The reason the receptionist never says your room number out loud

This is a mandatory security rule in the global hotel industry, to protect customers from the risk of eavesdropping, fraud and other potential dangers.

Unspoken rules for customer safety

When checking in at a hotel, you may not notice that the receptionist will often write down the room number on a piece of paper or whisper it instead of saying it out loud. This is not a random habit but a mandatory rule in the hotel industry's operating standards, especially strictly followed by major hotel chains around the world . This rule is set for three main reasons directly related to the safety and privacy of customers.

Protection from potential hazards

The most important reason is security. Keeping room numbers secret helps prevent eavesdroppers. Nick OrRico, General Manager of the Fairmont Chicago Hotel (USA), explains: “We train staff never to say the room number out loud. Instead, they write it down discreetly or program the information directly into the key card.”

This minimizes the risk of strangers knowing your exact location. This is especially important for solo travelers , female guests, or guests checking in late at night, when security risks may be higher.

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

Prevent fraud and false charges

Another reason is to prevent bad guys from using your room number information to commit fraud. This helps prevent others from adding service charges to your room bill, says hotel expert Cameron Sperance, director of content at Questex Hospitality and Travel.

He cites a scene in Ocean's 8 where Sandra Bullock's character overhears a room number at the Plaza Hotel, then turns around and charges the entire bill to the person staying in that room. While this is a movie scenario and mischarges don't happen often, keeping your room number secret is a necessary layer of protection against unwanted charges.

Help customers remember information

In addition to security, having your room number written down is a simple way for guests to easily look it up when needed. Greg Fregoso, General Manager of the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, said it's a small but useful amenity for guests.

However, experts also offer important advice. Alicia Wiley, General Manager of Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, USA, warns guests not to put the key card and the envelope containing the room number together. She commented: "If you drop both, you are handing over the key and the room address to a thief." Instead, she advises guests to take a photo of the room number with their phone and put the key card in a separate place immediately after leaving the reception desk.

Other safety tips when staying at a hotel

To have a safe and comfortable vacation, you can refer to some of the following notes:

• Always use the safety latch and secondary lock when in 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 magnetic 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 travel schedule with strangers, and avoid posting this information on social media in real time.
• When someone knocks on the door, always look through the peephole before opening it. If you do not recognize it or feel unsafe, contact the front desk.
• If possible, request rooms on higher floors to avoid the risk of outside intrusion.
• For guests traveling alone, rooms with connecting doors should be avoided to increase privacy and safety.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/ly-do-le-tan-khong-bao-gio-noi-to-so-phong-cua-ban-3312503.html