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Lock It Down: The 2 Hotel Room Safety Tools I Never Travel Without
Your hotel room isn't as secure as you think.
Spencer Coursen
July 23, 2025
Whether you’re on vacation, a work trip, or just taking a local staycation, one thing should always travel with you: your sense of security.
Hotel doors may make you feel safe, but most travelers don’t realize how vulnerable they really are. Security latches and swing bars offer only an illusion of protection. In fact, with the right tool (and the wrong intent), a stranger can bypass many hotel locks in under 15 seconds. (Yes. It’s that easy!)
I never walk into a hotel room without these two tools:
âś… 1. Portable Door Lock
Inserts directly into the doorframe to physically block forced entry.
Quick to set up. Locks the door from the inside — no key or code can override it.
Easy to remove when you’re ready to leave — but impossible to defeat from the outside.
Use it when: You're sleeping, showering, or anytime you're inside your room and want to know no one else can come in — including hotel staff.
âś… 2. Door Stop Alarm
Wedges under the door and sounds a loud alarm if anyone tries to open it.
Works as both a mechanical barrier and an audible alert.
Compact, lightweight, and battery-operated.
Use it when: You want an extra layer of deterrence. Even if someone attempts to enter, they'll be met with noise, resistance, and zero element of surprise.
Combined, they cost less than $10, take up almost no space in your bag, and provide real peace of mind wherever you sleep.
Purchase both tools here: ⬇️ ⬇️
Here are the top five protective strategies for staying safe in a hotel or Airbnb, beyond door locks and wedges
Choose the Right Room Location
Request a room on the 3rd to 6th floor — high enough to avoid ground-level break-ins, but low enough for emergency escape (like fire ladders).
Avoid rooms near stairwells, exterior doors, or end-of-hallway corners where foot traffic is limited — these are often targeted for their privacy.
Inspect the Room Immediately Upon Arrival
Check that all locks function: main door, deadbolt, latch, and windows.
Ensure that connecting doors to adjacent rooms are locked and secured.
Look for hidden cameras or devices, especially in Airbnbs: check smoke detectors, vents, or oddly placed electronics.
Control Entry — Always
Never prop your door open — even for a minute.
Don’t open the door for anyone you did not invite. If someone claims to be a maintenance or cleaning crew, call the front desk to confirm.
Use the “Do Not Disturb” sign when you're inside to discourage unauthorized entry.
Don’t Broadcast Your Room Number or Travel Plans
Don’t say your room number out loud at check-in or post about your exact location in real-time on social media.
If you're traveling alone, act as if you're not. Mention “we” when talking to staff or strangers. (“We’ll be back later.” “We’re checking out tomorrow.”)
Secure Your Belongings — Even Inside the Room
Use a travel cable lock or small safe for valuables like laptops, passports, or electronics.
Lock up anything sensitive, even when just stepping out for a few minutes — housekeeping and maintenance often have master access pass codes.
Live Smart. Stay Safe.
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