How Secure Are You in a Hotel?
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Mar 12, 2007
CORNELL University completed a survey some years ago, although not asking for
specific security procedures in hotels, they did ask about procedures that
might be taken in case of emergency evacuation, the protocol for verifying
identification of guests at check-in and practices used to secure access to
interior hallways, elevators to guest rooms and other areas.
Few U.S.
hotels added security staff or made little changes in existing procedures. Some
luxury and extended-stay hotels did add security staff or updated security
policies.
The fact is, when you travel, the hotel room becomes your
home for a night. It is your sanctuary while you sleep and it is important that
you give some thought about security planning. Here are a few security rules of
thumb to follow.
Higher floors are safer from crime, but worse for fire rescue.
Emergency rescue is best below the fifth floor; however, an upper floor will
reduce crime exposure because of lesser accessibility and ease of escape. Rooms
not adjacent to fire stairs are safer from room invaders because they use them
for escape. High-rise buildings usually have fewer ground level access points
and are easier for the hotel staff to monitor who passes through the lobby
after hours.
Hotel and motel rooms should be equipped with a solid-core
wood or metal door. Doors should be self-closing and self-locking. Doors should
have a deadbolt lock with at least a one-inch throw bolt. If the lock appears
worn or there are pry marks around the lock area, ask to be moved to another
room or go to a different hotel. Hotels with electronic card access have the
advantage of being able to disable former keycards issued to previous guests
and unauthorized employees. Electronic locks also will block out most room
service keys when you set the deadbolt.
Make sure all windows and sliding doors are secured, if they
are accessible from the ground. Test all windows and glass doors to see if they
are secure. Beware of balconies where someone can climb from one to another and
enter through an open window or sliding door. If your room has an adjoining
room door, be sure to check it and make sure it is locked with a deadbolt.
If you are a woman, traveling alone or with small children,
take advantage of car valet service. After checking in, ask the bellman or desk
clerk to escort you to your room. After unlocking the door, quickly inspect the
closets, under the bed and bathroom including behind the shower curtain before
the bellman leaves.
Put the Do-Not-Disturb sign on the doorknob whether you’re
in the room or not. This may deter burglars. Turn on the TV or radio just loud
enough to hear through the door to vie the appearance that the room is
occupied. Leave one light on if you plan to return after dark. This will help
you see upon re-entry, and from the outside it appears that the room is
occupied.
Hotel security consultant John Harris of Talley Harris
Associates in Atlanta
says that it is important for travelers to never drop their guard or assume
that a hotel or motel is going to provide the level of security you think it
should. He said it is important to completely check out a hotel before checking
in and avoid properties right off interstate highways, which are highly visible
targets. Never assume that properties belonging to a national chain are safer,
as franchises don’t necessarily have to follow corporate security standards.
You might feel safer if you can see surveillance cameras in
stairwell landings and other locations, but if they are not monitored 24 hours
a day, you’ve got a problem on your hands.
Safety and security is largely up to you. Follow the simple
rules already in print, plus be watchful and careful of your surroundings, and
happy traveling.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.