By Ben Eidlisz
Guests at your hotel expect exceptional service, comfort, and a high sense of security. Ensuring the safety of all your guests must be of utmost importance – it is imperative to do regular assessments of ways to improve security measures. Maximizing your hotel’s safety will safeguard your guests’ wellbeing, protect valuable property, and maintain your establishment’s reputation. There are a number of often-overlooked ways to significantly enhance hotel security. Here are 16 steps to maximize safety on your property.
- Upgrade Your Room Doors
Are your hotel’s doors old or made of cheap materials? Doors that are older or have a subpar construction are more vulnerable to forced entry by intruders. Upgrade to doors with a solid core construction and the highest quality deadbolt locks. Add a secondary locking mechanism, like a slide bolt, for an extra layer of protection. - Old School, But Effective: Peepholes & Secure Viewers
While hotels are now filled with cameras, video doorbells, and other smart security options, peepholes or secure viewers are basic security measures that remain useful. Easy to install and inexpensive, they provide a simple way to see who is outside before opening the door. - Install Better Lighting in Public Areas
Great lighting in public areas not only creates a welcoming environment in a hotel, but it’s also a crucial safety measure to prevent hazards and crime. Well-lit lobbies, hallways, stairwells, entrances, corridors, and parking lots deter intruders, reduce the risk of accidents, and provide a sense of security for guests. Regularly check the light bulbs to ensure none are burnt out or flickering. - Alert Guests to Security Cameras
Sometimes simply knowing they are being watched and monitored can be a powerful deterrent for criminals. Place security cameras in high-traffic zones throughout your hotel, such as entrances, exits, the lobby, corridors, reception areas, elevators, and parking lots. Prominently post signage that informs guests of their presence. - Upgrade to a Key Card Security System
Are your doors secured with traditional, old-school key locks? Physical keys are easily lost or stolen and vulnerable to duplication, which gives criminals easy access to rooms. And replacing one of these keys means changing the entire lock, which is expensive and time-consuming. Consider upgrading to a key card security system – credit-card sized “keys” grant access to hotel rooms and other hotel facilities. The encrypted radio frequency identification (RFID) key cards can be deactivated if lost or stolen to avoid unauthorized access. - Maintain Elevator Access Control
If your hotel already uses smart key cards, integrate elevators into the system to restrict access to certain floors. This advanced access control system will ensure that only guests who possess a valid key card can travel to designated areas within the hotel. By limiting floor access, you can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted entry and intrusions, which protects your guests while also fostering a sense of exclusivity and privacy. - Schedule Regular Safety Trainings for Staff
A well-trained hotel staff is vital to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both guests and team members. Ensure your entire staff is aware of the hotel’s security protocols and are prepared to identify potential safety hazards. Schedule regular staff safety trainings to keep your team up to date on how to recognize suspicious behavior, monitor security risks, and respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. - Keep Emergency Exits and Evacuation Routes Clear
If an emergency arises, clear pathways ensure a swift evacuation. Regularly inspect emergency exits and evacuation routes to make sure they are unobstructed, well lit, and easily accessible at all times. Every staff member should be thoroughly trained and familiar with each exit route so they can quickly and efficiently guide guests to safety while minimizing panic. - Regularly Inspect Fire Safety Equipment
If a fire breaks out in your hotel, the last thing you want is your sprinkler system to malfunction, or to realize that your extinguishers are expired and no longer work. Regularly maintain and inspect your hotel’s fire safety equipment – including smoke detectors, fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers – to ensure that it’s working properly. Doing so will keep your guests safe and minimize property damage in the event of a fire. - Make Sure All Windows Are Secure
Windows are often overlooked as a potential security risk, but it is pertinent to check that there are no vulnerabilities. Inspect windows frequently to make sure they are secured and in proper working condition. Consider installing additional security measures, such as shatterproof glass, window restrictors, or reinforced frames to prevent unauthorized access and break-ins. - Bolster Your Visitor Check-In Procedure
Guests may have visitors, so it is crucial to establish a process to properly check in and document them. Each visitor should be issued a visitor pass that identifies them as authorized guests. The check-in procedure should be clear, consistent, and well communicated to staff and all guests. Doing so will prevent unauthorized access to your property and help foster a safe environment. - Implement the Use of Panic Buttons for Staff
Panic buttons are a critical component of a hotel’s security infrastructure; they provide a fast and effective way for staff to alert security and emergency responders about dangerous situations. A panic button is particularly helpful for staff members working in more isolated areas of the property, like those working on maintenance and housekeeping. If a robbery, security breach, or another high-risk situation were to occur, a panic button discreetly summons for help without alerting the aggressor. - Upgrade Your Room Safes
If the safes in your guest rooms are old and outdated, they are vulnerable to break-ins and theft. Install secure, spacious, high-quality, and robust room safes to enhance guest security and peace of mind. Modern, reliable safes allow guests to keep their jewelry, passports, and other valuables protected during their stay. Encourage guests to use them to minimize the risk of theft and amplify your hotel’s reputation for security. - Conduct Regular Safety Audits
Schedule regular internal safety audits to identify and address any potential security vulnerabilities in your hotel. Use these audits to check physical security measures like locks, surveillance systems, and access points, as well as operational aspects like staff training, emergency procedures, and guest protocols. Safety audits will give you and your staff a proactive approach to pinpoint and fix any weaknesses before problems arise. - Schedule Regular Staff Walkthroughs
It is always better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to your hotel’s safety. Schedule daily staff walkthroughs of the hotel to ensure that safety measures are being followed. Walkthroughs can help team members identify potential security risks, such as broken locks, unsecured doors, and tripping hazards. Hotel staff will also be able to determine that all public areas are well lit, reducing the risk of criminal activity. - Promote Security Awareness to Guests
Provide clear, easy-to-comprehend information on safety procedures during check-in or in welcome packets. Include details about emergency exits, how to lock doors and windows, how to use room safes, and who to contact in case of an emergency. By informing guests about critical safety measures, you will empower them to take an active role in their own security, give them greater peace of mind, and create a safer, more reassuring environment during their stay.
Hotel guests expect relaxation, comfort, and safety during their stays. Striking the perfect balance between excellent customer service and top-notch safety measures is vital for the success of your establishment. By regularly monitoring and updating your hotel’s security tactics, you can create a safe and enjoyable experience for your guests. Good experiences bolster customer loyalty, repeat business, and the overall success of your hotel.
Ben Eidlisz is the COO of DUSAW smart locks and a hotel safety expert. He advises hotel executives on ways to improve security, the best door locks to ensure guest safety, and more. DUSAW offers safer, smarter, stronger, and more secure door locks as well as a range of advanced software solutions to meet all of a hotel’s security needs. Learn more at www.dusaw.com.
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