Facilities are safer than ever, but it still pays to be vigilant
More than a 150 million travelers stay at U.S. hotels each year, and only a very small percentage are victims of robberies or attacks. It can happen even in spite of locked doors, surveillance cameras, and an attentive hotel staff.
Hotel security firms say burglary and theft are the most common hotel crimes, followed by theft from cars.
As a guest, you should take some responsibility for your own safety.
* Ask for a room with a deadbolt lock.
* Don't open the door for anyone without verification from the front desk.
* Don't enter an elevator if someone inside seems suspicious or makes you uncomfortable.
* If you are concerned about your safety at night, have a hotel staff member escort you to your room and inspect it for you.
* Place all of your valuables in the in-room safe.
* Park in a lighted area or use a valet. Don't leave valuables in your car.
* Hang a do-not-disturb sign on the door when you leave during the day, and leave the television or radio on.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.