10 Essential Steps to Take When Checking Into a Hotel Room

Staying in a hotel is a common part of traveling, but ensuring your safety, comfort, and peace of mind requires a few simple actions. Here are ten vital steps to take as soon as you check into your hotel room.

1. Inspect the Room Carefully It’s easy to overlook this step, but it’s important to check your room thoroughly. Ensure that all appliances, like the lights, air conditioning, and plumbing, are functioning properly. Pay special attention to high-touch areas such as doorknobs, remote controls, and bathroom fixtures to make sure everything is clean and in working order.
2. Look for Hidden Cameras With privacy concerns on the rise, it’s a good idea to inspect your hotel room for any hidden cameras. Check places like the TV, set-top boxes, and common décor items like picture frames, vases, and plants. Hidden cameras are getting smaller and harder to detect, so it’s essential to be thorough. A quick scan with your phone’s camera in video mode can help detect any infrared lights that could indicate a camera.
3. Confirm Room Amenities Make sure the amenities promised by the hotel—Wi-Fi, minibars, extra bedding—are available and functional. Take a moment to check the room service menu and familiarize yourself with the hotel’s policies, like check-out times and potential extra charges.
4. Draw the Curtains and Check Lighting Before settling in, close the curtains to ensure no one can see inside. Turn off the lights and scan the room for any odd light sources. Tiny blue or red lights could be indicators of recording devices, which are often positioned in unnoticed spots.
5. Inspect Decorative Items Hidden cameras can sometimes be tucked away in everyday objects like wall art, mirrors, or nightstands. Examine these items carefully, particularly in areas where privacy is crucial, such as the bathroom.
6. Secure Doors and Windows Next, check that your room’s locks are functioning properly, including deadbolts or chains. If the room has windows, ensure they close securely and lock as expected. For added security, you might want to consider using a portable door lock or stopper, especially if traveling alone.
7. Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces Even in hotels that maintain high cleanliness standards, surfaces that are frequently touched—such as light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls—can harbor germs. A quick wipe-down with disinfectant can help prevent exposure to bacteria and viruses.
8. Locate Emergency Exits As soon as you enter your room, find the nearest emergency exits and stairwells. Knowing the evacuation plan can help ensure you’re prepared in case of an emergency. Check the back of the door or the hotel information booklet for additional safety procedures.
9. Secure Your Valuables Test the functionality of any in-room safes before placing valuable items like your passport, electronics, or jewelry inside. If no safe is provided, consider using a hidden spot within the room to keep your valuables out of sight and secure.
10. Unplug the Television The TV in your hotel room could be a prime location for concealed cameras, as it can offer an unobstructed view of the entire room. To minimize the risk of hidden devices, unplug the television during your stay.

By taking these simple but effective precautions, you can ensure a safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable hotel experience. Prioritize your privacy, security, and cleanliness to make the most of your time away from home.