The safety of guests is a primary concern for everyone in the hotel business. The last thing any owner wants to experience is a call from their night manager explaining that a guest was robbed at gunpoint in his room and police are on the way. This would immediately trigger a need to look into policies surrounding hotel risk management.

Tips to improve hotel security

Owners should consider all areas of risk and exposure that might threaten the safety of their tenants and put into place more stringent measures to ensure that no harm comes their way. This should include:

Background checks of potential employees

Ongoing training of all staff members, including emergency and evacuation training

Control of all access points (Are outside doors locked? Is there adequate lighting? Are bushes and trees trimmed? Are window locks checked regularly?

Security cameras should be monitored and working at all times

Install cameras on all floors, entrances, elevators, and heavily trafficked area, including loading docks. For example, criminals often target conference rooms and lobby areas with the aim of stealing laptops and other valuables, often pretending to be guests.

Parking lots are prime for thefts and robbery

Properly lit parking lots and grounds will further prevent criminal acts from occurring and should include security patrols around the clock. Guests leaving the hotel late at night should be accompanied by a security officer, or at least monitored by surveillance cameras.

Confidentiality of room numbers and guest information

Outsiders should not have access to guest information, including names and room numbers. Front Desk personnel should be required to be discreet when stating room numbers. In an article from CBS News in 2009, reporters brought hidden video into a lobby and tested how easy it was to get into someone's hotel room, which obviously didn't present that hotel in the best light.

Guests should also practice safety

The following tips are geared toward high profile individuals and families who face increased risk due to their wealth or status:

Always listen at the door before entering the room

Keep door locked at all times, especially in the case of adjoining room doors

Know where all exits and emergency exits are

Never leave the hotel without an escort

Always look through the peephole before opening the door

If someone identifies themselves as hotel staff, always check with front desk before opening the door

Never throw the key card in the trash because it contains personal information from registration

Following these suggestions should help advance safety in hotel management and are good examples of hotel risk management.