5 STRANGE Things I Do To Protect My Stuff From Getting STOLEN at Hotels

[@deedeediva6186]

Not only do I always leave the do not disturb sign on the door, I leave the TV on when I am out of the room.

[@scatherinelynch]

That’s a good idea!

[@otrebla8944]

I do both.

[@migrose6547]

We do that too

[@marcdunlap9457]

I've done the same thing, especially when I'm in Vegas.

[@renewells1880]

Hum. Leaving TV on when not in room is plain stupid. You are going to annoy to the max other hotel guests.

[@danchiasson]

Good tips as always James. For me, I usually opt out of housekeeping during check-in (and keep the DND sign on the door), unless I'm staying a week or longer. Some hotels give a small discount, room upgrade, or bonus loyalty points for opting out (especially with all the staff shortages). If I absolutely need fresh towels or soap, I just ask a housekeeper in the hallway and give them a tip. They will happily hand over what I need. I know I'm in a minority here and most people apparently can't live without turnover service, but honestly for me it's totally unnecessary. I'd rather have none of my stuff moved and touched (not to mention having my door left propped open by housekeeping while they clean).

[@B-ch6uk]

I never knew that. Good tip.

[@karenfrederick3777]

Same, I make my own bed and leave the sign out because I don't want anyone in my room.

[@cherylrivera431]

same!!! clean my own room make my own bed just get extra trash bags and towels!!

[@glorialuna137]

I thought I was the only one. If I can be left alone that’s the way I go.

[@xoxo-vp7ww]

@vl2852: it just implies that someone is in the room. The point is to make everyone think the room is occupied. Vacant room is vulnerable. It’s just a precaution. And I’ve never had anyone remove the sign.

[@leebrett2506]

Just scanning the comments. Plugging in a Ring camera to watch over your room while you are out is genius. Even if they steal it you are going to have their picture!!

[@mjperfume1523]

Where can I get that ring????

[@pandorad3427]

As a frequent solo traveler, I always pack a sturdy door-stop (rubber "wedge"). I always kick it tightly under by main door when showering or sleeping (hotel room/airbnb/cruise-ship cabin). Gives me great peace of mind, and a stress free sleep. I've been told that it should not be used in case of a fire, etc. LOL, I would hear someone banging on my door and yelling if that extremely rare event were to occur.

[@ynconway6261]

You might want to check out killer bee tactical, he’s a retired cop and talks about all kinds of safety topics, one of the products he promotes is a doorstop alarm, when the door opens into a doorstop it, it sets off a very loud alarm, he has other travel security stuff too.

[@swlc5555]

For those staying in Las Vegas on the strip, there's a huge exception to the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Ever since the Mandalay Bay/concert shooting most (if not all) resorts consider an ever present "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door as a potential threat. I found out the hard way, and I didn't even have the sign constantly on my door. While staying at The Venetian I would relax in my room during the early part of the day and put the sign on the door. When I left and took the sign off apparently Housekeeping had already gone by and apparently noted my DND sign. I repeated the process and on the 2nd or 3rd day all the sudden there was a loud knock on my door and "Security!!!" They let themselves into the room while I was there telling me they had to do a room check since to their knowledge I constantly had the DND sign on my door. They walked around the room obviously looking to see if there was anything suspicious (stockpile of guns, ammunition, etc.). So be forewarned, if you constantly keep a DND sign on your door on the Vegas strip, don't be surprised if security eventually comes pounding on your door and lets themselves in.

[@johnscott2092]

Same thing happened to me last October only it was mgm signature

[@MajorMosh710]

Makes sense considering what happened a few years ago..

[@haileyw2342]

i wonder how often is too often to leave the sign on..they quote it’s nevada law to enter the room every third night for basic trash removal if you opt out of housekeeping

[@vl2852]

Whats to stop anyone from taking the DO NOT DISTURB sign from the door? Its not like the sign is locked to the door.

[@B33nj4m1n]

​@@haileyw2342I'd be curious to know that as well.

[@larrye2679]

I have a doorknob sensor alarm i use at night. If someone moves the doorknob it goes off. Or put it right in front of the door, if the door is opened it gets tipped over and goes off. Another way if you have tiled floors is to set a pop can on top of the doorknob, if the doorknob is turned it falls off and makes a lot of noise. Great video😊

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

Carry 3 micro cameras that are easily hidden and triangulate them. That way, when you are away from your room, you can see what's going on by looking at your phone. In addition, if the cameras are tripped by a person or persons coming into your room while you are not there, they trigger an alert on your phone and the incident gets stored on the cloud.

