Is Your Hotel Room Vulnerable To Theft? Here's How To Tell

Forbes

30-03-2025

Is it safe to leave valuables in your hotel room? Here's how to tell, according to experts.
It's that moment of hesitation before you head out the door. The one where you ask, "Is it safe to leave my valuables in my hotel room?"
It happens to me often, not just because I practically live in hotels, but also because I often help travelers whose belongings are stolen.
Hotel security has been a hot topic lately. One recent survey found that thieves are becoming increasingly bold, taking everything from bathroom fixtures to the grand piano in the lobby.
And the question always is: Could you have avoided the theft?
Before we get to the answer, here's some good news: Hotels are generally safer than home-sharing accommodations, according to Harding Bush, associate director for security operations at Global Rescue, a provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. Hotels staffed around the clock make it much harder to commit a crime.
"With Airbnb and Vrbo, there is no inherent support network for guests," he adds.
But theft is still possible. Based on my experience of mediating travel complaints, the worst types of thefts are the ones you don't notice. Thieves will enter your room when you're not around, steal something, and you don't discover it until after you've checked out. That makes it much more difficult to file a police report or catch the perpetrator.
And that brings me to the number one piece of preventative advice: Pack like a minimalist. Don't bring jewelry or expensive electronics with you. If you don't bring them, they can't get stolen from your room. I know, Captain Obvious — thanks! But it had to be said.
To determine whether a hotel room is vulnerable to theft, experts say you should look for these physical signs:
"Crime is often linked to opportunity," explains Carrie Pasquarello, CEO of the security consulting firm Global Secure Resources. "Don't give anyone the chance to take advantage of you."
If you find yourself in a hotel room or hotel that raises security red flags, you don't have to stay.
First, ask the hotel to address the issues. If you are uncomfortable with the overall security of the hotel, you can ask the hotel management to remedy the specific issues. For instance, you can ask for a room with a working lock or a safe that is securely attached to the wall.
You can also request a room change. Experts say you can explain that you are uncomfortable with the security features in your current room, such as faulty locks or an easily accessible location. When you request the room change, specify your preference for a room on a higher floor, away from fire escapes, back exits, and other potential entry points. Emphasize your desire for a room with robust and functional locks.
If the hotel won't address the security concerns and can't move you, you'll have to consider a different hotel. Prioritize hotels with a demonstrable commitment to security, such as visible security cameras in public areas, well-lighted hallways, a 24/7 staffed front desk, and positive reviews regarding safety. Before booking, check for mentions of security concerns in online reviews and research the crime statistics for the neighborhood (more on that in a moment). Look for hotels located in areas with lower crime rates and good overall safety reputations.
Remember, if you feel uneasy about a hotel or room, there's probably a reason. Trust your instincts. Explore alternative options to ensure a safer and more comfortable stay.
You can also take steps to better understand the security of a hotel.
Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance, says he always looks for signs that the locks have been poorly maintained, such as loose deadbolts.
"I look for security cameras in the hallways, too, that's very important," he says. "Also, the state of a room safe is a good reflection of how seriously the hotel takes security. If the safe is portable or mounted to the wall with screws, it's a huge red flag. That's a hotel that doesn't take security very seriously."
I mentioned before that I practically live in hotels. I don't always get to choose the place I'm in, so when I get the sense that my accommodations might not be secure, I make sure that my essential items stay with me at all times — my passport, my phone, my laptop computer.
I also have a few hacks for keeping thieves out of my room. They include putting up the "DO NOT DISTURB" sign and hiding anything that might be of value in a place where an opportunistic thief wouldn't look, like under a pile of dirty laundry. So far, so good.
Frank Harrison, the regional security director of the Americas for World Travel Protection, has a few security hacks of his own.
"Bring portable security devices such as travel locks or door stoppers," he told me.
I feel extra safe in places like Turkey or Qatar, where guests pass through metal detectors and most hotels only allow guests to access the elevators through their key card. But I have also felt safe in many other places, including the United States. You just have to choose the right hotel in the right neighborhood. (Note: If price is the only consideration, you may end up on the wrong side of the tracks. So make sure you consult a crime map before you click the "book" button.)
The key to hotel security is simple: if your room feels less secure than a sandcastle when the tide is coming in, it's time to check out. Your vacation shouldn't feel like a heist movie, and the only mystery you should worry about is the novel you're reading at the beach.