Hotel Security

Hotel Security should be considered carefully. Lock your door when you stay in a hotel and put the chain (or other lock) on the door. This way you will know that you are the only person who can let anyone in. Remember that all hotel staff have a master key. They can gain access to your room but the chain on the door gives you control of who enters. If you forget your key, ask reception for another key. They should always ask for photo ID prior to giving you a new room key.

4 and 5 star hotel staff will announce themselves when they knock on the door, For example, if you order room service, they will knock on the door and announce “Room Service”. Use the peep hole in the door to check who is knocking. It will be obvious that it is housekeeping because they will be holding laundry or whatever else you have ordered. Only open the door to some one you are expecting or a uniformed staff member.

If you have not asked for a service and someone knocks, check through the peep hole. Check if you recognize the hotel uniform. Through the door ask who is there and expect a prompt answer and if you are unsure, call the department they say they are from and ask if you should be expecting someone from that department to visit your room at that time. If in doubt, call reception or security for assistance.

While it is highly unlikely that a stranger will knock on your door, it is better to be safe than sorry. While it is highly unlikely, it has happened that a room can be accidentally allocated to another customer on check in. This is more likely in hotels that still use regular room keys and whose computer check in systems are not world class. The worst experience that you are likely to have is someone to burst into the room in the middle of the night having been given the key to your room. They will be as surprised and you and it could be embarrassing all around. Having the chain (or other door lock) bolted will at least keep them on the other side of the door!

There are cities in the world and neighborhoods in cities that are not safe to venture into. Your host with the company you work for, your customer or the reception or concierge desk at the hotel will be able to give advice on this. They will be able to assist you with getting to where you need to go safely if you are in one of these cities.

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