If you're planning a vacation at a hotel — whether you're far from home or just in the next town over — you want to make sure you're taking measures to ensure a safe and comfortable hotel stay. Whether it's making reservations or staying vigilant during your stay, these helpful tips will allow you to make the most out of your hotel experience. Browse the checklist below before leaving for your trip for peace of mind.
Key Points
- Be sure to inquire about door locks and the availability of higher rooms before your stay.
- Have smaller cash on you for tipping purposes.
- Keep a log of calls you make and take inventory of any snacks you consumed to make sure you are being charged correctly.
- Familiarize yourself with the nearest exits and escape routes in case of emergency.
When Making Your Reservation
- Inquire about entries: Do doors open to an interior hallway instead of an outdoor balcony? This can deter potential criminals from attempting to enter your room.
- Check the type of locks on the doors: Are they self-locking? Is there a deadbolt? Are there additional security features like a security bar or chain?
- Opt for card keys: Avoid metal keys with room numbers on them. Card keys with a magnetic strip are preferable as the codes are changed after each guest.
- Ensure there is a phone in your room for emergency purposes.
- Confirm if the hotel has 24-hour front desk staff.
- Request a room on a high floor, especially if you are a solo female traveler or if the room has a sliding glass door to the outside.
Before Arriving at Hotel
- Have dollar bills on hand for tipping door person, bellhop, and other staff who provide assistance.
Upon Arriving at Hotel
- Tip the door person and/or bellhop approximately $1 to $1.50 per bag, or more if they provide extra services
- Request a room on a high floor, especially if there's a sliding glass door to the outside or if you're a woman traveling by yourself.
- Ask for a room not above the reach of local fire department ladders (e.g., ladder trucks).
- Ask what kind of identification is carried by the hotel staff.
- Determine the best fire escape routes/procedures.
While Staying at Hotel
If someone claiming to be hotel staff comes to your room:
Before you let them in, call the front desk to confirm that they're supposed to be there.
If you expect to make multiple phone calls:
Keep a log of the calls you make including date, time, number called, whether the call was answered, and the length of call. This will allow you to keep track of your communication in case you see a charge you don't recognize on your bill.
By following this hotel vacation checklist, you can ensure that you'll have a safe and enjoyable stay.