I still remember that weird feeling I got when I checked into a hotel in New Orleans last year. Something just felt off about the room they gave me – it was tucked away in a back corner on the first floor with a window facing an empty lot. My gut was screaming “no,” so I asked to switch rooms. The next morning, I found out there had been a break-in attempt in that exact section of the hotel. Sometimes safety comes down to simple moves that take just minutes but can save your whole trip. Let’s talk about what you should do every single time you check into a hotel.
Check your door locks immediately after entering
The moment you step into your hotel room, before you plop your bags down or kick off your shoes, head straight to the door and check every lock. Make sure the main lock works smoothly, the deadbolt slides into place easily, and the security latch or chain isn’t broken. I once stayed at a hotel where the deadbolt was loose and barely caught the doorframe – I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t checked right away. If something isn’t working properly, call the front desk immediately and request either a repair or a room change.
Besides the standard locks, consider bringing your own portable door lock for extra peace of mind. These small devices weigh almost nothing in your luggage but create an additional barrier that can’t be opened from the outside – even with a key card or master key. They’re especially helpful for solo travelers or when staying in places that feel less secure. A simple portable door lock can give you the confidence to sleep soundly knowing no one’s getting through that door.
Request a room between the third and sixth floors
The floor your room is on matters way more than most people realize. Ground floor rooms are the most vulnerable to break-ins since they’re easily accessible from outside. Meanwhile, rooms on very high floors might be problematic during emergencies – imagine walking down 20 flights of stairs during a fire alarm. Security experts recommend requesting a room between the third and sixth floors. This sweet spot is high enough to prevent easy access from the ground but low enough that fire truck ladders can still reach you in worst-case scenarios.
When making your reservation or checking in, politely ask the front desk for a room on these middle floors. Also request a room near the elevator but not directly next to it (to avoid noise), and close to an emergency exit. Some hotels automatically put solo travelers on the same floor, so if you’re traveling alone, you might ask if that’s their policy. Remember, hotel staff generally want you to feel safe and comfortable during your stay. If the hotel seems reluctant to accommodate these requests or gets defensive when you ask, that might be a red flag about their overall security standards.
Scan your entire room before settling in
Before you unpack or make yourself at home, take five minutes to scan your entire hotel room for anything suspicious or concerning. Check behind curtains, under the bed, and inside the closet and bathroom. This isn’t about being paranoid – it’s about being thorough. Look for signs of previous break-in attempts like damaged windows or door frames. Check that the phone works by calling the front desk. Make sure all windows lock properly and that connecting doors (if any) are secured. I once found a connecting door unlocked in my room, which made me uncomfortable until I verified with the front desk that the adjoining room was empty.
Beyond security checks, this scan should include safety features too. Locate the fire extinguisher in or near your room. Check that smoke detectors have power indicators and aren’t covered or disabled. In newer hotels, look for carbon monoxide detectors as well. Take note of where the emergency exit map is posted (usually on the back of your door) and actually read it. Count the number of doors between your room and the nearest emergency exit so you could find your way even in darkness or smoke. This quick room scan takes just minutes but gives you a complete safety picture of your temporary home.
Never announce your room number out loud
This simple habit has become second nature to me but I’m always surprised how many travelers don’t think about it. When checking in, if the front desk clerk announces your room number loudly, politely ask them to write it down instead. Anyone in the lobby could be listening – including people who might not have the best intentions. Similarly, if you’re calling the front desk from a public area and they ask for your room number, step away from others or write it down and show them rather than saying it out loud. Even when you’re with friends, be mindful about announcing “I’m in room 307” where strangers can hear.
This same principle applies when ordering room service or delivery. Instead of saying “deliver to room 307,” tell them you’ll call when you’re back in your room. Some hotels have wisely started using a system where they only write down your room number on the key folder rather than saying it aloud. Others have moved to digital systems where your room number is sent directly to your phone. If your hotel doesn’t use these systems, take the initiative yourself. It’s a small change that eliminates an easy way for someone to target your room specifically. The less information strangers have about where exactly you’re staying, the better.
