Hotel safety Tips.

When the time comes to book your hotel particularly when you are heading to a city for the first time, don’t just look at rates and amenities — pay close attention to location as well.

Is the hotel in an up-scale residential neighbourhood?  How far is it from the airport/ bus terminal? Is the area a bustling business district or a private residential area? Is it safe to walk around after dark? Is there a police station nearby? All of these factors are necessary for your safety.

If you’re staying in a hotel where doors open directly to the outside (rather than a hallway), see if you can get a room overlooking an interior courtyard instead of a parking lot.

Don’t let the front desk attendant publicize your room number. If he or she announces it out loud when giving you your key, ask for a different room.

While you’re at the front desk, ask what phone number you should dial in case of emergency. Is there a direct line to the hotel’s security team? Should you call the national emergency number?

Upon arriving at your room, immediately identify a fire escape route. Check the location of the nearest stairwell and/or emergency exit (elevators should be avoided during a fire) and figure out a couple of potential plans for escape in case the hallway is blocked in one direction or another.

Check the locks on the windows (and balcony door, if applicable) as soon as you arrive, and notify the front desk if any are not functioning. It’s a good idea to check these locks again each time you return to the room, as housekeeping may open them and forget to close them again.