Safety in Lodging

Most hotels and motels are generally safe, however you may be in unfamiliar surroundings or in a foreign country so additional safety precautions sometimes are justified.
 
 Advanced reservations

If you can plan your travel route, advanced reservations will allow you to choose the safer places of lodging in the area you will be visiting. 
Discuss with your travel agent the safety conditions of the place where the hotel is located, inquire both day and night. Some locations are very safe during the day  but during the night become very unsafe. Sometimes behind a bargain rate there are some safety risks never advertised.

Some  Tips 

Stopping for the night.

If you plan to keep valuable items in your car, stop at a gas station or rest area to transfer these to your trunk. Don't wait to do this at the motel parking lot where someone can see what you are keeping in the trunk.  Stop at a mini mart for anything you may need for that night. This prevents you from having to leave your room after you arrive.

Picking a Hotel/Motel:(without advanced reservation) 

Chcking from the outside:
Is there parking in the front? 
Are the parking areas, well lighted?  
What kind of vehicles are there?
Is the lobby well indicated? 
Are the room entrances well lit? 
Is the outside well kept? 
What type of neighborhood is the area? 

Checking in

Is the lobby staffed 24 hours ?
Does it looks like a regular office?
Is there a billboard with rates and rooms options?
Is the desk clerk wearing a uniform with his tag name?
Ask the clerk about security precautions 
Ask about dialing out from your room, ask how to call police and emergency medical services.

Choosing a room:

Avoid the ground floor. Ask for a room on the second floor, or lowest floor with rooms, nearest the lobby.
  
Know your way

In the lobby, study the floor plan of the building layout, the one they use to show you which room is yours. 
Find  the route to and from your room, to the fire escapes, elevators and nearest outside phone.
            
Once in the room
       
Check for:
auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows;
door viewer; 
a fire alarm/smoke detector;
emergency lights.
                  
Traveling with children

Don't allow them to roam the motel areas without being accompanied by an adult. 
Keep adjoining room doors open.
Go over a fire escape plan.