Safety issues can quickly put a damper on your vacation. You’ll feel much better knowing that the hotel you’re staying at has implemented all the necessary measures to keep you and your belongings safe.
Here are eight primary ways hotels ensure guest safety.
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1. Monitored Entrances and Exits
Hotel security begins at the access points in and out of the premises. These areas should be monitored to ensure that only authorized individuals can enter or leave the grounds.
Generally, the fewer the entrance and exit points, the better because monitoring who’s coming in or going out is easier. However, this is not always feasible, especially for large hotels catering to hundreds or even thousands of guests at a time.
2. Well-Lit Premises
Imagine checking in to your hotel at night without exterior lighting around the building. You’d probably get apprehensive. A well-lit exterior, on the other hand, would give you the confidence to walk up to the lobby.
Strategically placed lighting fixtures in and around the hotel ensure there are no dimly lit areas for untoward individuals to lurk at night. A recent study found that nighttime lighting reduced the crime rate index by 45%, indicating that proper lighting improves safety.
3. 24-Hour Staffed Lobby
Staff are often your first point of contact and are critical in ensuring your safety. They can handle queries, provide safety information, and assist in emergencies.
That’s why ensuring all regularly accessed areas of the hotel are staffed around the clock is a must. Staff at the front desk, elevator, pool, gym, banquet area, business center, and more are essential for security and convenience.
4. Security Guards on Patrol
It’s common practice for hotels to employ trained security personnel who patrol the premises, whether day or night. These professionals have the necessary skills to handle various security concerns, from minor disturbances to unauthorized access and room invasion.
Their mere presence has been found to add an integral security layer to deter would-be intruders. You’ll likely feel more at ease when you see security guards patrolling the parking area.
5. CCTV Monitoring in Public Areas
CCTV cameras help security staff ensure rigorous surveillance around the hotel and the surrounding areas. They help keep a close watch on every spot, including the roads leading to the facility.
CCTV monitoring can help deter theft and other illegal activities. An Economic Journal study found that installing cameras reduced robberies by 60% and pickpocketing by 20%.
6. Digital Room Keys
Hotel key cards and mobile keys are much more secure than traditional metal keys because they’re more difficult to duplicate. Also, they are encoded with specific information, making them a safer choice.
Mobile keys let you access your hotel room or suite using your cellphone — no more risk of losing your keycard.
This method improves day-to-day efficiency, plus it’s more eco-friendly since it eliminates the need for physical keys and cards. Prominent chains Hyatt, Hilton, and Mariott have already transitioned to using mobile keys.
7. Cybersecurity Measures
Hotel safety measures also extend to protecting your personal and financial information. They employ secure networks to process payments and safeguard sensitive data about guests.
8. Specific Security Strategies
As part of their efforts to design a robust security system, many hotels create specific security strategies based on industry best practices. Examples include:
- Ban lists: Hotels typically maintain a list of individuals who have caused disturbances or harm in the past to prevent them from returning.
- Walk-in guest protocols: Guests who arrive without prior reservations may need to be processed with specific protocols to ensure safety and adherence to hotel policies.
- Guest education: Some hotels may provide specific security guidelines during check-in. Most websites have pages to educate guests on safety and security policies.
Do Your Part
The No. 1 person responsible for your safety is you. This means enjoying your vacation to the fullest but also being security conscious at all times. Some handy tips to follow include the following:
- Get some safety training: Knowing what to do in an emergency while traveling can lead to better outcomes. More than 4.6 million people take American Red Cross classes yearly, upping their chances of surviving dangerous situations.
- Research the hotel before booking: Don’t just look at its amenities. Check the location to see if it’s in a safe area. Guest reviews may mention safety concerns.
- Get a room on a higher floor: This isn’t some rule of thumb. It’s just a keen observation that the lower floors would be the most impacted if the hotel suffered a security breach.
- Practice rule 22: In the “Zombieland” rule book, rule #22 says, “When in doubt, know your way out.” In travel terms, when staying at a hotel, know where the emergency exits are and how to reach them quickly.
- Don’t make yourself a target: As much as possible, try not to share information that compromises your safety. For example, avoid posting pictures showing the hotel name, your room number, or other personal information.
- Be a courteous guest: The hotel staff want you to have a great experience. Extend them the same courtesy and tip room service staff 18%-20% as you would at a restaurant.
Ensure a Safe and Enjoyable Vacation
Hotels employ various security measures to ensure your safety during your stay. At the same time, don’t take your safety for granted. Take steps to protect yourself so your vacation is truly stress-free.
