When traveling for business or even personal reasons, several safety tips
should be kept in mind to ensure a pleasant, successful trip:
Getting to your destination
In transportation terminals, stay alert to what's going
on around you and never leave luggage or other items unattended. Place identification tags
on both the outside and the inside of all luggage, including carry-on bags.
However, use discretion when labeling. Use only last name, and first initial along with
business address and phone number, rather than home address. Carry a lightweight flashlight
in case of a power failure or for walking at night in darkened areas and parking garages.
Taking public transportation
Become familiar with bus and train schedules beforehand to minimize waiting time. It's also smart to have exact change ready to avoid fumbling with wallet or purse. When taking a taxi, ask the driver for an estimate of the fare before getting into the cab. Easier yet, check with our Concierge or Front Desk for all transit information and rates. They can recommend the best way to reach your destination.
Driving around Town
Have car keys out and ready before approaching your car. Always check the back seat and the rear floor of the car for intruders, and once safely inside, close and lock the doors and windows. Keep valuable luggage or packages in the trunk or out of sight.
Staying at the hotel
Carefully review the Hotels emergency and fire procedures found in the guest directory and
locate the emergency exits nearest your room.
Use the peephole to identify any callers. Don't open the door if you're not expecting anyone
or don't recognize the caller, and notify the Front Desk immediately. It is perfectly acceptable
even advisable to request employee identification from all maintenance or service personnel.
Don't accept delivery of items or services you did not request. We strongly advise that all
deliveries be left at the Front Desk. An employee can deliver any important packages or
documents to your room or hold them until you return. And naturally, don't give your hotel
room number to strangers.
Stand next to the floor button panel when riding the elevator alone. If you sense any problem,
press the buttons for the next two or three approaching floors and get off as soon as possible.
"Pressing the emergency stop button could leave you
trapped inside the elevator waiting for assistance."
Upon leaving your room, leave a light on or close the curtains if you plan to return after dark, and place the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door.
Exploring the Destination
Exploring a new city can be exciting, but you should remain alert at all times and follow basic safety precautions. Don't stray from well-lit walkways when touring the city on your own, or even in a guided group tour.
Consult with the Concierge or Front Desk for detailed information on the city. They can even assist with a hotel escort to your room or car regardless of the time of day or night.
Venturing into a foreign land
Travel outside the United States requires the same safety precautions. As mentioned before, hotel personnel provides an invaluable source of information on recommended transportation or safe walking routes even the best restaurants. Be prepared to ask for help or police assistance in the language most common to the country you're visiting and know the location of your country's nearest Embassy or Consulate. Remember to carry proper identification with you and to guard your passport at all times.
Protecting your valuables
Before leaving home, make arrangements for the safe storage of jewelry, money, and other items of value. Use the hotel safe-deposit boxes for valuables brought with you. Never leave valuables unattended in your hotel room.
If you must carry some of your prized possessions, don't carry them in one purse or a single pocket. The same applies to currency leave some cash or "travelers' cheeks in the hotel safe-deposit box. Separate large bills from small ones, and keep change and small bills handy for taxi fares, small purchases, or gratuities.
Carry your purse under your arm, close to your body. Make sure the clasp or zipper is closed. Also, avoid excess jewelry or expensive luggage.
Locking doors and windows
Locks and keys are for your own protection. They should be used at all times at home and while staying at a hotel. Key rings with name and address identification can provide an unwanted intruder with easy access. Remember to immediately replace all locks for lost home or car keys, and contact the Front Desk immediately regarding lost hotel room keys.
On the way home, or back at the hotel room, have keys handy for quick entry and enter through the most visible and convenient entryway usually the front door. After checking to see that car and door keys are still with you, lock the door behind you.
Watching out for
Contact the Front Desk immediately if the hotel room door appears ajar or unlocked. At home, go to the nearest telephone and call for police assistance.
Forgetting your belongings
At one time or another, all of us have left personal belongings at a hotel. That's why we advise checking the room as completely as possible look behind doors and in closets for any stray belongings. Contact the Lost and Found department for any forgotten items.
Having a happy homecoming
Whether you travel near or far, your safety is important. We hope you find these suggestions helpful.
KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE
Watch out for groups of noisy children or teen-agers who surround you with things to sign or papers, asking for money. Many are among the best pickpockets (remember Oliver Twist?). Be alert when watching street performers who might distract your attention from your purse or wallet.
Don't let your guard down around adults in business suits. More and more pickpockets and purse-snatchers dress very respectably to avoid detection.
Women should keep purses tightly under their arms when in crowds and in sight or on their laps at restaurants or theaters.
Walk away from the curb to avoid purse-snatchers on motorcycles.
Keep your passports at your hotel or carry them away from your wallets. Don't carry all of a group's passports in one place. Divide up your cash if traveling in a group, or leave some in the hotel safe.
Keep a photocopy of your passport and a list of credit card, airline ticket and travelers check numbers separate from the originals.
Don't resist if you are mugged. Don't chase a pickpocket unless a police officer is nearby; many pickpockets carry knives, and most work in groups of two or more.
Keep car doors locked while driving, even on short trips. Avoid leaving your purse or luggage on the seat next to or behind you while driving.
Try to stay calm if you are robbed. First, report it to the police and fill out a loss form, which will help with insurance and temporary replacement of identification. Then head for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
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