Important Safety Tips for Women Staying Alone in a Hotel
So you’ve just finished an interview, and the hiring manager has given you a tentative offer. You’ll start on their desk by the end of next week, but before that happens, you need to book a hotel for your upcoming stay. Congratulations! Now, where’s that travel site? With the cost of living soaring, more people are going apartment-hunting than ever before. In fact, according to the American Housing Survey in 2016, more than 50 million Americans spend one-third of their incomes on rent. As a result, many adults live either with parents or other relatives or in hotels when they can’t afford an apartment yet. There are so many things to consider when staying in a hotel instead of renting an apartment: from safety concerns and sneaky hidden fees to special amenities and what kind of room you should book.
What to Look for in a Hotel
Everyone has their own taste when it comes to selecting a hotel. Some travelers prefer the luxury and privacy of a 5-star hotel, while others might want something more modest and inexpensive. Most likely, you’ll have to choose between a chain hotel and a small, independent establishment. Chain hotels like Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Fairmont, Hilton, Marriott, and so on are generally safe and clean.
They have a well-established brand, so you can expect consistency in service, amenities, and cleanliness at all locations. Smaller, independent hotels might be charming, but you don’t know what to expect until you get there. To make sure you don’t end up in a room where the carpets and the sheets are stained, check online reviews and ratings. They’ll tell you about the place’s cleanliness, service standard, and other important aspects of the hotel.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Hotels
If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to settle for a cheap hotel. You can find the perfect balance of affordability and luxury simply by changing the way you search for hotels. For example, if you want to stay in a particular city or neighborhood, try expanding your search to include different booking sites. You can also consider booking your stay further in advance to get the best rates. If you want to search for hotels by brand, you can also use travel websites like Expedia and Orbitz. They feature a wide range of hotels, including luxury and budget, and you can narrow your search by price, location, and amenities like free Wi-Fi, kids’ club, and so on.
Safety Tips for Women Staying Alone in a Hotel
If you’re planning to travel by yourself, you might be feeling a little apprehensive about staying in a strange city without any familiar faces around. Don’t worry, though! There are ways to stay safe and secure at a hotel, even when you’re staying alone. Before you check in, call the hotel’s front desk and ask for a room at the back or front of the building. Avoid rooms located on the ground floor, as these are more likely to be broken into. Also, make sure the room locks have a deadbolt. At night, lock the door to your room, and if you can, put a chair against the door. If the hotel has a safe, you can use, use it to store your passport, wallet, and other valuables. If you have a smartphone, store all your important contacts and numbers in there as well. You can also download apps designed to track your phone and locate it if it gets lost or stolen.
1. Don’t Open the Door for Anyone
Even though you’re in a hotel, you don’t know who might show up at your door. Always keep the “do not disturb” sign on the door when you’re not in the room. Hotel staff doesn’t have the authority to break into your room and enter without your permission. If you don’t know who’s knocking on your door, simply stay behind it and call the front desk to let them know there’s a problem. If you’re getting unwanted attention from other guests, tell the manager of the hotel and ask them to relocate you to a different room. If you’re being harassed by the hotel staff, talk to the manager and contact the local police.
2. Ask for a Room at the Front of the Hotel
When you’re at the reception desk and you’re about to book a room, ask for a room at the front of the hotel instead of one in the back. If possible, choose a room facing the street rather than the inside courtyard. This way, you’ll be able to see anyone approaching your hotel and will have more control over your surroundings. Of course, you’ll also be able to enjoy city life by watching people walk by. If you’re traveling with a group, you can also ask for rooms facing each other. This way, you’ll be able to keep an eye on each other, and if someone approaches any of your rooms, you’ll be able to see it.
3. Check Out the Bathroom Before You Shower
Before you get into the shower, take a quick look inside the bathroom. Make sure there are no signs of rodents or insects. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the hotel manager as soon as possible. If you’re staying in a cheap and dirty hotel, you should also be careful about what kind of soap you use. You don’t know who else has used it or where they put it. To stay safe and clean, use your own shampoo, soap, and other hygiene products. If you don’t have any hygiene products with you, ask the front desk for some. They’ll usually offer you some free samples or give you some of their personal items.
4. Take Basic Measures to Stay Safe and Secure
To stay safe and secure at a hotel, you don’t have to do a lot. You just have to be careful and follow a few basic precautionary measures. When you arrive at your hotel, drive around the neighborhood and check out the area before you decide to stay there. Make sure there aren’t any suspicious characters lurking around. To stay safe and secure inside the hotel, keep all the doors and windows locked at all times. Never leave your bags unattended on the street or outside the hotel. Always keep your valuables, ID, and credit cards safe in your bag or room. Stay away from strangers who offer to help you with your bags or tell you there’s a problem with your car or hotel room. If someone is following you, change your path and go to another place. If you’re being harassed by another hotel guest, report it to the front desk, and tell them you want to be relocated.
The Final Word
Whether it’s for business or pleasure, you might have to stay in a hotel. Before you book and arrive, remember to check out the neighborhood and the general area around the hotel to make sure it’s safe. There are a few things you can do before you get there to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Once you arrive at your hotel, check out the room and bathroom to make sure they’re clean and rodent-free. Finally, keep your belongings in a safe place, and follow a few precautionary measures to stay safe and secure while staying in a hotel. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your stay anywhere, at any time, and on any budget. Visit Womenwire.com for more tips, tricks, and advice related to travel and living.
