10 Things You Should Do When Checking Into a Hotel Room

Checking into a hotel room is a common part of travel, whether for business or pleasure. It’s your home away from home, a place to relax and recharge. But before you unpack and unwind, taking a few simple precautions can make a big difference in ensuring your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Here are ten important things to do as soon as you arrive in your hotel room:

1. Room Inspection: Your First Line of Defense: Don’t just drop your bags and head out. A quick but thorough inspection of your room is crucial. Walk through the entire space. Turn on the lights, test the air conditioning or heating, and flush the toilet and run the water in the sink and shower. Make sure everything works as it should. Pay close attention to cleanliness, especially in areas that are touched frequently, like door handles, light switches, TV remotes, and bathroom fixtures. A clean and functioning room sets the stage for a comfortable stay.

2. The Importance of Privacy: Checking for Hidden Cameras: Your privacy is essential. Unfortunately, hidden cameras in hotel rooms are a real concern. Take a few minutes to look for anything suspicious. Common hiding spots include the TV, especially set-top boxes, and decorative items like picture frames, flower vases, and potted plants. Remember that technology has made these devices very small and difficult to spot.

   One helpful trick is to unplug the TV. Then, use your smartphone’s camera in video recording mode to scan the room. Cameras sometimes emit infrared light, which can show up as small dots on your phone’s screen. You can also use your phone’s flashlight to shine into corners and look for reflections from camera lenses. “It’s better to be safe than sorry” when it comes to your privacy.

3. Amenities and Room Service: Getting What You Paid For: Make sure the amenities you expect are actually there and working. This includes things like Wi-Fi, a minibar, extra blankets or pillows, or anything else that was promised. Take a moment to look at the room service menu and familiarize yourself with the hotel’s policies, such as check-out times and any extra fees.

4. Securing Your Space: Curtains and Lighting: Before you really settle in, close the curtains or blinds to ensure privacy from the outside world. Turn off the lights in the room and look for any unusual lights, like tiny blue or red dots. These could potentially indicate a hidden recording device.

5. A Closer Look: Decorative Items and Furnishings: Hidden cameras can be cleverly disguised in many places. Don’t just focus on the TV area. Carefully examine decorative items like wall art, flower arrangements, mirrors, and nightstands. The bathroom is a particularly important area to check. Look for anything that seems out of place or unusually positioned.

6. Door and Window Security: Keeping Intruders Out: Once you’re satisfied that your room is private, turn your attention to security. Test all the locks on the door, including any deadbolts or chains. If your room has windows, make sure they close and lock securely. For extra security, especially if you’re traveling alone, you might consider bringing a portable door lock or door stopper.

7. Sanitizing for Health: Frequently Touched Surfaces: Even in the cleanest hotels, germs can linger on surfaces that are touched frequently. Use disinfectant wipes to clean things like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and the bathroom counter. This simple step can help you stay healthy during your trip.

8. Emergency Preparedness: Knowing Your Way Out: As soon as you check in, take a few minutes to locate the nearest emergency exits and stairwells. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the floor so you’ll know how to get out quickly in case of an emergency. Check the back of your room door or the hotel information booklet for evacuation procedures. “Being prepared is half the battle.”

9. Protecting Your Valuables: Using the Safe: If your room has a safe, test it to make sure it works before you put anything valuable inside. Keep important items like passports, electronics, and jewelry in the safe or in another secure, hidden location in your room. Avoid leaving valuables out in plain sight.

10. Unplugging the TV: An Extra Layer of Privacy: Televisions, especially those positioned opposite the bed, can be a prime spot for hidden cameras. They offer a clear view of the entire room. Unplugging the TV can help to prevent anyone from using its infrared connection to operate a hidden device. It’s a quick and easy way to add another layer of privacy to your stay.

By taking these ten simple steps when you check into your hotel room, you can significantly improve your safety, security, and peace of mind. This allows you to relax and enjoy your trip without unnecessary worries.