Hotel Safety DailyMail TV

I love a list! Here are more tips from my Daily Mail TV story on hotel safety to keep in mind when you are traveling by yourself. You can watch my segment on DailyMail TV by checking your local listings.

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  • Have the bellman escort you to your room.
  • Make sure the door has both a deadbolt, security latch or a chain lock.
  • Stay on floors 3 thru 6 and avoid the first floor at all costs. In the event of a fire, you can be rescued from these floors by a fire truck with a ladder.
  • Leave the “Do Not Disturb” or “Room Occupied” sign on the door all the time.
  • Leave the television on. This makes it appear like someone is in the room.
  • Check safety reviews of the hotel and also the surrounding areas.
  • If someone tells you they are a hotel employee, verify that with the front desk if you are in doubt.
  • Cover the peep hole on the door.
  • When traveling alone, walk in or out of the hotel with other people. This way no one will know you are traveling solo.
  • Pull your drapes so people can’t see inside your room.
  • Keep your room number private at all costs.
  • Call the front desk from your cell phone. Ask for yourself and tell them you aren’t sure of the room number. If they give you the room number and connect you, ask for another room. They should always say, “Let me connect you.”
  • Always leave your room key in the same place, ideally next to your bed. You won’t waste time looking for it if you need to leave in a hurry.
  • Check the phone in your room to ensure that it is working properly.
  • Pick up a few business cards with the hotel’s information on them. In the event something happens to you, this will be an indicator as to where you are staying and who to call.
  • Keep your valuables including your computer and iPad locked up when you are not in the room.
  • Get on the elevator last and stand near the buttons. If someone suspicious looking gets on, get off!
  • If you leave your beverage sitting on a table or bar, when you return order another one. This eliminates the chances of someone spiking your drink with drugs.
  • Check to see if there is a government issued travel warning to where you are traveling.
  • Just because a hotel is inexpensive, does not mean it is safe. Is getting a good deal worth risking your personal safety and possibly your life?

These tips aren’t meant to scare you away from traveling. They are simple reminders of things to do and what to look for so that your trip of a lifetime doesn’t turn into the trip from hell. I can not stress enough the importance of RESEARCH! Take the time to read about where you are traveling to and the areas near where you will be staying.