Fact or Fiction: Hotel Security Edition
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but even a luxury hotel is no place to let down your guard. Hotels work hard to keep guests comfortable, but convenience sometimes trumps security.
Criminals know that business travelers and vacationers alike often carry cash, electronics, and sensitive documents. Believing in common hotel “truths” can leave you vulnerable. Let’s separate myth from reality.
Myth:
Your room safe is a good place for passports and valuables.
Reality:
Most room safes are cheaply made and easy to open with default codes or tools. A determined thief, or even dishonest staff, can access them quickly. It’s better to keep important documents and high-value items in the hotel’s main safe at the front desk (though this is hardly foolproof either) or carry them discreetly on your person.
Myth:
Security cams offer blanket protection to guests.
Reality:
While hotels do use cameras, they don’t monitor every hallway, elevator, or entrance in real time. Cameras mainly serve as a deterrent or investigative tool after an incident. Don’t assume you’re automatically protected just because you spot a camera.
Myth:
The keycard renders your room a safe haven.
Reality:
Electronic locks can fail, be reprogrammed, or even get hacked. Lost or stolen keycards pose a risk, too. Always use the deadbolt or security latch once inside, and never prop your door open—even “just for a minute.”
Myth:
At least the wifi is secure.
Reality:
Hotel wifi is notoriously easy to intercept. Hackers often lurk on these networks to capture personal data via “man in the middle” attacks. If you must connect, avoid sensitive transactions and use a VPN whenever possible.
You can keep your belongings and data secure while traveling, and knowing where the risks are is your first step. You can stay current on scam tactics and ways to protect yourself on our Fraud & Theft Protection page here.
