When travelling alone, your hotel isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s your private retreat, a storage space for valuables, and sometimes your only refuge in a new environment. That’s why taking a few extra steps to secure your hotel room can make a huge difference to your safety and peace of mind. With the right approach, solo travellers can feel confident, prepared, and truly relaxed while away from home.
Start by choosing your accommodation carefully. Aim for hotels located in central, well-lit areas with positive reviews — especially those that mention cleanliness, staff helpfulness, and safety. Upon arrival, request a room between the second and sixth floors. These levels are generally considered safer: they’re high enough to avoid easy access from the street, but low enough for quicker evacuation in an emergency. Always check that your room has a functioning deadbolt lock, which provides far more resistance to forced entry than a standard latch.
For added security, solo travellers can carry simple but effective devices such as a portable door lock or doorstop alarm. These are easy to pack and can prevent unwanted entry while you’re inside the room. When heading out for the day, leaving the TV on can create the illusion that the room is occupied — a useful short-term safety measure in some situations. However, for a more environmentally friendly option, consider leaving a small bedside lamp on with a timer switch, which provides the same effect but uses much less electricity. Don’t forget to hang the Do Not Disturb sign as well to deter opportunistic theft. Always use the room safe (if available) to store important documents, a backup bank card, or spare cash.
Practical comfort tips also go a long way. Pack earplugs, an eye mask, and your own pillowcase or scarf to improve rest in unfamiliar surroundings. If the hotel pillow is uncomfortable, too big, or too hard, don’t hesitate to ask — most hotels will do their best to provide a more suitable one for you. Don’t hesitate to speak with reception if you have an early departure or dietary needs — many hotels are happy to offer breakfast-to-go or advice on nearby services. And if anything feels off, whether it’s a dodgy-looking corridor or a suspicious knock at the door, trust your instincts — your safety comes first.
In short, your hotel should feel like a safe and secure base while you explore. These small actions — locking up properly, creating the illusion of occupancy, and using portable safety devices — offer a huge boost in protection. When your accommodation feels secure, you’ll travel with greater confidence and clarity. And for any solo traveller, that sense of ease is one of the best travel companions you can have.
