It’s that moment of hesitation before you head out the door. The one where you ask, “Is it safe to leave my valuables in my hotel room?”
It happens to me often, not just because I practically live in hotels, but also because I often help travelers whose belongings are stolen.
Hotel security has been a hot topic lately. One recent survey found that thieves are becoming increasingly bold, taking everything from bathroom fixtures to the grand piano in the lobby.
And the question always is: Could you have avoided the theft?
There’s good news about hotel safety
Before we get to the answer, here’s some good news: Hotels are generally safer than home-sharing accommodations, according to Harding Bush, associate director for security operations at Global Rescue, a provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. Hotels staffed around the clock make it much harder to commit a crime.
“With Airbnb and Vrbo, there is no inherent support network for guests,” he adds. (Related: How to practice safe internet on the road.)
But theft is still possible. Based on my experience of mediating travel complaints, the worst types of thefts are the ones you don’t notice. Thieves will enter your room when you’re not around, steal something, and you don’t discover it until after you’ve checked out. That makes it much more difficult to file a police report or catch the perpetrator.
And that brings me to the number one piece of preventative advice: Pack like a minimalist. Don’t bring jewelry or expensive electronics with you. If you don’t bring them, they can’t get stolen from your room. I know, Captain Obvious — thanks! But it had to be said.
Concerned about hotel room theft? Here’s what should set off an alarm
To determine whether a hotel room is vulnerable to theft, experts say you should look for these physical signs:
- Inadequate locks. Examine the door locks and deadbolts to ensure they are functioning properly. Rooms that open with an old-fashioned key — or worse, rooms with no locks — are a sign of trouble. Make sure you’re door shuts completely after you leave the room.
- Exterior entrances. Rooms with an exterior entrance provide easier access for potential thieves since they only need to breach a single door. So if you’re staying at a nice hotel on the beach and anyone could walk into your room from outside, you have a security problem.
- A ground-floor room. Ground floor rooms, or rooms with easy access from the outside, including those near fire escapes or back exits, can present a higher risk of theft.
- Lack of surveillance. Visible security cameras are a theft deterrent. Their absence in hallways and common areas may indicate weaker security measures.
“Crime is often linked to opportunity,” explains Carrie Pasquarello, CEO of the security consulting firm Global Secure Resources. “Don’t give anyone the chance to take advantage of you.”
What should you do if you’re in a hotel that’s vulnerable to theft?
If you find yourself in a hotel room or hotel that raises security red flags, you don’t have to stay.
First, ask the hotel to address the issues. If you are uncomfortable with the overall security of the hotel, you can ask the hotel management to remedy the specific issues. For instance, you can ask for a room with a working lock or a safe that is securely attached to the wall.
You can also request a room change. Experts say you can explain that you are uncomfortable with the security features in your current room, such as faulty locks or an easily accessible location. When you request the room change, specify your preference for a room on a higher floor, away from fire escapes, back exits, and other potential entry points. Emphasize your desire for a room with robust and functional locks. (Related: How to protect your valuables when you’re being screened at the airport.)
If the hotel won’t address the security concerns and can’t move you, you’ll have to consider a different hotel. Prioritize hotels with a demonstrable commitment to security, such as visible security cameras in public areas, well-lighted hallways, a 24/7 staffed front desk, and positive reviews regarding safety. Before booking, check for mentions of security concerns in online reviews and research the crime statistics for the neighborhood (more on that in a moment). Look for hotels located in areas with lower crime rates and good overall safety reputations.
Remember, if you feel uneasy about a hotel or room, there’s probably a reason. Trust your instincts. Explore alternative options to ensure a safer and more comfortable stay.
How to avoid a high-risk hotel
You can also take steps to better understand the security of a hotel.
- Check the online reviews. “It’s important to take time and go through the guest reviews in search of reports on theft or security concerns,” says Rafay Baloch, CEO of RedSecLabs, a data security firm. Online reviews can provide insight into past guests’ experiences, highlighting any reported incidents of theft or security concerns.
- Research the neighborhood. Investigate the crime statistics of the neighborhood where the hotel is located. Areas with a higher crime rate, especially theft, require increased vigilance and precaution. An interactive map like Community Crime Map can help you determine the safety of the area you’re visiting. “Customer reviews on trusted platforms can provide anecdotal insights into theft incidents or safety concerns,” explains John Rose, chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR. “Pair this with objective data by researching the neighborhood’s crime rates. High incidences of theft or other criminal activity nearby can be a red flag.” (Here is our ultimate guide to staying safe on your trip.)
- Inspect the room when you arrive. Develop a habit of inspecting your room immediately after you check in. Test all door and window locks to ensure they function properly. Make sure all windows are secure and safes are operational. If they fail your test, ask the hotel for a different room.
Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance, says he always looks for signs that the locks have been poorly maintained, such as loose deadbolts.
“I look for security cameras in the hallways, too, that’s very important,” he says. “Also, the state of a room safe is a good reflection of how seriously the hotel takes security. If the safe is portable or mounted to the wall with screws, it’s a huge red flag. That’s a hotel that doesn’t take security very seriously.”
Be careful out there
I mentioned before that I practically live in hotels. I don’t always get to choose the place I’m in, so when I get the sense that my accommodations might not be secure, I make sure that my essential items stay with me at all times — my passport, my phone, my laptop computer.
I also have a few hacks for keeping thieves out of my room. They include putting up the “DO NOT DISTURB” sign and hiding anything that might be of value in a place where an opportunistic thief wouldn’t look, like under a pile of dirty laundry. So far, so good.
Frank Harrison, the regional security director of the Americas for World Travel Protection, has a few security hacks of his own.
“Bring portable security devices such as travel locks or door stoppers,” he told me.
I feel extra safe in places like Turkey or Qatar, where guests pass through metal detectors and most hotels only allow guests to access the elevators through their key card. But I have also felt safe in many other places, including the United States. You just have to choose the right hotel in the right neighborhood. (Note: If price is the only consideration, you may end up on the wrong side of the tracks. So make sure you consult a crime map before you click the “book” button.)
The key to hotel security is simple: if your room feels less secure than a sandcastle when the tide is coming in, it’s time to check out. Your vacation shouldn’t feel like a heist movie, and the only mystery you should worry about is the novel you’re reading at the beach.
