Hotel Security Tips - How to Stay Safe While Traveling

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, staying in a hotel should come with some essential safety considerations - especially for women traveling alone. While hotels may feel secure, many are designed to be open to the public. Anyone can walk through the lobby, visit the restaurant or lounge, and even access guest room floors unless elevator security is in place.

It’s easy to assume everyone in a hotel belongs there - but that’s often not the case. If the elevator doesn't require a room key, anyone can roam the halls unquestioned, increasing the risk of theft, surveillance, or worse.

You’ve probably seen housekeeping staff leave guest room doors wide open as they clean. While this seems routine, it creates an opportunity for someone with malicious intent to enter unnoticed, hide, or even plant hidden cameras.

To help protect yourself and others, here are smart, practical hotel safety tips you can incorporate into every trip:

Research the Hotel and Surroundings Before Booking
Before you make a reservation:
• Visit the hotel’s official website.
• Check third-party reviews (TripAdvisor, Google Reviews).
• Use Google Maps or Street View to examine the surrounding area.

A hotel can look modern and safe in photos but be one block from a high-crime zone. Look for signs of street activity, lighting, nearby shops, and other potential red flags.

Be Strategic About Parking or Drop-Offs
If driving:
• Park in front of the hotel when possible – these areas are usually better lit and often covered by surveillance cameras.
• Avoid underground or remote parking lots, especially at night.

If using a ride-share (Uber, Lyft, etc.):
• Don’t overshare personal information with the driver.
• If asked if you’re traveling alone, respond with something like:
“No, my husband is at a meeting and will be joining me shortly.”
This adds a layer of perceived protection.

Always Use Main Entrances and Avoid Isolated Areas
• Stick to main entrances/exits – these are more visible and may be monitored.
• Avoid using side doors or stairwells, especially at night. These areas are typically less trafficked and dimly lit, making them ideal for someone looking to linger unnoticed.

Protect Your Personal Info at Check-In
At the front desk:
• Shield your credit card and ID like you would at an ATM.
• Be mindful of others standing close – someone could eavesdrop, snap a photo, or overhear your room number.
• Front desk staff should never say your room number aloud – if they do, ask to be reassigned to a new room.
• Ask for two keys, even if you’re alone. Casually mention your partner is on their way to give the appearance you're not traveling solo.

Pro Tip:
Glance around the lobby to see if security cameras are visible and actively monitored. If you don’t see a nearby security presence, assume you’re responsible for your own safety.

Stay Alert in Elevators
• If someone enters the elevator with you, let them select their floor first.
• Be aware of the alarm button’s and call button’s location in case of emergency.
• If you feel uneasy or suspect someone is following you, stay calm and ride back down to the lobby instead of getting off alone on your floor.

Inspect Your Room Before Settling In
Before fully entering:
Look behind you. Anyone loitering or following you is a potential threat. Being distracted and carrying belongings makes you an easier target – stay alert to your surroundings.

• Keep your room door propped open with your foot or a bag while you inspect the space:
 – Check behind curtains
 – Open closets
 – Look in the bathroom, behind the shower curtain, and under the bed

Once the room is clear:
• Place the Do Not Disturb sign on the door to deter staff or others from attempting to enter.
• Bring in your luggage and lock the door using all available locks – including the deadbolt and safety bar.
• Consider using a portable door wedge alarm – a small, inexpensive device that emits a loud siren if someone tries to force the door open.

Conduct a Privacy & Camera Sweep
Before relaxing:
• Turn on the TV or background noise to reduce silence.
• Secure the peephole (some travelers place tissue or tape over it).
• Use a flashlight or your phone to inspect:
 – Mirrors (test for two-way mirrors)
 – USB ports and alarm clocks – sometimes used to hide spy cameras
 – Smoke detectors or air vents if they look tampered with

Check out our section on Hidden Cameras

If you're especially concerned, you can bring an RF scanner or camera detector – devices that scan for hidden electronics.

Know Your Emergency Exits
Take a moment to find the building evacuation map – usually posted behind the door or in the hallway. Note:
• Primary and secondary exits
• Fire extinguishers and alarms
• Staircase locations
• Proximity to elevators (which you should avoid during fires)

Pro Tip: In overseas hotels, fire codes and evacuation plans may vary significantly. Familiarize yourself with the building layout as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts
Hotels can provide a comfortable home away from home – but awareness is your best defense. Most people overlook these simple steps because they feel “safe enough.” But taking a few extra precautions can protect you from theft, assault, or worse.

These tips don’t just apply to women; all travelers benefit from understanding the vulnerabilities of shared public spaces like hotels.