Tips to a safe hotel stay

Most business trips require you to stay alone in a hotel room. So what are some things that you should look out for to ensure a safe stay?

Here are five of them:

At your hotel, request for a room above the second floor but below the seventh. This way, entry through the window is rendered difficult, but escape in the event of a fire is possible with emergency equipment. A fire engine ladder reaches up to the seventh floor in most countries. If you are obliged to be on the first floor, ensure the windows are locked at all times. And if you have a balcony, check that the lock for the balcony door is secure.

Check the fire evacuation plan for your room, and know where the exits are so that you can plan your escape route. As you may be forced to evacuate in total darkness or heavy smoke, pack a torch light for use in a fire or a power failure. If you are required to evacuate your room, carry your room key and leave your luggage behind in the room. In the event of a blocked escape route, you can return to your room and wait for help.

Insist that all the locks on your door work properly. If they do not, request for a room change immediately. Carry a portable travel lock and practise removing it quickly.

Never open your room door to someone you do not know or have not summoned. If someone claims to be a hotel staff, call the front desk first to verify his or her identity before opening the door.

Ensure that you always have a fully charged mobile phone with access to the local telephone network and data.