Things to consider when choosing a Hotel

Questions To Ask And Where To Ask Them
According to Sal Caccavale, Director of Security for the Waldorf=Astoria in New York, there are three questions to ask for selecting a secure hotel:
•Are there electronic door locks?
•Is there good key control?
•Is there a fire alarm and water sprinkler system?
"Generally, the only way to find this out is contacting the hotel directly. The number one security issue is controlling who has access to a guest's hotel room. While we can install electronic locks and keep a closely controlled system of key control, it's the guests themselves who often let down their guard and fail to lock their door when they go out to get ice at the end of the hall, or open their door to an uninvited intruder," says Caccavale. "It is important to remember that a hotel is a public place and criminals are attracted to places where outsiders are vulnerable."
What Room To Reserve
If possible, avoid staying in a first floor room, as they often have sliding doors or windows that are accessible from ground level, and are a greater security risk than rooms on higher floors. Second floor to fifth floor rooms are usually a good choice in the event of a fire, as they are more easily accessible for rescue purposes than rooms on higher levels. Rooms away from the ice machine or utility area will minimize your exposure to the noise of hallway traffic, and a room near a stairwell will provide a quick escape route in the event of an emergency. Women traveling alone may wish to choose a room near hall or stairwell surveillance cameras for added security. Before you get settled into your assigned room, verify that there is a reasonably quick access to a fire escape route by window or stairway.
Smoke and Fire
Most hotels offer in-room instructions outlining what to do in case of fire, and it is wise to read them carefully. Count the number of doorways on your floor from the door to the exit staircase, and then walk down the staircase to the ground floor. This will help you familiarize yourself with your escape route so that in a fire situation when it is likely to be dark and smoky, you will be able to exit safely with no confusion, surprise turns, or unexpected locked doors. Put your room key and glasses beside your bed so that in an emergency you will be able to find them quickly. If you leave your room in an emergency, take your room key with you so you can retreat back into your room if necessary.

If you discover that the hotel does not have a smoke detector system, carry your own. It is also a good idea to carry an emergency escape smoke hood, which filters out the harmful gases that are present in a smoke-filled environment, and provides those precious extra minutes you, might need to escape.