Hotel Security Tips

More than one billion travelers stay at U.S. hotels every year. While most enjoy pleasant vacations and business trips, some fall victim to theft, burglary and even assault, crimes that several hotel security veterans say may rise during a recession as hotels cut employee hours and possibly security staff.

Jack Feingold, a vice president with ADT Security Services, urged vacationers to pay careful attention to their safety and security to avoid becoming a victim of criminals or injured in an emergency.

"When traveling, people tend to be more attractive to thieves looking for easy targets and hotel security is usually the last thing on travelers' minds as they check in to a hotel. But security and safety should be a concern for anyone staying in a hotel this summer," Feingold said.

To reduce the risk of crime or injury during a hotel stay, travelers should follow these safety tips:

  • Avoid rooms with ground- or second-level windows. When possible, choose a room between the third and sixth floors. Rooms on these floors are high enough to discourage access from the street, yet are within reach of most fire-department ladders.
  • Remember to always close and lock your door. Make it a habit to use all locks, including the deadbolt and chain. If you choose to stay in a room that faces pools or beach areas, make sure your sliding doors and windows have sturdy locks.
  • Do not open your door to anyone who knocks unexpectedly. If someone unexpectedly knocks claiming to be a hotel staff member, call the front desk to confirm his or her status before opening the door. And teach children to never open the door without your permission.
  • Park in well-lit areas and as close to the hotel as possible. Many hotel thefts take place in parking lots and structures, so finding a well-lit area to park your car is essential. Women traveling alone should ask for an escort to their cars at night. If possible, use valet parking services. Valet service allows you to leave and pickup your car at the main entry, while also providing an added layer of security for your vehicle.
  • Take note of the hotel's emergency evacuation plan. As soon as you enter your room, take time to look at the hotel's emergency escape plan and make a mental note of the nearest emergency exit and how to get there.
  • Choose a hotel with security cameras. Video surveillance cameras can provide an added layer of security to help prevent theft and discourage criminals. Hotel cameras should be placed in stairwells, pathways, exercise rooms, parking lots and any other public areas. Cameras not only help hotel staff track the safety of their visitors, they are also helpful in identifying criminals if a crime does occur.

"The most important thing to keep in mind when on vacation is safety, for you and your family,” Feingold said. “Taking a few minutes to think about hotel security is not only crucial to a fun, relaxing vacation; it is one of the best safety choices travelers can make."

Featured

  • Security Today Announces The Govies Government Security Award Winners for 2025

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 winners in The Govies Government Security Awards. The awards honor outstanding government security products in a variety of categories. Read Now

  • Survey: 60 Percent of Organizations Using AI in IT Infrastructure

    Netwrix, a cybersecurity provider focused on data and identity threats, today announced the release of its annual global 2025 Cybersecurity Trends Report based on a global survey of 2,150 IT and security professionals from 121 countries. It reveals that 60% of organizations are already using artificial intelligence (AI) in their IT infrastructure and 30% are considering implementing AI. Read Now

  • New Research Reveals Global Video Surveillance Industry Perspectives on AI

    Axis Communications, the global industry leader in video surveillance, has released its latest research report, ‘The State of AI in Video Surveillance,’ which explores global industry perspectives on the use of AI in the security industry and beyond. The report reveals current attitudes on AI technologies thanks to in-depth interviews with AI experts from Axis’ global network and a comprehensive survey of more than 5,800 respondents, including distributors, channel partners, and end customers across 68 countries. The resulting insights cover AI integration and the opportunities and challenges that exist with regard to security, safety, business intelligence, and operational efficiency. Read Now

  • SIA Urges Tariff Relief for Security Industry Products

    Today, the Security Industry Association has sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick requesting relief from tariffs for security industry products and asking that the Trump administration formulate a process that allows companies to apply for product-specific exemptions. The security industry is an important segment of the U.S. economy, contributing over $430 billion in total economic impact and supporting over 2.1 million jobs. Read Now

  • Report Shows Cybercriminals Continue Pivot to Stealthier Tactics

    IBM recently released the 2025 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index highlighting that cybercriminals continued to pivot to stealthier tactics, with lower-profile credential theft spiking, while ransomware attacks on enterprises declined. IBM X-Force observed an 84% increase in emails delivering infostealers in 2024 compared to the prior year, a method threat actors relied heavily on to scale identity attacks. Read Now

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection.