Solo Travel: How to Stay Safe in Hotels (What I Actually Do)
Points 2 Wanderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Associate Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Privacy Policy for more information.
How to Stay Safe in Hotels Solo
Sometimes the group trip doesn’t make it out of the chat, and we have to book it solo. Solo travel, while thrilling, does come with real safety concerns, even when staying in hotels.
I have stayed in everything from hostels and three-star hotels to luxury hotels in big cities and remote towns, and I have learned that hotel safety can make or break your trip.
If you are planning any solo travel and wondering how to stay safe in a hotel alone, this guide is for you. These are the exact hotel safety tips I use as a solo female traveler. They are based on personal experience and not just generic advice.
These tips range from choosing the safest rooms to handling check-in like a pro. I will walk you through simple ways to protect yourself and sleep more peacefully while traveling solo.
1. Why I Avoid Adjoining Hotel Rooms When Solo Traveling
One of my top hotel room safety tips for solo travelers is to avoid adjoining rooms. Even though these connecting doors lock on both sides, they still make me feel more vulnerable, especially as a solo female traveler.
The few times I have accidentally been assigned a room with an adjoining door, I immediately ask to switch. If switching isn’t possible, I place a chair or piece of furniture against the door as an added precaution. While it is not foolproof, it helps me sleep better.
If you are booking with a hotel like Hilton, you can choose your room in advance through their app.
I always check as soon as I get the notification that mobile check-in is available, so I can select a room that meets my hotel room safety preferences, ideally one without adjoining doors, not on the ground floor, and not near the stairs.
2. Hotel Check-In Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
One of my go-to hotel safety tips for solo travelers is to ask for two keys at check-in, even when I am staying solo. I also casually mention that my partner is joining me later. It is a small detail, but it can go a long way in protecting your privacy and giving the impression that you are not traveling alone.
I do this just in case someone can overhear my check-in process. Like if they overhear the room number or even assume I am solo, I want them to think I am solo for the moment. Even if it feels a little awkward at first, projecting the idea that you are not alone can be an added layer of safety when traveling alone and staying in hotels alone.
If you are looking for how to stay safe in a hotel room solo, check-in is the perfect place to start.
3. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings in Hotel Hallways and Elevators
My “how to stay safe in hotels” villain origin story started here.
On a recent solo trip, I stepped off the elevator and noticed a small group of people waiting nearby. As I walked down the hallway, I realized they could clearly see which direction I was heading and potentially which hotel room I was about to enter.
Rather than go straight to my door, I slowed down and waited until I heard the elevator doors close behind them. Then I circled back to my room. While I could just be paranoid, I was in a small town, the parking lot was full, so I assumed there wouldn’t be many options if I needed to change rooms. I had to take any and all precautions to make sure I would feel safe in the hotel.
While this may feel overly cautious, these small moves can make a big difference when you are staying in a hotel solo. Trust your instincts- if something feels off, it is worth the extra step to keep yourself safe.
4. Hotel Safety Devices I always travel with as a Solo Female Traveler
There are some things that you can purchase via Amazon that help keep you safe, like a door stop and door lock. You can also use the locks on the doors in the hotel room.
Even if you do not purchase these things, I use the furniture in some hotel rooms. I will put the chairs or tables in front of the door after locking and deadbolting the door.
For some reason, this always makes me instantly feel safe. Now, it may be a fire hazard, but the sense of safety, I think, helps me to be able to go to sleep.
5. Best Hotel Room Location for Solo Travel Safety
When I travel solo, I always request a room that is not on the ground floor and not directly near the elevators or stairwells. The ground floor always feels too easily accessible to outsiders.
Rooms near the elevators/stairs always give me the creeps. If someone can get through the stack of chairs and tables I stack near the door, I always feel like they could then kidnap me and drag me down the stairs or elevator.
So rooms near elevators and stairs are also rooms I avoid. Basically, I avoid rooms with heavy foot traffic so I don’t have to deal with any of my crazy scenarios coming true.
I aim for rooms in the middle of a well-lit hallway. At least then I could scream and attempt to kick doors if they drag me out of my room. This small detail, rooms in the middle, can reduce your risk and increase peace of mind, especially at night or in unfamiliar hotels. This is probably my number 1 hotel safety tip!
6. How to keep your Hotel Room Number Private when Traveling Solo
This is the second chapter of my “How to Stay Safe in Hotels” villain origin story.
On one of my trips to California, I arrived at the hotel room late due to flight delays. Since I had driven over two hours after landing and made zero stops, I decided to stop at the mini mart in the hotel I was staying at. I had already checked into the hotel via the app and chosen my room; all I needed to do was grab a snack before heading to bed.
As I looked over to the mini-mart, there was someone in the space, so I waited to the side. After a few minutes, I realized it might take a while, so I went over to grab what I needed. As I went to pay, the hotel receptionist asked for my room number. I literally looked at him and was like No, card and he was like Oh, it’s easier just to put it in the room.
During this time, the man at the mini-mart had finished and was now standing near me. He says, Oh, you’re pretty.
I am looking at the receptionist, like, Sir, take this credit card so I can go. Finally, he says, ok, run the card and I fake jog/walk to the elevator. I press all the buttons so that if the man walks up behind me, they won’t know which floor I am on.
This situation is really what guided me to write this guide. How to stay safe in hotels became very front of mind after this situation. I felt so unsafe; I wanted to check out, but at that time, I couldn’t find another hotel.
Hotel Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe in Hotels When Traveling Solo
Staying in a hotel alone does not have to feel intimidating. With a few smart precautions, from choosing the right room to staying alert during check-in, you can protect yourself and fully enjoy your solo travel experience.
These hotel safety tips are exactly what I use every time I travel alone, whether I am staying in a big city or a remote town. Solo female travel comes with unique challenges, but being prepared helps you feel more confident and secure wherever you go.
If you are planning your next trip, save or bookmark this post so you can come back to it before check-in. If you have any hotel safety tips of your own, I would love to hear them in the comments below.
Save for Later!
Related Content
Travel Memberships to Make the Airport Easier
| Travel Resources | Information about Resources |
| Airalo | If you need phone service while out of the country, check out Airalo to avoid all the fees. |
| Amazon | Find the perfect items for your next vacation! |
| Booking.com | If you want to book a mix of hotels and houses check out booking.com! |
| Expedia | Need a package that includes flight + hotel or want to add a car? Expedia is the perfect site to book an entire vacation. |
| Priority Pass | If you do not have a credit card, you can still get lounge access through Priority Pass. |
| Ticketmaster | Heading to a concert or event, make sure to check out Ticketmaster. |
| Vrbo | Find the perfect rental house for your vacation and/or staycation. |
| Viator | The perfect place to find all your excursions and things to do in the many cities you visit. |
