The biggest threat travelers face in hotels is property security. Due to the fairly uncontrolled access to hotels, would-be criminals can come and go relatively unnoticed. Always watch your luggage carefully when checking in and out, and keep items of high value in the safe in your hotel room or at the front desk when you are out.
Other top areas of concern are personal security and fire safety. Be aware of security needs the moment you think about selecting a hotel or accommodations for your trip. The tendency is to let our guard down once we’ve identified a “home away from home.” Accommodations in a hotel or other venue probably won’t feel like a second home, but taking basic security precautions in your hotel will allow you to rest easier.
When making your reservations, verify that your hotel has an active 24-hour security program, including surveillance cameras in key areas such as the garage and vulnerable perimeter areas (for example, if the hotel backs to a dark alley).
Attempt to select hotels that have optional escort services that will accompany you to your car when you are parked in the garage or off-site.
Select hotels that are not located in a high crime-rate area. Your embassy’s security officer can usually tell you which areas to avoid.
Select large, modern hotels that have electronic guestroom locks on the doors. Larger hotels tend to have more elaborate security systems in place.
If you are particularly concerned about terrorism, select gated hotels with long driveways and multiple security layers between the street and the building. Terrorists, like most criminals, prefer targets of opportunity. A hotel tucked behind a gate with tight security is a less attractive target than a building fronting a busy street downtown, where security personnel cannot possibly keep track of all activity. If you stay in a busy downtown hotel, ask management how they control the pick-up/drop-off zone and verify that a security guard is on duty at the front door at all times. Remember, the likelihood of a traveler being affected by a terrorist event at any hotel worldwide is miniscule.
If terrorism against Western targets has been identified as a distinct threat in the area you will be visiting, consider choosing a hotel that is not located on a major thoroughfare or near a Western embassy. If possible, avoid hotels Westerners are known to use. Instead, select a reputable hotel in a good part of town, but away from popular tourist spots and foreign missions.
Request a room near an exit; avoid accepting rooms in the middle of a long hallway or on an isolated wing of the hotel.
Make your own reservations or use a reputable travel agency.
For business travel to sensitive areas, make reservations using your personal credit card and your employer’s street address. Do not identify the company.
Use travelers’ programs where available to upgrade to more secure executive or concierge floors.
Pre-book your first night’s hotel stay.
Arrange transportation from the airport to your hotel.
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