The short version
- Ask for a room between the 3rd and 6th floors when you can.
- Check the door, lock and peephole before you unpack.
- Walk to the nearest stairwell and count the doors.
- Leave your shoes, phone and a small light by the bed.
Security teams treat a hotel room like a temporary home base. It takes five minutes to set one up, and you only do it once per trip.
1. Choose the floor
Ground-floor rooms are easier to break into. Very high floors can be beyond the reach of a fire department's ladders in some places. Many security professionals ask for the 3rd to 6th floor and a room that isn't next to the stairwell door.
2. Keep your room number private
If the desk says your room number out loud, quietly ask for a different room. Don't say it yourself in the lobby, and don't post your hotel while you're there.
3. Check the door
- Does it close and lock fully by itself?
- Do the deadbolt and security latch work?
- Is the peephole intact?
- Do connecting doors lock from your side?
If anything is broken, ask for another room. That's a normal request.
4. Walk the fire route
Find the nearest stairwell and count the doors from your room to it. In smoke you may be crawling, and you won't be able to read the signs. Know a second stairwell too.
5. Set up the bedside
Put your shoes, phone, glasses, room key and a small flashlight where you can reach them in the dark. If the alarm sounds at 3 a.m., you leave in under a minute without hunting for anything.
A few more habits
- Use the latch whenever you're inside.
- Verify unexpected "maintenance" or "room service" with the front desk before opening the door.
- Keep your passport in the room safe and carry a photo of it.
Want to practice this with a professional? Our partner Contingent Group teaches situational awareness, self-defense and trauma care in person. See training →
Next: The "your reservation was cancelled" text, and other booking scams →