By Kacey Bradley
Safety and Security Tips for Hotel Management
For some travelers, a hotel’s a place to rest their head after a day of exploring. For others, it’s where they decompress after a long day of meetings. However a guest might see their accommodations, a hotel serves as a home away from home — and it should feel like that in more ways than one.
Namely, guests look for comfort — especially from the cozy rooms and extra amenities you provide. They also want to feel just as secure with you as they do in their own homes. Indeed, that’s why safety is one of the fundamental basics that every hotel should provide.
It’s up to you to make sure your hotel has safety measures in place that make guests feel protected while they stay with you. Here are five tips for creating a secure environment.
1. Use Intelligent Access Throughout the Hotel
Only keyholders can get into guest rooms, of course. However, are the rest of your premises open to the public? Visitors may feel more comfortable knowing you’ve restricted access to your whole building.
While you’ll likely keep the lobby open to foot traffic, consider using intelligent access key cards throughout your hotel’s guest-only areas. Allow guests’ keys to grant them access to their personal rooms as well as common areas such as the pool and fitness center. That way, your customers can rest assured only those who have checked in can access these spots.
Some hotels even limit access to particular floors depending on a person’s given keycard access. While this step might require an update to your elevators’ interfaces, it’s a worthy addition to consider for your security system.
2. Update Surveillance Technology
Today’s surveillance technology outperforms old-school cameras by leaps and bounds. Security firms can outfit your property with both hidden and visible cameras to keep an eye on every last inch of the premise. You can also install motion-detecting lights and anti-tampering systems to further deter outsiders from entering.
None of these implementations will negatively affect your guests or staff, either. Everyone can go about their days while surveillance technology keeps the perimeter safe.
3. Install Security Grilles
Some hotel properties include a concession or souvenir shop with goodies for guests to take home. However, since you don’t leave these stores open round-the-clock, they need protection, too. Installing a security grille requires balance — you don’t want a completely solid one. Open-air grilles allow for air circulation and visibility, so you can see everything going on behind closed doors. Guests can still view the products on display in your shop during off-hours, which is good for business.
If your hotel’s front desk isn’t open 24 hours a day, consider installing grilles around the counters and computers, as well. Such a setup could better protect your technology and the guests’ information stored there.
4. Tell Guests What They Need to Know
You don’t need to tell your guests about every single security feature your hotel has. They might feel daunted by your perimeter’s intensity, even if it’s just a precautionary measure.
Instead, pinpoint the security details your guests will want and need to know. Type a short speech that front desk staffers can recite when they check in someone new. For instance, mention to guests if they need a key card to work the elevators or enter the pool. Otherwise, there’s no need to point out the exterior camera system or steel grille that covers your shop.
You might also ask guests to walk into the property without holding the door for the person behind them. That way, you can prevent outsiders from sneaking onto the premises. Plus, you make sure guests know their responsibility in keeping the place safe.
5. Train Staff in Security Measures
Your obligation to keep people safe in your hotel extends beyond your guests. As you implement building security, make sure your staff is up to date on training. They should know proper procedures and methods so that they feel safe in their workplace.
For instance, housekeepers often deal with injuries that result from the repetitive motions they perform on the job. They might also lift mattresses or other furniture pieces that prove too heavy for them. By implementing a relevant training program, they’ll have a better understanding of how to do their jobs properly and safely.
Stay Safe and Secure
Ensuring your hotel is at its safest will be a team effort. Your staff, guests and upper management can work together to keep your hotel secure day in and day out. In the end, it’s a worthy cause in which everyone should get involved. Then, the property will feel as safe as a second home for guests, who will happily come back for another visit down the line.
