How Safe is Your Hotel? The Disturbing Truth

Many hotels are much more dangerous than you realize. When selecting a hotel, it's important that it's not only affordable, but also safe. Here are some things to take into consideration when choosing a hotel.

To be safe, don't stay on just any floor of the hotel on your vacation. Never stay in a room above the sixth floor. The Fire Department's ladders will not be able to reach you above this floor. Also, if the windows or doors of the rooms open to the outside, do not stay on the first floor.

It's very important that you have a smoke detector in your hotel room. Check for sprinklers in your room and the hallways, and know where you can locate a fire extinguisher quickly. You should know where your nearest emergency exit is from your room and any other place in the hotel where you plan to spend a lot of time.

When looking for a hotel for your vacation, choose one that utilizes electronic locks. These locks are generally changed after each guest, so the keys should not be duplicated. Check the lock on your door immediately upon arrival to verify that it is working correctly. If you lose the electronic key, request that they re-key your room right away. In addition to the electronic lock, you should have a dead bolt lock and a peephole on your door so that you can see anyone who knocks before opening your door. Check that windows and doors to adjoining rooms lock as well.

If your hotel has a parking garage, the elevator from there should only go up to the lobby, not to the different floors of the hotel. The parking areas and hallways should also be well lit at night.

When you sign in to hotels, sign your first initial and last name. Don't put a title in front of your name. If you are a woman, you are safer if a potential predator can't determine your gender. Also, ask the receptionist to write down your room number instead of saying it out loud.

For your safety, make sure that the telephone in your room dials out in case there is an emergency.

Hotels should be safe, relaxing, enjoyable places where you can stay on vacation, but unfortunately that is not always the case. Bad things happen, and bad people prey on the unprepared and unsuspecting. So it's important that you protect yourself. You are the guest and paying customer, so don't accept a room until you feel safe.

Barniom

How Safe is Your Hotel? The Disturbing Truth