Things You'll Need:
- Information about the local hotel you're staying in (ratings)
- Maps/driving directions of the area you're in
- Info. about local places close to your hotel (such as restaurants, parks, museums, etc.)
- Local telephone numbers (the hotel you're at, local police station)
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Step 1
When staying at a hotel most of stay in a chain that we know well, such as a Hilton hotel, or a Holiday Inn. If you're planning on staying in a hotel that you've never heard of it's best to check out that hotel and it's location before your stay. Call the local hotel number, and ask questions. Ask what the hotel is located near, ask if it's safe to be out after dark in their parking lot.
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Step 2
Get good driving directions/maps of the area you're staying in. Print them off. Include local places close by the hotel, such as restaurants, grocery stores, parks, museums, anything you can think of. This can usually give you an idea of the hotel is located in a good area or not. If you're staying in a downtown location, once again ask that hotel questions over the telephone about how safe is it near their hotel at night. Write down the local hotel number on your paperwork, even local police station number.
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Step 3
When checking into the room, NEVER say your room number out loud, and never let the hotel clerk do the same. If they do and someone happens to be close by, then request that they give you another room after that person leaves the area. Tell them that you did not wanting anyone knowing what room number you were staying in. Especially if you're staying by yourself. Men should worry about this as much as women should, you just never know now a days what could happen. Make sure you keep your key envelope in your pocket or bag, never leave the key on the counter for someone to come by and read the room number off of it.
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Step 4
If you are having the bell person bring up your luggage, NEVER say your room number out loud to that person. They can find out what room you're in from the front desk clerk. Also make sure you take anything of value with you up to the room yourself, do NOT leave it with the bell person.
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Step 5
When you first get into the room, prop it open with the bolt lock. While the door is propped open thoroughly check around your room. Look in the closets, the bathroom, the shower, behind the curtains, behind the doors, even check under the beds. If there is a base board, framing, make sure it goes all the way around to support the bed, walk around it, kick it with your shoes, double check each bed by doing that. Make sure you've thoroughly gone through your whole room checking each and every space that someone could hide in. Once you've done that, then lock your door. Use ALL locks on the hotel door to secure it. ONLY open the door if you can see who's standing there. IF it is a hotel employee they should identify themselves, and why they're at your door.
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Step 6
If for any reason you leave your room, say to get ice, do NOT leave your door propped open EVEN FOR A SECOND, that is all it takes. Always take your key with you, and make sure your door is securely locked. When you're walking down the hallway to find where the ice machine is, make sure of your surroundings. Look around, notice who else is in the hallway with you. Do NOT stand with your front facing the ice machine, stand sideways. Those ice machines are loud, and you may not hear if someone walks up behind you while the ice is dispensing. Do the same thing when returning to your room, be aware of your surroundings. Again when you get back to your room make sure it's securely locked.
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Step 7
If you're going out for any reason, it's always best to do it during the day light hours. If you should have to go out after dark, then again be aware of your surroundings when you're in the parking lot. ALWAYS park your car where there are a lot of lights. If you're worried about where your car is parked, then ask if someone who works at the hotel can watch you walk to your car. Keep your keys in your hands, put the keys through your fingers to use as a weapon. You never know if by some chance you would need a weapon for any reason. Keep a whistle on your key ring, so that if she needs it it's right there for her to use. Go out and buy one, why not, it's for your safety.
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Step 8
If you're alone, and a woman, it is probably best to ask the desk clerk if they could NOT put you near the stairs. Most stairways open with out locks, and it's a good place for someone to hide in. If you have a room that is near the middle of the hallway, or near the elevator that is best. Also ask NOT to be placed near the ice machine. Most of those rooms also have places where someone could hide in.
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Step 9
Use your common sense, if you don't feel safe then you probably aren't. If for some reason you are not comfortable with your hotel, it's location, don't be afraid to cancel your reservation. If you arrive to discover you've made a bad choice, well then take these steps to make the most out of a bad situation. If you do your research ahead of time, then you should have selected a nice, safe hotel to stay in.
