Hotel secrets have revealed a shocking number of things over the years regarding the safety and cleanliness of an establishment.
From dirty bathroom glasses to breaking into the hotel room safe, it is a wonder that people still choose to stay at hotels.
Yet for those who still choose to book a hotel stay, there are certain rooms they can request to ensure they have the best chance at staying safe.
This can include a number of emergency situations such as a fire or a terrorist attack.
A security expert has revealed which one to request to be given the best chance.
Sven Leidel, a former member of the German military police and author of the Travel Security Handbook explained on his website how this means a room between the “third and sixth floor” is the best bet.
In the case of a fire, he states that the best place to choose is away from the ground floor so that there is “advance warning if chaos erupts”.
Yet going too high in a hotel room means it could be “beyond any rescue attempt”.
Mr Leidel warns that underdeveloped countries may struggle to have the structures or procedures to reach higher than the fourth floor in the case of an emergency or fire.
It also pays to be near emergency exits which could be a long distance from some rooms.
In the case of a terrorist attack, he explained how a room that is “away from the front of the hotel or the parking lot,” especially if staying at a popular Western hotel that may be targeted.
He notes it is also worth remembering that popular hotel chains with Western travellers are more likely to be targeted than smaller, unknown names.
Therefore rooms towards the back of the hotel, near an emergency exit on the fourth floor appear to be the best choice according to him.
Other factors that can make a difference in safety are whether the hotel screens guests as they enter, especially in high-risk countries.
Over-cautious guests can pack a simple £1 item to make sure their room is even safer in the newest travel hack.
An online forum advised that a door wedge could make the difference to someone breaking into a room.
User David Klain stated: ”When staying in a hotel, you can put that door stop under the door preventing someone from breaking in (the chain on the door will stop no one).”
He added: “In the case of a terrorist attack or lone gunman or active shooter incident, typically they will go through all rooms.
“But, if they can’t get the door open, move on to other rooms before working their way back to the doors that wouldn’t open.
“This buys you time for you to get away or police to respond. The doorstop can also be used in an office or other location should a situation take place.”
