It’s a good idea to keep all luggage within arm’s reach at all times, especially when you are checking in. Be wary about passing your luggage off to a porter or bellhop. At large hotels, some thieves may attempt to imitate staff. [2] X Research source
Ideally, you may want to ask for a room on floors three through five. These will deter break-ins, but can still be reached by emergency personnel, like firemen. [4] X Research source
You may feel self-conscious while doing this, but the simple fact is your room number should be private for your own personal security. [6] X Research source
Hold your credit card in your hand or keep it in your wallet or purse until the desk worker is ready to process your hotel fee. Inspect your card after it’s returned to you. In some cases, you may be given back the wrong card or a fake. [7] X Research source
Keep one business card somewhere visible in your room, like by the phone or on the nightstand, and the other in your wallet or purse. [8] X Research source
Do a brief check of the room while the valet, porter, or bellhop is there to verify the room is empty. Check closets, the shower, and behind doors. [9] X Research source
Lock each door and turn the handle to confirm the lock actually works. This includes deadbolts and safety locks. [10] X Research source
Some safety locks are installed improperly or on doors/frames that are insufficient. Try pulling the door against the safety lock. If it or the wood strains, moves, or deforms, your safety lock will only provide minimal safety. [11] X Research source
Many cell phones also come equipped with a flashlight feature. However, many people charge their phone during the night. If a disaster happens, your phone may have little charge. For this reason, having a battery powered travel flashlight is recommended. [12] X Research source
Electronics, like laptops, music players, and tablets, are often targeted by thieves, making these prime candidates for room safe storage. Jewelry and other small valuables are easy to hide in pockets and smuggle out of your room. Keep these in your room safe as well. If your room safe appears to be poorly made or easy to break into, you may want to forego storing anything in it and use the front desk safe instead.
When keeping items in the hotel safe, always ask for a written receipt that lists the items you’re keeping in the safe. Most hotels will not insure or replace items stolen from your room safe, but will for items kept in the front desk safe. [14] X Research source
You might also want to move your luggage to a less visible location, like in a closet or under the bed, to further remove temptation. [15] X Research source
These kinds of locks can be found at most hardware stores, technology stores, luggage stores, or through online retailers.
Even on higher floors, burglars may be able to easily hop from the balcony of a neighboring room to your own. [18] X Research source
