5 Essential Ways to Stay Safe in Your Hotel When Traveling Alone

The number one reason women state for not travelling alone is safety.

What is less understood is that personal safety begins long before you step foot on a plane. The real work begins before you even leave home. We have all heard horror stories about women being robbed, attacked or even worse in hotel rooms, but the truth is, there is so much we can do to minimalize risk and feel safe wherever we go.

As we get older, we become more aware of the realities of the world, but with preparation and common sense, travelling is no more dangerous than being at home.

The whole point of travelling is going to unknown places and doing strange and wonderful things. All that is possible without compromising your safety.

Here is how:

1. Choose the Right Hotel

Not all hotels are created equal. Look for:

• 24/7 front desk staffing.
• Keycard-only access and secure elevators.
• A location on a well-lit street, close to transportation, restaurants, and shops.
• Surveillance in corridors and common areas.
• Positive reviews from other solo female travelers.

Modern, clean and moderate-sized hotels are ideal. They should бе large enough to have all the amenities you need, but not so bиg you get lost in the crowd. Research the hotel and the surrounding area to see if it is the right place for you.

Try to choose a hotel within walking distance of transit, restaurants and shops. It’s nice to spend the first day after you land wandering the area and staying close to home. That way, as soon as you feel tired, you can head back for a rest and a nice shower, grabbing supplies and even dinner as you go.

Greet the reception staff whenever you can. Common courtesy goes a long way, and they will remember you in the event you need a favor. Hotel staff have a lot of discretion to help the people they like. Ask for their ideas for restaurants within walking distance and if there are any places to go close to the hotel.

Look for a hotel with a main entrance and a reception desk you have to walk past to get to the rooms. Do not consider any rooms outside the hotel or by the pool or ocean where anyone can walk past. If it is a resort, make sure that there is adequate security and that they keep non-guests out of the area. A motel should not be considered if you are travelling alone.

If you are arriving by car, park in a well-lit area at the front of the building and have your luggage ready. Spend as little time as possible outside your car or organizing your luggage.

2. Be Mindful When Entering the Hotel

After walking in, take a moment to look around and get a feel for the kind of people in the lobby. Do you feel comfortable? Does it appear to be mainly hotel guests or are there shops and dinner patrons as well?

If there is a long line for reception, take a seat and wait for it to clear. Introduce yourself and let them know that your partner will be checking in later. When you are given your keycard, ensure that if they say your room number, no one else can hear.

Most hotels do not have guests on the ground floor. If you are given a ground floor room, request a room on floors 3 to 6, if possible. These floors are low enough to allow safe evacuation in case of a power outage but high enough to prevent easy access from outside.

3. Elevator Safety

Make sure the elevator requires a room key to operate. If anyone stays behind when the doors open, wait for the next elevator. Once inside, stand close to the control panel doors and do not press the buttons until everyone else has pressed theirs, or if you are alone, until the doors close.

If the elevator is too crowded, either do not enter or simply step out. Always keep your backpack or purse in front of you with your hand across it.

Never keep your phone in your back pocket. Try to keep it in a zippered front pocket, if possible.

If something feels off, step out of the elevator on any floor and wait for the next one.

4. Control Your Room Entry

Once you exit the elevator, if others exit at the same time, let them enter their own rooms first to avoid revealing which room is yours. If they do not enter a room, return to the elevator and return to the ground floor and try again. This is one of the most important times for your personal safety.

When you approach your room:

• Keep your keycard in hand.
• Look around.
• Open the door slightly and listen before stepping in.
• Turn on lights immediately.

Once inside:

• Lock the door using all available locks.
• Use a portable door wedge or alarm for extra security.
• Take a quick scan of the room, including the bathroom and under the bed.
• Cover the peephole for privacy.

If anything feels slightly off, leave immediately and request a new room. There is no need to investigate or second-guess yourself.

Although the media occasionally reports on hidden cameras or two-way mirrors, these situations are extremely rare in reputable hotels. Staying in well-reviewed properties significantly reduces this risk.

If someone comes to your door, call the reception to verify that the person is a hotel worker. Whenever possible, try to handle the situation over the phone rather than opening the door.

5. Stay Situationally Aware

Awareness is one of your most powerful tools.

• Avoid wearing earbuds when walking.
• Stay off your phone as much as possible.
• Use reflections (windows/mirrors) to observe your surroundings.
• Change directions if something feels off and walk into a store or café.

A Final Thought

When it comes to personal safety at home or abroad, it is important to listen to your own intuition. Remember, your willingness to help can be used against you by unscrupulous people, always put your own safety first.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is your special trick for hotel safety? Have you experienced any suspicious situations in hotels?