Travelers: Is Your Hotel Safe?

You can tell a lot about a hotel's security by its room keys. The best type of system employs electronic locks with card keys that are changed with each new guest. Metal keys that operate tumbler-style locks are less secure, especially if room numbers are stamped on the keys. Least secure are metal keys with a fob that shows the name of the hotel and the room number.

If you're concerned about safety, do a security check before you settle in for the night. (At some hotels, you may be able to check even before you register.) The door to your room should have a deadbolt lock. It should also have a peephole. The door to any adjoining room should also have a deadbolt lock. Windows that could be accessible from the outside should have a strong lock; sliding-glass doors should have a bar.

The hallways of the hotel should have no blind corners or other places for an attacker to hide. The corridors should be well lighted. If the corridor doors can be opened only with a room key, so much the better.

Look for other clues, as well. A hotel that's concerned about security will never give out guests' names or room numbers. Room keys won't be piled up on maids' carts in the hallways, or at the front desk.

Once in your room, never open the door to anyone, even a hotel employee, without first calling the front desk to see whether someone was sent. If you feel uneasy in a particular room, never hesitate to ask to be moved to another