Prioritizing Safety: Essential Hotel Check-In Protocols for Travelers
Ensuring personal safety while travelling is paramount for most individuals, leading to the adoption of various preventative measures. A seasoned travel expert has highlighted a crucial step many overlook immediately upon checking into a hotel: a simple yet effective security protocol.
Jaime Kimbro, a regional manager for the AAA Diamond Program, shared insights with Good Housekeeping regarding hotel receptionists’ standard practice of discretion when issuing room numbers. This aims to enhance guest privacy and bolster security. However, Kimbro acknowledges that instances may arise where hotel staff inadvertently announce a room number too audibly. In such situations, Kimbro offers a practical solution.
“If the desk agent accidentally does so, you can always ask for another room,” Kimbro advises. “When making the request, mention that, for personal safety, you don’t want your room number said out loud.” This proactive approach empowers travellers to maintain control over their personal information and enhance their sense of security.
Post-Check-In Room Security Checks
Beyond the initial check-in, Kimbro strongly recommends a thorough inspection of the hotel room itself to confirm its security. This involves systematically checking potential hiding spots.
Inspect Common Hiding Places: Holidaymakers are encouraged to meticulously examine areas such as bathrooms and wardrobes. These are often overlooked but could potentially be areas of concern.
The expert advises holidaymakers check possible hiding places like bathrooms and wardrobes.
Secure Exterior Doors: Once the initial inspection is complete, it is vital to fully engage the deadbolt lock on all doors that face the exterior of the building. For rooms with connecting doors, ensure that the deadbolt lock on this interior door can also be fully engaged. This adds an essential layer of security, preventing unauthorized access.
Crucially, Kimbro emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts. If a room “doesn’t feel right” for any reason, travellers should not hesitate to request a different room. This intuitive approach can be a powerful tool in preventing potential issues.
Safeguarding Valuables and Essential Services
Once settled into the room, implementing additional measures can significantly enhance personal security, particularly concerning valuables.
Utilize the Room Safe: Experts recommend storing valuable items securely in the in-room safe. Chirag Panchal, founder of Ensuite Collection, suggests placing items such as jewellery, passports, and electronics in the safe. This minimises the risk of theft or loss.
Verify Room Telephone Functionality: Jaime Kimbro also points out another critical safety check: ensuring the room telephone is operational. A working telephone can be an indispensable tool in the event of an emergency, providing a direct line to hotel staff or external emergency services.
Addressing the Bed Bug Concern
Separately, another travel expert has previously shared a surprising, yet effective, strategy for travellers to protect their belongings from potential infestations. Travel writer Lydia Mansel suggests a specific placement for luggage upon entering a hotel room.
Travel writer Lydia Mansel has said soft furnishings, like beds and chairs in hotel rooms, could be harbouring pesky bed bugs.
Mansel explains that soft furnishings within hotel rooms, including beds and chairs, can sometimes harbour bed bugs. To mitigate the risk of bringing these pests home, Mansel advocates for placing luggage in less hospitable areas for the insects.
“This way, my belongings are far enough away from any furniture where bed bugs usually reside—and I significantly lower my chances of bringing them home,” Mansel told Travel + Leisure. Recommended locations include the bathroom, the entryway, or any area distanced from the bed and carpeted surfaces.
Furthermore, Mansel advises leaving a note for housekeeping staff to ensure luggage remains in its designated spot. This is because even luggage racks can potentially harbour bed bugs. By taking these simple yet thorough precautions, travellers can significantly enhance their comfort and safety throughout their stay.
