Hotel Room Safety Tips: What hotel staff won’t tell you about room safety—and what you should do anyway |
Travelling during the summer? You must have planned a lavish stay at a luxurious hotel where you can rest and let go of all the travel stress that comes with exploring a new destination. While the ratings of your hotel and the views of its rooms may be stunning, it could be hiding some threats and safety concerns that the hotel staff will never reveal but their awareness is important for your protection.Below are some steps you must take when travelling and residing in hotel rooms.
A better room is just a request away
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Hotels typically don’t give out their best rooms automatically. Staff can assign the simplest rooms due to discount codes and app bookings. However, if you politely ask for an upgrade at the check-in, especially during the slow hours of the day or midweek, there is a high chance a better accommodation and view can be yours.
In-room safe is not really safe
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There is nothing in a hotel that the staff does not have master codes or access to. Thus, even the in-room safe in your room is not completely safe for valuables such as passports, jewellery and more. While the staff may not tell you so, you can ask for your valuables to be stored in the hotel’s main safe behind the front desk and get a written receipt from them.
Always check for hidden cameras
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While you may book a hotel after checking and verifying that they don’t have cameras in unnecessary places, they still might have cameras hidden from normal sight. They can be smartly hidden in alarm clocks, smoke detectors and even decorations like stands and vases. Either use your phone to look for lens reflection or find an infrared detector to sweep the room.
Secure your room door from the inside
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Most doors have master keys that are available to the staff. While you may lock the door from inside it can always be opened by the staff. Since not every staff member can be trusted, ensure that you lock your door with all the mechanisms available for safety.
Early check-in and polite mannerisms might get you a favour
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While checking in before the time might not guarantee one a good room always, during times when things are slow it might give you an unexpected upgrade. Similarly, while the hotel might not mention that they provide transport facilities to nearby places voluntarily, there is a chance it could be an added bonus to your room that you might not be aware of. Thus, ask for both these things when you check in. Additionally, being polite to the staff can actually get you unprecedented favours such as free desserts or easy access to ironing and steaming machines.Disclaimer: The tips shared in this article are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional or legal advice. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees as to the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the safety guidelines presented here.
