Choosing a Hotel. Guidebooks and Internet sites can provide information about the cleanliness, convenience, and services offered by hotels. They can also provide information about which areas of a city are safe and which are not. When consulting a guidebook, use one with a recent edition date to be sure the information is current and accurate. If using a website, check to see when the site was last updated. Always make reservations ahead of time and guarantee them with a credit card to avoid the inconvenience of having to find a hotel in an unfamiliar city.

Checking In. Verify the security features of a hotel at check in. If you cannot determine the answers yourself, ask hotel personnel. Some safety issues to consider:

• Are hallways and elevators well lighted?
• Is the front desk staffed around the clock?
• Do guestrooms have double-locks and peepholes?
• Does the hotel employ 24-hour security personnel and, if so, how can they be reached?
• In some smaller hotels, the outside doors lock at a certain hour. If that is the case, what is the best way to re-enter?

When registering, some people — especially women traveling alone — prefer to sign only their first initial and last name. Be sure to advise the front desk not to release your room number to callers or visitors. If your room is not ready when you arrive, ask to have your luggage stored in a secure area and ask for a receipt.

Safeguard Your Key. Know where your room key/card is at all times. When you’re in your room, always put the key in the same place — the night table is a good choice — so you can find it quickly. If you leave during an emergency, take the key with you; if the exits are impassable or if it’s a false alarm you will need to get back into your room.

Inside Your Room. Use all available locks and chains on doors and windows while in the room. Always look through the peephole before opening the door, and never open the door to a stranger. When you leave your room, lock all luggage; use a cable lock on a laptop computer. Put anything of value in the hotel safe, and ask for a receipt for anything you’ve entrusted to the hotel.

Fire Safety. Major hotels have smoke alarms and sprinkler systems, and emergency evacuation instructions will be posted on the back of the entry door to your room. Additionally, there will often be fire safety information in the room — either on a pamphlet or card, or as part of the TV menu. Read this information and make sure you understand it. General fire safety precautions:

• Familiarize yourself with the fire escape routes and locate the two exits nearest to your room in case the primary one is blocked.
• Always keep your room key on the night table so that you can find it in a hurry.
• Never smoke in bed.
  

In the event of a fire or fire alarm:

• If there is a fire outside your room, always feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it—telephone for help.
• If you leave the room, take your room key.
• Never use elevators during a fire or suspected fire; they could shut down, trapping you inside. Take the stairs.
• To help keep smoke from entering your room, soak sheets and towels and stuff them under the door.
• Stay close to the floor for the freshest air and hold a wet washcloth over your face.
• Do not attempt to run through smoke or flames.
• If you are forced to stay in your room, telephone for help, turn off the air-conditioning and heating systems, and open your window slightly for ventilation.