1. Request a room near the elevators and away from any renovation work. Have your key out when you leave the elevator.
2. You want to be far from emergency exits (which someone might pry open to avoid using the elevators), and on an upper floor away from catwalks and terraces.
3. The door should have double locks--one of which is a dead bolt--and a peephole. Bring along a security doorstop for extra protection.
4. Don't place "please make up this room" sign on door it signals to everyone that you're not there. Call housekeeping instead.
5. Conversely, the "do not disturb" sign can make the room seem occupied (especially handy if you leave expensive items inside).
6. Put expensive clothing on hangers under other garments. Robbers usually "shop" what they can see.
7. Lock valuables in the front-desk safe or room safe.
8. If your bag is stolen from the hotel, recruit management to search for it. Most hotel robberies are committed by the staff, and many properties, especially while vacation internationally, don't allow employees to leave with packages; thieves take the money and dump the rest.
9. Stand near the elevator buttons with your back to the wall; if threatened, push all the buttons at once with your back.
*10. Turn on your TV when you leave your room. It will make your room seem occupied.
*11. Take pictures of all your valuables as soon as you settle into your room with your digital camera, incase items are stolen you can show the pictures to the police and hotel security.
2 comments:
These are great tips! Here are a few more that I like to use, especially in smaller hotels or in developing countries...
- check out the fire exits as soon as you check in
- sleep with a flashlight by your bed (I keep mine in my shoe)
- keep your windows locked when you're asleep or out of your room
- don't be seen walking in or out of your hotel alone - just wait for a group and walk out with them
- and the most basic rule of all: never open your door unless you know who is behind it!
Although it might seem basic or common sense it stands to be mentioned your last tip of not opening the door to strangers.
It's a great and classic tip.
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