Whether as part of your travels to unfamiliar places or simply for a much-needed staycation close to home, staying in a hotel can be exciting as it offers you opportunities to explore new surroundings and break free from the daily grind.
As an added incentive, you also get to experience the comfort of being looked after during your stay. However, while you are immersed in the excitement of your upcoming trip, don’t forget to prioritize your safety, especially if it’s your first time to travel.
Thus, remember to take proactive safety measures to ensure your comfort and security when preparing for your journey, enabling you to have a genuinely rewarding hotel experience and enjoy your vacation with total peace of mind.
What to do In Case Of An Incident
One of the first things to remember is that hotels are required by law to provide a safe environment for their guests and mitigate any foreseeable harm that could endanger them.
Should the hotel fail in this duty by neglecting to implement adequate security measures, and you suffer an attack or injury as a result, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.
Inadequate security can manifest in various ways, such as malfunctioning door locks or gates, insufficient lighting, an absence of sufficiently trained security personnel, and a lack of or inappropriate surveillance equipment.
“Since ‘foreseeable harm’ varies from location to location along with what precautions are considered ‘reasonable, an experienced crime victim rights lawyer can help determine whether the property can be held liable for your attack,” says Brandon Stein, owner and founder of SteinLaw and Broward County victim advocate.
If you find yourself in such a situation, prioritize any urgent medical treatment first because this will allow you to gather forensic evidence in cases like sexual assault while helping identify bruises that may not be immediately apparent, such as internal injuries from a minor head wound.
A medical report will also serve as important documentation of your injuries, which is vital when you’re seeking compensation. The next step is gathering evidence from the scene to strengthen any future claim, including taking photos or videos showing where the incident happened.
Focus on security flaws like poor lighting or broken cameras, collect the contact details of any witnesses, and keep evidence intact, such as damaged clothing. Lastly, remember to file a police report, as this can help bring the assailant to justice and act as official evidence of the incident, reinforcing your case in any legal pursuit for damages.
Tips To Ensure Your Safety At A Hotel
Traveling and staying at hotels should be about creating memorable experiences and not spending your time dealing with stress. Here are some smart practices you can employ to ensure a safe and stress-free hotel visit:
1. Research And Choose Wisely
Your safety starts with choosing the right hotel, so do your due diligence and thoroughly research your options, checking details about safety practices in your chosen accommodation instead of just the comfort and luxury they can offer.
A good information source would be online reviews and ratings because these platforms provide firsthand insights from past guests about their experiences. Essential features to look out for would be the presence of 24/7 front desk staff, adequate surveillance systems, and secure methods of room access since these serve as the backbone of a hotel’s security framework, ensuring they feel comfortable and protected throughout their stay.
2. Secure Your Booking
If you use your credit card to book your accommodations, be cautious when sharing your personal information, especially if the transaction is done over the phone. Always confirm that you are interacting with the hotel’s official website or engaging with a third-party booking site that has a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, then securely store all details related to your reservation upon confirmation.
You may also consider dedicating a single email address specifically for travel-related communications because this streamlines your information in one place while reducing the chances of overlooking important details that could be mixed with your general email correspondence.
3. Be Smart And Vigilant
When you arrive at your hotel, stay attentive and take time early on to familiarize yourself with the key layout features of the building, particularly where exits and stairwells are positioned so that you’re well-prepared to handle any unexpected scenarios easily.
Then, during the check-in process, handle your personal information carefully and ensure that your room number is shared with you discreetly by the hotel staff, either by having it noted on the envelope of your key card or communicated to you in a low voice.
Most importantly, always stay alert and mindful of what’s happening around you, regardless of how long you’re staying: exercising prudence and vigilance will be your most essential tools in ensuring your safety.
4. Secure Your Room
Once you have received your key and entered your room, thoroughly inspect your accommodations, including a quick check if the locks on doors and windows are working properly. These features play a significant role in your security, thus even a minor concern warrants a conversation with the hotel staff about changing your room.
During your stay, make it a habit to use all the locking mechanisms available, such as engaging the additional security latch or deadbolt on the door and using the safe to store valuable items like passports and travel documentation. Lastly, read the evacuation plan carefully and note the location of the fire exits on your floor, counting the number of rooms between yours and the nearest fire exit so you can easily find your way in the dark if needed.
