Hotel-check-in safety: don’t reveal your room number and follow in-room security steps

A travel-safety expert warns that a routine moment at hotel check-in could expose a guest’s room number, creating an easy target for theft or intrusion. Jaime Kimbro, regional manager of the AAA Diamond Program, told Good Housekeeping that hotel receptionists are trained to tell guests their room numbers discreetly in order to protect privacy. If the desk agent inadvertently says the number aloud, travelers are advised to request a different room, citing personal safety. Kimbro said that if the number is spoken too loudly, a simple request for another room should be made, noting that privacy at the desk helps keep guests safer.

Once guests are in the room, a basic security check is recommended. The expert advises scanning for hiding places in common spots such as bathrooms and wardrobes, and then engaging the deadbolt on exterior-facing doors. If the room is a connecting unit, travelers should ensure that the deadbolt can fully engage on both doors. If at any point the room does not feel right, guests are urged to trust their instincts and request another assignment. In all cases, maintaining security from the start can reduce risk during a stay.

Beyond the initial check, travelers should take steps to protect valuables. Experts recommend locking jewelry, passports, and electronics away in the in-room safe when possible. Chirag Panchal, founder of Ensuite Collection, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of securing valuables and keeping them out of sight from casual observation.

Another practical measure is to confirm the room’s telephone works, so guests have a reliable line for emergencies or urgent needs during a stay. While these steps focus on immediate safety, travelers should also consider larger considerations for luggage and belongings.

Separately, travel writer Lydia Mansel has previously highlighted a precaution aimed at privacy and pest management: placing luggage in the hotel bathroom during the stay. She argues that keeping suitcases away from beds, carpets, and soft furnishings can reduce exposure to bed bugs and other hitchhikers. Mansel also suggests placing belongings on lower-risk surfaces and leaving notes for housekeeping to minimize disturbance of stored luggage.

Taken together, the guidance underscores that hotel safety begins at check-in and continues through the stay. Experts stress that staying alert, communicating clearly with front-desk staff, and using available security features can help travelers reduce risk while away from home. The recommendations come as part of ongoing efforts to provide practical, actionable safety tips for travelers in a wide range of destinations.