BCD issues practical hotel safety guide for business travelers

Key points

• BCD research found business travelers often feel confident in their hotel choices, but safety risks still exist; the guide draws on insights from BCD's Global Crisis Management team and BCD Marketplace partner Maiden Voyage.
• Before arrival, travelers can set safety-related preferences as company policy and booking channels permit, such as a non-adjoining room, a room above the ground floor, or a location close to elevators or away from isolated areas; hotels may not satisfy every request, but flagging preferences early can help.
• At check-in, protect the room number: if staff announce it within earshot of others, ask to switch rooms and request the number be written down discreetly; keep the room key separate from any sleeve displaying the room number, and notify the front desk immediately if a key is lost so it can be deactivated.
• Once in the room, assess location and access points, confirm doors, windows and adjoining-room entrances are secure and lockable, and check that locks, smoke alarms and room telephones appear operational; request a different room if something feels unsafe.
• Use secondary locks such as a deadbolt, chain or security bar whenever inside, and understand the limits of primary locks: hotel staff may still enter with a master key, or another guest could be mistakenly assigned to the room; some travelers carry a portable device such as a doorstop or wedge.
• For unexpected maintenance or room-service visits, call reception to verify before opening the door, and use the peephole first even when housekeeping or room service is expected.
• After arriving at the room, locate the nearest emergency exit and identify an alternative route, note how to contact reception, hotel security or emergency assistance, and follow instructions from hotel staff and local authorities during an emergency.
• Follow organizational guidance on hotel or public Wi-Fi, keep laptops, mobile devices, badges and work documents secure, and avoid leaving sensitive business information unattended in guest rooms or shared spaces; if a safety incident occurs, consider informing the employer or travel management company and report concerns to the hotel and managed travel team.