Safety in Numbers
If you are a woman traveling alone, consider booking the room and checking in as husband and wife. To avoid a double room charge, phone the desk shortly after your arrival to let them know that ''Mr.'' won't be coming after all.
Study the Fire Exit Plan Posted on the Back of the Door
If nothing is posted, make a note of the exits nearest your room and spend a couple of moments planning a quick exit route, just in case.
Don't Attract Attention
Avoid displaying large amounts of cash, jewelry, or other valuables at the registration desk, hotel restaurant, or lobby.
Keep Your Door Shut
Use your peephole to find out who is at the door before opening it. Never open the door to anyone claiming to be a hotel service person unless you have called for one. If in doubt, telephone the desk to confirm the identity while the person waits outside the door. A rubber doorjamb-the kind used to keep doors open-also works well to keep doors closed when it is wedged under the inside. Make sure any connecting or sliding glass doors and windows are securely locked.
Don't Hang the ''Make Up This Room'' Card on Your Door When You Go Out
It is an invitation to burglars looking for easy pickings. Leaving the ''Do Not Disturb'' sign up and the television on can be a fairly good deterrent. If the maid passes you by, you can always call housekeeping later in the day.
Avoid Regular Patterns of Entering and Leaving Your Room
Vary the times at which you leave and return and occasionally come back to your room after a few minutes, if possible.
Be Alert for Staged Distractions in the Lobby
These may be created to provide an opportunity for a pickpocket or purse/luggage snatcher
Hand Carry Your Precious Items and Vital Documents
Keep your laptop, personal travel documents, and anything else you cannot afford to lose under your own control at all times.
Use the Room or Hotel Safe
Don't leave anything valuable behind when you exit the room.
Use the Main Entrance to Your Hotel When Returning After Dark
Avoid dimly lit garages without security patrols. In any type of parking structure, look around for strange or suspicious behavior before you get out of the car.
Purchase an Instant Release Key chain
This way you can keep your house and other keys when you leave your car key with valets or other parking personnel.
Keep Your Room Key Where It Can't be Stolen.
