Protect yourself with these simple yet crucial steps every traveler should take.
Whether you’re staying in a luxury resort, a roadside inn, or a cozy Airbnb, hotel safety should always be a top priority. It’s easy to assume that because you’ve booked a reputable place, you’re automatically secure—but the reality is, safety is something you actively ensure the moment you walk through that door.
Here are the essential safety tips you should follow as soon as you enter your hotel room, whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or for business.
🛑 1. Prop the Door Open While You Check the Room
Before you fully settle in, use your suitcase to keep the door open while you do a quick walkthrough. Why? If something doesn’t feel right—like someone else’s belongings, strange odors, or signs of intrusion—you want to be able to leave quickly without fumbling with locks.
🔐 2. Check All Locks and Security Features
- Ensure the main door lock engages fully.
- Use the deadbolt and security latch whenever you’re inside.
- If the room has a peephole, make sure it’s not tampered with or reversed.
- If there’s a safe, test it. Don’t use one that looks damaged or previously pried open.
🚪 3. Inspect All Entry Points
- Check that windows and balcony doors are secure and lock properly.
- For ground-floor rooms, ensure windows can’t be easily opened from the outside.
- If you’re traveling alone, consider requesting a room on a higher floor (but not the top floor—emergency access can be harder from there).
🕵️ 4. Check the Bathroom, Closets & Behind Curtains
Do a sweep of the entire space:
- Open closets, check behind the shower curtain, and scan under the bed.
- This may feel excessive, but it’s a quick way to ensure the room is truly empty and secure.
- It also helps you spot forgotten cleaning tools, damage, or even hidden cameras in less reputable locations.
📸 5. Look for Hidden Cameras or Devices
While rare, unauthorized surveillance can happen. Look closely at:
- Smoke detectors
- Alarm clocks
- Vents
- TVs or charging stations
Use your phone’s flashlight to scan for lenses or reflective surfaces. If something seems off, unplug it or request a room change.
📞 6. Test the Phone & Emergency Info
- Make sure the hotel phone works, and note how to call the front desk or emergency services.
- Identify emergency exits and escape routes on the back of the door or nearby signage.
- Know whether you need a room key to exit the stairwell in case of fire.
🚫 7. Never Share Your Room Number Out Loud
If the receptionist says your room number audibly, politely ask for a different room. It’s not rude—it’s smart. Similarly, avoid saying your room number aloud in lobbies, elevators, or on phone calls where others can overhear.
🔦 8. Have a Quick Emergency Plan
Before you go to sleep:
- Keep your shoes, ID, and room key nearby in case of evacuation.
- Know where your nearest exit is.
- Charge your phone and turn on location sharing with a trusted contact if traveling solo.
🧳 Bonus Tip: Use Your Own Doorstop or Alarm
For added peace of mind, pack a small rubber doorstop or a portable door lock/alarm. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and offer an extra layer of protection.
✅ Stay Safe, Sleep Easy
Travel is meant to be exciting—not stressful. By following these essential hotel safety tips, you set the tone for a secure and enjoyable stay. Most of these checks take just 2–3 minutes but could make all the difference in an emergency or unsettling situation.
So next time you check into a room, don’t just drop your bags and head for the minibar—do your safety sweep first. Future-you will thank you.
