After the excitement of exploring your accommodation, somewhere between working out the mini-bar costs and how soft the beds are, take a few minutes to think about safety. This is particularly important when travelling with children. We've all seen the evacuation plans on the back of the hotel doors and let's face it, not too many of us truly take much notice of it. But we do know it's there if needed.
More importantly, is understanding how your door locks and unlocks. As an adult we take it for granted we all know how a swipe card or a key works in a hotel door. But what happens if your children need to exit or open the door. What if you were incapacitated and needed assistance, do your children know how the door works? Hotel management will of course have master keys to open the door but what about those swing bar security latches or chains, would your children know how it works?.
Take a minute to show your children how the door lock works and how to open the door using the swing bar latch or chain. There are of course many online videos showing how you can open this latch from the outside and Hotels do have access to a special tool, but that's little help in an emergency.
Most hotel doors ideally will open simply by turning the handle from the inside without the need for a swipe card or key to exit the room. As Short Term Rentals such as Airbnb's are still relatively unregulated, safety regulations on door locks may differ considerably so it's important to look at this carefully.
"Never lock your property from the inside and remove the key"
The most important thing is if a key is required, never lock your property from the inside and then remove the key. Always use a deadlock that opens from the inside with a handle or knob. If you lock the door with a key and then remove that key, that means you'll need to find those keys in an emergency. This is not ideal in an environment where there's possibly smoke and panic.
This image to the left shows a typical hotel door where a key or swipe card is not required to lock the deadlock from the inside. To exit, you need only open the swing bar latch and then turn the deadbolt. This is the best option for safety and security.
Technology is advancing quickly with Hotels. You'll see more and more contactless check-ins where you'll use your smartphone to access rooms, order room service and turn on the air conditioner. Again, this is fine, but ensure there is no way your door can be locked from the inside requiring you to use the app to unlock it.
There is also a number of portable door jamming devices on the market advertised as added security, but consider how these products work in an emergency situation both how you exit in a hurry or require staff to enter.
About the Author
The author of this blog, unless otherwise noted has no affiliation with any property or business linked in this blog. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses mentioned in this blog. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with over 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management and a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.
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