Hotel Safety Hacks

I attended an empowerment luncheon on July 12th where I was a vendor for my lipstick line. I was asked by another vendor what's the first thing you do when you book a hotel room or Airbnb? My response was I research hotels online to see how the rooms look, and I look at the accommodations, I do a virtual view of the hotel, I read the hotel reviews, I check for rates , and I reseach location and nearby attractions.

The fellow vendor stated wrong answer.. She stated most hotel or Airbnb are not cleaned and sanitized properly. The smoke detectors may not be checked often. Maintenance workers, maids, janitors, construction workers has access to key cards to the hotel rooms. Anyone can apply force to break in the rooms, the doors are not very secured.

After listening to her presentation and I began to think differently at how I book rooms and I will start putting some safeguards in place to ensure safety and to make sure Im getting my monies worth. These are some hotel hacks that you can use to ensure you are safe in your hotel room or Airbnb.

Functionality check:

Ensure all locks, phones, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers are working properly.

Use a rubber doorstop or a portable door lock for added security, especially when inside the room.

Check the Bed: Inspect the sheets, headboard, and mattress for cleanliness, including the top and bottom.

Bed Bugs: Be vigilant for signs of bed bugs.

Bathroom: The bathroom is a critical area. Check for cleanliness, especially in corners, and ensure there are no hairs or stains says Life is Better Traveling.

High-Touch Surfaces: Pay close attention to light switches, door handles, the remote control, and other surfaces frequently touched by guests according to USA Today.

Windows: Check for cleanliness, especially around the edges, and ensure there is no mold.

Carpet/Flooring: Look for stains, dirt, and any signs of neglect.

Determine the specific issue with your room or stay, whether it's a broken amenity, cleanliness concern, or a service issue.

Focus on issues that genuinely impact your experience, rather than minor inconveniences.

2. Approach the Hotel Staff:

Be polite and respectful: Frame your request as a genuine concern rather than a complaint.

Directly address the problem: Explain the issue and how it affects your stay.

Suggest a solution: Politely ask if an upgrade to a better room or suite is possible as a way to compensate for the problem

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Worldwide Caution, advising citizens to be vigilant and exercise increased caution due to potential threats like terrorism, demonstrations, and other security concerns. 

• This alert applies to all international travel and encourages citizens to stay informed about local conditions and potential risks in their destinations. 

The State Department (.gov) uses a four-level system for travel advisories:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department provides specific advisories for each country, which can be found on their website.

For example, some countries currently under a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory include: Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, North Korea, Venezuela, and Haiti.

Other countries, like Mexico, have specific states with varying levels of advisory, ranging from "Exercise Increased Caution" to "Do Not Travel".

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or call: 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada. +1 202-501-4444 from outside the United States.

What are your thoughts about this topic? Do you take any safety measures when you check into a hotel room or Airbnb? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. Thanks for reading this story, while you're here check out the other stories on the site. 🥰