Hotel guest room security may be enhanced by the use of security equipment such as hotel/motel function locks, safety chains, and similar devices.
Secondary access limiting devices on sliding glass, balcony, and connecting room doors, access limiting devices for operational windows, a guest room telephone or other communication device available for use 24 hours a day, a peep hole in or window next to the guest room door etc.
Hotel Guest Room Locks:
Hotel Guest room Security locks can be a critical aspect of guest protection. Locks and locking systems are needed which lend themselves to the smooth and efficient operation of the property, but which are not easily compromised.
If a property uses a master keying system in which one key opens all or many of the property's doors, it should face the possibility that a master key may be lost or stolen. If this happens, every lock's code or combination ( that is, the arrangement of tumblers in the core of the lock) may need to be changed.
Depending on the type of locks used, this re-keying can be a relatively quick and inexpensive process or a long and costly one. [ One of the best ways to avoid this situation is to follow effective key control procedures].
Biometrics:
A new and highly technical access control system involves biometrics. Such a system utilizes human characteristics which are unique to a specific individual. No two Fingerprints are same anywhere in the world , the retina or iris of an eye, and the size, shape, and even the print of a hand.
In Future biometric applications there would be the possibility to include a person's voice being recorded at check-in and immediately being transmitted to the door accessing a restricted guest room corridor, guest room, health club, point-of-sales locations throughout the premises which is only limited to guest access.
Secondary Access-Limiting Devices:
Sliding glass doors another consideration in establishing the security of a guest room. A number of secondary access-restricting devices are currently available and should be examined as possible additions to the single latch provided with each sliding glass door. Hinged bars and metal and wood sections that can be placed in the sliding channel or additional lock units are sometimes used to add to the security of sliding glass doors. A metal peg may be inserted in a hole drilled through both the sliding door and the frame to prevent the sliding door unit from being lifted out of the channel and removed from the frame.
Windows which open may need secondary latching devices. If local fire codes permit, devices which limit how far windows can be opened may be installed to help prevent intruders from entering through ground floor or balcony windows and to reduce or eliminate the possibility of children or even adults falling out of open windows.
View ports:
Consider the need for the guest to be able to identify a caller before opening the door. A view port [door viewer or peep hole] is one device that can serve this purpose. A wide-angle view port maximizes the view of the corridor adjacent to the guest room door.
Room Communications:
Management should consider placing a telephone device in each guest room. This telephone can be used by the guest to notify the property of emergencies or suspicious activities and by the property to notify the guest of emergencies like Fire, Bomb threat etc.
Nowadays hotels are exploring the feasibility of using two-way interactive cable television to provide security for emergency communication with the guest. This facility usually delivers entertainment and programming to the guest room, but it also has the capability to return communication via the same device. This permits monitoring of guest medical alerts, burglar alarms, and fire alarms etc.
In-Room Security Information:
There has been a great effort on the part of the hospitality industry to effectively involve the guest as a member of the security team for a property.
Hotels are required to have a floor plan or an information card be provided which indicates the location of the guest room in relation to fire stairwells. This information card also lists the steps to be taken by the guest in the event of afire emergency.
In addition to fire protection data, consider including security data on the guest room door. Decals or notices may be posted that:
- How to double lock the guest room door.
- Notification for the guest to indicate that not to open the door without first identifying the person seeking entrance.
- Instructions on a tent card for all guest room security devices.
- Mention the availability of safe deposit boxes at the front desk on the Guest registration card.
- Any additional information about the locality of the property.
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