The very common hotel key card habit that is surprisingly dangerous revealed

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

Travellers often want to grab their key card, luggage and quickly head to their hotel room after checking in.
However, there's a very common key card habit that is surprisingly dangerous.
Often during check in, key cards are handed over in a smart envelope with the room number and hotel name written on it, which security expert Daniel Loo, owner of North Star Group, explained could cause issues.
'Leaving a key card in its sleeve with the room number visible is essentially handing someone both your "key" and the "address" to use it,' Daniel told Reader's Digest.
He went on to share how if the card went missing, it would be easy for someone to locate the room.
'If it's lost or stolen, it makes unauthorised entry almost effortless for someone with bad intent,' Daniel added.
The hotel room number is a vital piece of information that staff members try to be quiet about too for the safety of guests.
'Most reputable hotels train staff to write the room number discreetly and avoid saying it aloud to protect guest privacy and safety,' Daniel explained.
Often during check in, key cards are handed over in a smart envelope with the room number and hotel name written on it, which security expert Daniel Loo explained could cause issues
Daniel's advice comes as research by Ball State and Florida International universities discovered that of all hotel theft, 38 per cent of it actually happens inside the hotel rooms.
For this reason, he urges travellers to keep their room number private and key card safe.
He warned: 'Opportunistic offenders often act on overheard information. Keeping your room number private is a basic but critical step in personal safety.'
He adds that an important move is to memorise the hotel room number before throwing away your card envelope with it on.
But he urged people to avoid taking a photograph, just in case the phone is lost or stolen too.
Daniel also suggested looking after the key card in the same way as people would their credit or debit card, to avoid any mishaps.
Meanwhile, travel agent Dimple Chudasama-Adams, shared her checklist of essential tasks every holidaymaker must do before settling into their hotel room.
One of the most important things she suggested doing when first entering a hotel room is ensuring the doors lock and the safe functions properly.
She argued it is vital for security and peace of mind, and preventing unauthorised access and potential theft.
Dimple also advised checking for bed bugs, which is crucial on arrival as it can help prevent an infestation in your own home once your trip has come to an end.
She said holidaymakers should 'pull back sheets and inspect mattress corners' for dark spots that could indicate the presence of bed bugs.