Hotels: Why don't receptionists say your room number out loud?

At the check-in counter, you will see the receptionist greet you, complete the payment and then give you the key or key card. According to the operating rules of the industry, they will speak softly, whisper or write the room number on a piece of paper instead of reading it out loud. This is a mandatory rule, part of international security standards in the hotel industry, to protect safety, reduce the risk of fraud and still make it easy for guests to look up when needed.

Safety comes first

Nick OrRico, general manager of the Fairmont Chicago Hotel (USA), said keeping room numbers secret helps prevent eavesdropping. "We train staff never to say the room number out loud. Instead, they write it down discreetly or program it directly into the key card," he said.

This minimizes the risk of strangers knowing the exact location of the guest. This is especially important for solo travelers, female guests, or late-night check-ins.

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

Write it down on paper so customers can remember easily.

Greg Fregoso, Director of the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, said that writing down room numbers, in addition to security, also makes it easier for guests to look up their room numbers if they forget them.

However, Alicia Wiley, General Manager of Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, USA, recommends that guests should not clip the key card with the envelope containing the room number when traveling. "If you drop both, you are handing over the key and the room address to a thief," she said. The safe way is to take a photo of the room number with your phone and put the key card separately immediately after leaving the reception desk.

Prevent being taken advantage of and being charged unfairly

Another reason is to reduce the risk of being exploited by bad guys who want to charge you for things like bills, says Cameron Sperance, director of content at Questex Hospitality and Travel. “In the movie Ocean’s 8, Sandra Bullock overhears the room number at the Plaza Hotel, then returns to check in and bill the previous occupant. Writing down your room number helps you avoid being an easy target for opportunists,” Sperance says.

While he admits it's a movie detail and misbilling doesn't happen often, no one wants to see unexpected expenses that aren't theirs.

Safety tips when staying at a hotel

Always use the inside latch and secondary lock when in the room.
Keep valuables in a safe or lock them in a suitcase.
If you lose your card, notify the reception immediately to get a new card (the old card will be deactivated).
Don't share your room number or schedule with strangers, and don't post on social media in real time.
When someone knocks on the door, look through the security hole before opening. If you do not know the person or feel unsafe, call the receptionist or security.
Low-floor rooms should be avoided because they can be broken into from the outside, as well as rooms near elevators and at the end of stairwells for extra safety.
Guests traveling alone should avoid rooms with doors leading to adjacent rooms.
If you don't have to pay for a second person, you should book a room for two and ask for two keys when checking in to create the feeling of not being alone.

In short, not saying your room number out loud isn’t just a courtesy, it’s an important layer of protection for your trip. Keeping the information private, keeping your room card separate, and following the tips above will help ensure your vacation or business trip goes smoothly and safely.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/khach-san-vi-sao-le-tan-khong-noi-to-so-phong-cua-ban-10313695.html