10 Business Travel Hotel Safety Tips

When traveling for business, we're often traveling alone. We're also often in a hurry to get from one place to the next. When it comes to the hotel, if you're like me, you are usually checking-in late at night and just want to get in your room and get some sleep before the busy agenda that awaits the following day. When our minds are racing or we're tired, we are especially vulnerable to making poor decisions regarding personal safety. Here are a few hotel safety tips:

1. When you arrive at the hotel, especially if you plan to come and go at night, find a parking space under a light. 
2. If you can, avoid staying in a hotel room above the 6th floor. Though some newer fire trucks have ladders that can potentially reach the 9th or 10th, the reach is a function of how far the truck is from the building. Also, if trapped in your room and the window is the only means to escape, you might be forced to jump. And definitely stay above the ground floor, especially if there are sliding-glass doors. 
3. When you get to your hotel room, unlock and open the door, but don't let it close behind you. Place your suitcase on the floor to prop it open while you check behind the doors, the bathroom, closets and curtains for anyone who might be waiting. 
4. After inspecting the room, hold the door open all the way then let go. Does it close and latch on its own? Next, open the door only a few inches and let it go. Does it latch, or need a little push? You probably cannot get maintenance to do anything about it, but at least you'll be aware and not inadvertently leave your door open when you leave. 
5. Walk the fire escape routes. Become familiar with where the stairwells are, both the closest and the second-closest, relative to your room and to the elevators. Remember that if there's smoke, you may not be able to see the emergency exit signs usually mounted near the ceiling. Be sure to walk the entire route down the hall, down the stairs and all the way out the door on the ground floor. Make a mental note of doors, turns and 'landmarks' along the way. If the alarms sound during your stay, absolutely do not try to use the elevator. 
6. While in your room, lock all of the available locks. 
7. If you have a safe in your room, make use of it. Put all your valuables you won't be carrying with you in the safe. Remember to keep your ID and passport on you at all times. 
8. If you plan to use the breakfast menu (the one you hang on the door overnight), don't put your name or number of occupants on the form. Anyone walking by will know you're alone. 
9. Unless you're staying for awhile and really need to, avoid using the dresser or desk drawers to store your items. Just keep your stuff in your suitcase. This will help avoid accidentally leaving anything in the room when you check out. Be particularly conscious of where you put any documents exposing your home address or other identifying information. Keep these things with you or well-hidden inside your luggage or safe away from prying eyes. 
10. If possible, try to check-out and leave your hotel during daylight hours. 

I recommend making yourself a checklist of these and other to-do's, printing it out, and carrying it along with your travel itinerary. Any other travel tips I missed? Travel horror stories? Love to hear about 'em...