When you enter your room prop the door open, turn on the lights, and check the closets, bathroom, under the bed and behind the drapes. Mistakes do happen and sometimes someone else has been assigned to your room. This happens more frequently in suites with adjoining bedrooms that can be sold as separate rooms. Or there could be a thief. In any case, don’t close the door until you are sure the room is empty.

Check that the connecting doors, windows and sliding doors are locked. In general, avoid first floor rooms with sliding doors.
Once you lock the door and attach the safety chain, check the diagram on the back to review the nearest exits and mentally plan your escape route. Look out the door to check that the exit signs are illuminated. If the lights are out, be helpful and contact the front desk to let them know. The few seconds that it takes to review the exit information can save your life in the event of a fire, earthquake or other emergency. Just do it. FYI, most fire engine ladders can only reach up to the 6th floor.

Be sure that the heat or air-conditioner, lights, phone, radio and television are working. Turn on the shower and sink to check the water pressure and temperature. If they aren’t working, switch rooms now. It’s not worth waiting for someone to fix the problem, especially late at night.

If your not expecting visitors, let the the front desk know that. They aren’t allowed to give out guest information, but you can request they contact you and warn you if anyone is asking about you.

If using the swimming pool, hot tub or weight room in the hotel, hide your room card. Don’t just lay it next to your flip flops and towel. Leave it in a pocket or fold it up in your towel so it’s not visible. If you wore shoes, tuck it into your shoe. An easy hiding spot- remove your phone case and put your room card in the phone case and snap the case back on your phone.