When travelling, selecting safe hotels involves careful planning, practical checks, and sensible precautions. Choosing accommodation wisely can significantly lower travel risks, letting you focus on enjoying your trip. This guide outlines simple and practical steps for identifying and selecting safe hotels.
Checking Hotel Location for Safety
Research Local Crime Rates
Before booking a hotel, research the local area for safety issues. Even popular travel destinations have areas with higher crime risks CrimeRate.co.uk provides up-to-date local crime statistics. This resource offers objective data to help you understand safety around potential hotels.
Also, use tools like Google Maps satellite view to check the surrounding neighbourhood. Visual assessments often reveal details that are missing from written descriptions. Hotels closer to emergency services like hospitals or police stations generally offer safer stays.
Ask colleagues who have visited before or your company’s travel manager for recommendations. Online forums and social media groups also provide recent, genuine feedback about local safety.
Hotel Reputation Matters
Hotel reputation directly affects guest safety. Studies from Cornell University show that larger, more established hotels often provide safer environments because they have more security resources. International chains frequently have consistent safety standards, though independent hotels can also offer excellent security.
Check reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Hotels.com for guest comments about safety. Choose hotels that follow international safety standards, such as ISO 31030, which helps ensure consistent and reliable safety measures.
Checking Security Features at the Hotel
Essential Security Measures
Safe hotels typically have certain key features:
- 24-hour staffed reception areas.
- CCTV cameras cover public spaces like entrances, corridors, and car parks.
- Digital room keys rather than traditional locks.
Contact hotels directly if you need more details about their security measures. Good hotels often employ trained security staff or even former police officers for added protection.
Confirm Risk Management Practices
Hotels that regularly perform risk assessments demonstrate a strong commitment to safety. Look for hotels approved by organisations like Global Secure Accreditation. Accreditation from reputable third parties indicates the hotel follows strict safety procedures.
Choosing the Right Room for Safety
Ideal Floor Levels
Safety experts recommend staying between the third and sixth floors. Ground and first floors are the easiest targets for intruders, while floors above ten can complicate evacuation during emergencies. Floors three to six provide a good balance between security and accessibility for emergency services.
Clearly request these floors when booking. Hotels usually accommodate such requests when you mention safety reasons.
Room Positioning
Avoid rooms directly next to lifts, ice machines, or emergency exits as these areas have higher foot traffic. Rooms towards the back of the hotel are quieter and may offer greater security during disturbances. Ensure your room doesn’t have connecting doors to other rooms, as these can pose additional security risks.
Personal Safety Practices at Hotels
Check-in Security
When checking in, keep personal information discreet. Avoid openly discussing your room number or travel details in public spaces. If reception staff announce your room number aloud, politely request it to be written down instead.
Inspecting Your Room
Perform a quick safety check when first entering your room:
- Keep the door open initially for an easy exit if needed.
- Check under beds, in wardrobes, and bathrooms for any security concerns.
- Confirm all locks and window security features are working.
If anything seems off, immediately request another room.
Protecting Valuables and Data
Physical Valuables
Always use the in-room safe for storing valuables like passports, cash, and electronics. Keep items not stored securely out of sight and secure your luggage with TSA-approved locks. Using “Do Not Disturb” signs can help reduce unnecessary room access.
Digital Security
Use secure hotel Wi-Fi networks, and always confirm network details with staff to avoid fake hotspots. For extra safety, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your personal and financial information.
Emergency Preparedness
Locate Emergency Exits
Upon arrival, note all emergency exits and physically walk the route from your room to the nearest exit. Counting doors between your room and the exit can be helpful in low-visibility situations. Familiarise yourself with hotel alarms and notifications.
Understand Emergency Protocols
Review the safety information provided in your room, which outlines hotel-specific procedures for emergencies like fires, medical issues, or security incidents. Knowing these protocols ahead of time prevents confusion during a crisis.
Booking Safe Hotels: Final Thoughts
Selecting safe hotels involves practical research, sensible room choices, and ongoing personal vigilance. Hotels meeting global safety standards, strategic room placement, and personal safety practices can significantly improve your travel experience. By taking these straightforward steps, you ensure peace of mind and security during your travels.
Always prioritise your safety when travelling—staying alert and informed makes every journey more enjoyable.