Use the do not disturb sign even when you’re out
Here’s a trick I learned from a seasoned traveler: whenever you leave your hotel room, even just for breakfast or a quick swim, hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. This creates the impression that someone is still in the room, which can deter potential thieves looking for empty rooms to target. Think about it – would you try to break into a room if you thought someone was inside sleeping or working? Of course, this means housekeeping won’t clean your room, but you can always call the front desk when you actually want service, or remove the sign when you’ll be gone for longer periods.
For even more security when you’re out, leave the TV or radio on at a reasonable volume. Some travelers even set a timer on the bathroom light so it appears someone is moving around inside. Combined with the “Do Not Disturb” sign, these simple tricks create the strong impression that your room is occupied. Many hotel thefts are crimes of opportunity – someone notices a clearly empty room and makes a quick decision. By removing that obvious “empty room” signal, you’re significantly reducing your chances of being targeted. Just remember to actually use housekeeping services occasionally, as some hotels now check rooms that have had the “Do Not Disturb” sign up for multiple days.
Always know your emergency exit route
The absolute first thing I do after dropping my bags in a hotel room is locate and walk to the nearest emergency exit. It sounds dramatic, but this simple two-minute action could literally save your life. Hotel fires and emergencies are rare, but when they happen, they’re confusing and disorienting. Smoke might fill the hallways, emergency lights might fail, and you’ll be in an unfamiliar building possibly half-asleep. Find your emergency exit immediately after check-in, and actually walk to it. Count the number of doors between your room and the exit. Notice any turns in the hallway or steps you need to remember.
In a real emergency, this mental map could be your lifeline. Don’t just rely on following exit signs – in a smoky hallway, those might not be visible. During a fire drill at a hotel in Chicago, I was amazed how many guests were completely lost despite the exit signs. Those who had familiarized themselves with the layout moved confidently toward safety. Beyond knowing your route, check that the exit door actually opens (some hotels illegally lock them) and that the stairwell is clear of obstacles. If you’re traveling with family or friends, make sure everyone knows the exit plan. A quick “our emergency exit is that way” reminder when you enter your room together establishes safety awareness for everyone.
Store valuables properly or leave them at home
Let’s be real – hotel rooms are not fortresses, and housekeeping staff, maintenance workers, and hotel management all potentially have access to your room. That beautiful diamond necklace or expensive watch might be better left at home unless you absolutely need it for your trip. For valuables you do bring, never leave them lying around your room, even if you’re just going down to the pool for an hour. The in-room safe is your friend, though it’s not perfect. Always test the safe before using it to ensure it works properly, and create a code that’s not obvious (avoid birthdates or simple sequences like 1234).
For extra protection, consider bringing a portable travel safe that can be secured to a fixed object in your room. These flexible safes can protect laptops and larger items that might not fit in the hotel safe. Important documents like passports are often safer with you in a hidden money belt than left in your room. For electronics, enable tracking features before your trip and make sure they’re password protected. Some travelers even bring a simple webcam that can alert them to movement in their room while they’re away, though be sure to unplug it when you return for your own privacy. Remember that prevention is better than dealing with theft after it happens.
Be careful with the hotel wifi network
That free hotel wifi is convenient, but it could also be a major security risk. Hotel networks are often poorly secured, and even password-protected ones can be compromised. Never do your banking, access work accounts, or enter credit card information while connected to hotel wifi without protection. This doesn’t mean you can’t use the wifi at all – just take some simple precautions first. The easiest solution is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which encrypts your connection and protects your data from prying eyes. Many VPNs are affordable and super easy to use – you just turn them on before browsing.
If you don’t have a VPN, use your phone’s mobile data for sensitive tasks instead of the hotel wifi. Another option is to create your own hotspot using your phone’s data plan – this is generally much more secure than the hotel’s network. Be wary of charging your devices using USB ports in hotel rooms or public areas, as these can potentially be used to steal data (use regular electrical outlets with your own adapter instead). And finally, always verify you’re connecting to the official hotel network – hackers sometimes create fake networks with similar names to trick guests. Ask the front desk for the exact network name and any required password to ensure you’re connecting to the legitimate service.
Hotel safety isn’t about living in fear – it’s about creating peace of mind so you can actually enjoy your trip. These simple habits take just minutes but can prevent major headaches. The best part? After doing these checks a few times, they’ll become automatic, just like putting on your seatbelt in a car. Start implementing these tips on your next hotel stay, and you’ll find yourself sleeping easier and worrying less while you travel.
