phone and ask a representative of the hotel to escort you into the hotel
Don’t leave valuables, suitcases or other items in view in your vehicle
Don’t carry too many items at once – this makes you an easy target
When leaving the hotel for your vehicle, have your keys in your hand
If you are unfamiliar with the area, ask the manager of the hotel which areas are safe to walk, run or explore
If notified of a delivery, fax or other item, (don’t open your door), ask that the item be left at the front desk for you to pick up
If possible, select a hotel with modern electronic guest room locks instead of metal keys
Know how to exit the building in case of an emergency
Know how to call the front desk quickly
Keep a close eye on your luggage when you check in or out
Get the address of the hotel and keep it with you in case you get lost
In an elevator with others, select your floor last
Don’t enter an elevator if you don’t feel comfortable with others in the elevator
Exit the elevator if someone suspicious enters
In an elevator, keep your back to the wall and stand near the emergency button
Verify with the front desk any requests you receive to complete repairs in your room
Know where your key is at all times
Use the deadbolt when inside the room
Use a door wedge to secure hotel room door
Place a flashlight by your bed
Bring a night light to plug into a bathroom outlet
When you leave your room, place the ’Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door
Lock all suitcases when leaving your room
When you leave your room, take valuables with you or lock them in a safe if provided
