Hotel Safety: Why Receptionists Never Say Room Numbers Out Loudly

This is a mandatory security rule in the global hotel industry to protect customers from the risk of eavesdropping, fraud and ensure personal safety.

When checking into a hotel, you may not notice that the receptionist often writes down the room number on a piece of paper or points to it discreetly instead of reading it out loud. This is not a random habit but a mandatory security rule in the hotel industry's operating standards, especially strictly followed by large chains around the world .

The main reasons behind the security rule

Keeping guest room numbers secret stems from three core reasons, all focused on protecting the safety and interests of guests.

1. Protect personal safety

The most important reason is to prevent bad guys from eavesdropping on information. Nick OrRico, General Manager of the Fairmont Chicago Hotel (USA), explains: "We train our staff never to say the room number out loud. Instead, they write it down discreetly or program it directly into the key card."

This measure helps minimize the risk of strangers knowing the exact location of the guest, thereby being able to track or commit bad acts. This is especially important for those traveling alone, female guests or guests checking in late at night.

Receptionists often write down guests' room numbers to ensure confidentiality. Photo: vegoutmag

2. Help customers remember and avoid risks

Writing your room number on a small piece of paper makes it easy for guests to look up if they forget it, says Greg Fregoso, general manager of the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago. However, it comes with an important safety tip.

Alicia Wiley, General Manager of Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City (USA), warns against the common mistake of holding the key card and the room number together. "If you drop both, you are handing over the key and the room address to a thief," she says. Experts advise that immediately after leaving the reception desk, guests should use their phones to take a photo of the room number and store the key card in a separate place.

3. Prevent fraud and false charges

Another reason is to prevent scammers from using room numbers to add service charges to guests’ bills. Hotel expert Cameron Sperance, Content Director at Questex Hospitality and Travel, mentioned an example from a movie to illustrate.

"In the movie Ocean's 8, Sandra Bullock's character overhears the room number at the Plaza Hotel, then goes back and charges the previous occupants. Writing down your room number helps you avoid being an easy target for opportunists," says Mr. Sperance. While this scenario rarely happens in real life, keeping the information confidential helps customers avoid unwanted charges on their bills.

Other safety tips when staying at a hotel

In addition to keeping your room number secure, guests should take the following additional measures to ensure a safe and comfortable stay:

• Always use the inside latch and deadbolt when inside the room.
• Keep valuables such as passports, cash, and electronic devices in the room safe or lock them carefully in your suitcase.
• If you lose your card, please notify the reception immediately so they can deactivate the old card and issue a new one.
• Don't share your room number or personal schedule with strangers. Avoid posting this information on social media in real time.
• Always check through the peephole before opening the door to anyone. If you feel unsafe, call the front desk or security.
• Consider requesting a room on a higher floor to avoid the risk of an outside intrusion. Rooms near elevators or at the end of hallways may also be safer options.
• If you travel alone, avoid rooms with connecting doors to the next room.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/an-toan-khach-san-ly-do-le-tan-khong-bao-gio-noi-to-so-phong-407009.html