You do not need to be paranoid about staying in hotels. However, you do need to be wise in choosing where to stay and how to protect yourself and your belongings.
Hotels are generally safe places to stay while traveling. You can, however, take steps to maximize your safety when you are not at home. Typically, the hotel will have security measures in place but it is up to you to utilize them and protect yourself and your possessions.
When you check in, you will be issued an electronic key card. It is vitally important that you protect this card at all times. Take it out of the pamphlet or card that it was in (your room number is usually written on this card) and put it in your purse or wallet. It is important that you not "flash" this card when you are out of your room. You do not want to draw attention to the fact that you are not from the area or that you are staying at a specific hotel. If you are using the pool or hot tub, keep your card with your towel and shoes and do not let anyone take it.
While in your room, use all the locks that are on the door. Some hotels have a dead bolt, while others have other types of locks on the door. Use all the locks that are there. While it may seem a bit excessive, you will never regret taking an extra safety measure. Of similar importance are the locks on the windows or balcony door. Feel free to use the windows or balcony while you are in your room, but be sure to shut and lock them when you leave. You do not want to provide unhindered access to your belongings while you are away.
With the advancement of social media and technology, you should also be careful when posting your location on any social media sites. "Checking in" or "tagging" yourself in a particular location can be an invitation for a perpetrator to take advantage of you. Thieves (even those posing as your "friends") look for information like this so that they can rob your home while you are away. Seemingly "nice" people that you meet while on vacation can use technology to find out where you are staying when you mention specific information online. Take extra precautions while staying in hotels to keep your location private. Set your profiles on the social media sites that you use so that you are not revealing too much information to complete strangers.
In many ways, safety is about prevention. Taking steps while away from home (whether you are staying in hotels or not) to protect yourself requires vigilance and a proactive attitude. Never assume that the safety measures imposed upon you are enough to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings. Always be willing to take an extra step or increase security when you feel it is warranted.
