Hotel safety tips: The ultimate guide in 2026

Staying in a hotel should feel relaxing and serve as a main highlight of your trip. But even the best properties can pose safety risks.

It’s not just theft that can turn the perfect getaway into a stressful ordeal. Cybercriminals can target unsecure Wi-Fi networks in an attempt to steal your personal data. The good news? A stress-free trip requires only a few simple precautions.

Whether you’re on a business trip or a family vacation, there are proven ways to stay protected in any hotel environment.

From choosing a safe property to protecting your digital data, there are precautions you can take to make your hotel stay safer. We’ll also show you how to avoid common scams and stay alert during your stay.

How to choose a safe hotel

Selecting the right hotel is the foundation of a safe stay. Consider these key pointers before confirming your booking.

Reviews and location

Reviews reveal how well a hotel manages safety and guest concerns, while location plays a vital role in your overall security.

• Safety feedback. Look for recent reviews mentioning responsive staff and well-lit hallways.
• Controlled access. Check for feedback about keycard entry or safe neighborhoods with nearby activity.
• Precautions for children. Families with small children should look for mentions of gated pools and safeguarded balconies.

Amenities that improve safety

Certain hotel features add an extra layer of protection.

• Staffed entry. Choose hotels offering 24-hour reception or staffed front desks.
• Floor security. Look for keycard access to elevators.
• Visible measures. Watch out for security in public areas and lifeguards at swimming pools.

What should you check when you arrive?

Once you enter your room, take a few minutes to confirm that the basic safety features work to ensure peace of mind for the rest of your stay.

Check doors and locks

Start with the main door and test all locking mechanisms.

• The main seal. Ensure the deadbolt and security latch function correctly and the door closes firmly.
• Windows and views. Confirm the peephole is clear and the windows lock properly.
• Balcony safety. Check that balcony doors are fully secured and out of children’s reach.

Locate emergency exits

Knowing your exit routes helps you respond quickly in an emergency.

• Study the floor plan. Review the evacuation map on your door to find the nearest stairwell.
• Select backup routes. Identify an alternative exit and the location of fire alarms on your floor.
• Family planning. Show children the nearest exit and agree on a meeting point in case of an emergency.

How can you secure valuables?

You should still take steps to protect important items. A few basic precautions can go a long way.

Use hotel safes and personal locks

Use the in-room safe for passports, spare cash, jewelry, and important documents. Check that the safe works properly before you rely on it. If your room doesn't have a safe, ask the front desk about storage options, as some hotels provide a central safe at reception.

You can also use:

• A travel lock. Use a small lock on your luggage to deter unauthorized access.
• A portable cable lock. Attach it to your laptop or device to prevent easy removal.
• A locked suitcase. Keep valuables inside a locked case for added protection.

Keep electronics and documents secure

Follow these tips to keep your privacy:

• Keep devices out of sight. Store laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras when not in use.
• Avoid visible placement. Don’t leave valuable items near windows or in plain view.
• Organize important documents. Keep passports and travel papers together in one protected place for quick access.
• Set clear rules for children. Remind kids not to carry sensitive items or share room details.
• Protect room information. Encourage older children to keep room numbers private and avoid discussing travel plans with strangers.

How can you avoid scams?

Hotels attract many guests, making them a common setting for scams and impersonation attempts. Don’t let your guard down and keep an eye out for suspicious behavior.

Beyond physical security, stay alert to administrative and communication scams.

• Look out for fake calls. Don’t share payment details with anyone claiming to be the front desk unless you call back using the official hotel number.
• Check your bill carefully. Review your charges and question any unexpected service fees before you check out.

If something feels unusual, contact the front desk directly using the official phone number in your room.

Protect your devices and digital data

Hotel Wi-Fi networks often lack strong encryption, meaning others on the same network may be able to see your activity. They could attempt to intercept your data or redirect you to fake login pages. You have a few options to prevent this from happening.

Choose the right connection

Using your mobile data is the safer option for banking and other sensitive tasks, as it connects you to a secure network. However, data roaming can get expensive if you’re traveling abroad.

A local SIM is a decent alternative that works just like your home SIM, but it requires navigating local carrier plans. You’ll also need to find a SIM kiosk once you arrive, and constant switching can damage the small chips.

If your phone supports it, a more convenient solution to local SIMs is a travel eSIM. You can set it up in minutes using your home Wi-Fi and activate it when you land. holiday.com partners with top carriers in 150+ destinations, which provide a safer way to browse and use your apps.

If you do find yourself using hotel Wi-Fi, add some extra protection:

• Enable a trusted VPN. This encrypts your traffic and masks your digital footprint from other guests.
• Verify the network name. Ask the front desk for the exact Wi-Fi network name (SSID). Cybercriminals sometimes create fake hotspots with similar names to trick guests into connecting.

Secure your devices

Protect your devices with simple settings and security checks to minimize risk and keep your information safe throughout your stay.

• Device access. Lock your phone and devices with a strong passcode or biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or face recognition.
• Control automatic connections. Disable auto-join for public networks so your device doesn’t connect to risky hotspots without your permission.
• Keep your software up to date. Install the latest security patches to limit exposure to newly detected vulnerabilities.
• Limit data sharing. Turn off file sharing and AirDrop when using shared networks.
• Log out after each session. Always sign out of banking and work accounts once you finish using them.
• Check website security. Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar before entering passwords or sensitive information.

What to do in an emergency

Preparing for an emergency takes only a few minutes but can make all the difference if a situation arises. Review the essential protocols and evacuation steps below so you know exactly how to respond.

Master these hotel safety tips for your next getaway

Staying safe doesn’t require complicated steps. Combining basic awareness with good digital habits is all it takes to settle into your room without stress. With these straightforward precautions handled, you can focus on enjoying your trip.