[@catistrolling7333]

Suggestions on what brand

[@24kgsd]

Yes what brand please

[@catistrolling7333]

Also do you need wifi

[@xfallenxmodzx]

Don't gatekeep now, which micro camera do you use lol. This is a useful tip

[@mysize2]

Good idea 😊

[@dani2g]

honestly I just opt out of housekeeping always now. i'm happy to call for more towels or anything like that and I have the peace of mind NO one will enter my room without permission unless there's an emergency.

[@Coolist]

I do that sometimes too. It just depend on my mood and how busy I am

[@Icarusvampire]

Man! U are gorgeous!

[@stargazer7644]

It doesn't matter. They check your room periodically even if you opt out of housekeeping for security reasons. It's their building.

[@windorsolarplease4314]

I do the exact same things except I leave the TV on. Also, as we are leaving to go somewhere, I yell by the door saying we won't be gone long bye, and husband shakes his head at me haha...

[@nurset2299]

I'm crying laughing!

[@richardwinman1994]

I have a little sign I travel with that says " Smile, your on Candid camera." I place it in a very visible location in the room. Will make someone think twice before doing something they shouldn't be doing whilst in my room. 😉

[@stargazer7644]

That should be "You're on Candid Camera"

[@MikeSmith-qj2ys]

I've seen people try to enter rooms when house keeping is cleaning. They often keep the door open while cleaning. This was at an upscale casino hotel.

[@JoyP-rw5bc]

I wouldn't even have housekeeping come to clean my room I just let them clean it after I leave

[@Sultan88888]

Housekeeping should ONLY throw away what is in the trash can. They should not b deciding what should and shouldn’t b thrown out. There job is to clean NOT to decide what you want or dont want to keep!

[@johngill2853]

The problem is that some people complain that you didn't throw it away. We've actually had people complain that we didn't clean up after them, it's a no-win situation for the hotel. Same thing with making the beds we used to take the stuff off the bed and make it and people will complain. Then we changed to not making the bed if something was on it and people would complain

[@creynolds7681]

If you have garbage on your tables which as a housekeeper for 29 yrs almost everyone does and you have a receipt on your table you want to keep, it's probably getting thrown with the garbage cuz cleaning the table is our job

[@ThrewOutMyHalo]

True. We were just in Mexico and they took a custom engraved spoon my bf uses for his drinks. There was no reason to take it, no food etc...

[@spunkyb5249]

Put all of your valuables (cameras, tablets, passports, etc.) inside of the suitcase before locking it with a suitcase lock. I also bring those suitcase locks for my backpacks too. I know they're flimsy, but it keeps curious hands away. I haven't had a problem with theft in all my hotel/resort stays. Also remember, housekeeping keeps your door open while they clean the room. People walking by will be tempted to snatch your loose, exposed belongings when housekeeping isn't looking. Lock them up! I also agree with room safes. They're trash, and sometimes pop open unexpectedly.

[@conniekershaw4412]

​@@robert-ku7zrit's a way to slow them down. They might look for easier and quicker prey

[@stargazer7644]

All travel locks now open with the same key/combination. Thanks TSA.

[@lolknight4364]

@@stargazer7644 The solution to this is to use a TSA lock while travelling by plane and another strong lock while at hotel, assuming the suitcase is strong too.

[@czarinaz7439]

A locked suitcase can be opened in 1 second by pushing a pen through the zipper to break the zipper teeth apart. Never lock your suitcase bacause u could then end up having to buy another to get Ur stuff home as well as having Ur valuables stolen.

[@lolknight4364]

@@czarinaz7439 Unless you buy a differently made suitcase, may be one without zipper and totally resisting

[@sparker7768]

OMG, I need to share this with my husband who thinks I'm paranoid for putting everything away before leaving the room. If we leave and staff is in the hall, I always ask " the room" if they're sure they just want us to bring back water (of course the TV is on and the DND sign is up).

[@FlixCreEightR]

It's smart. And lock everything up!

[@B33nj4m1n]

​​@@FlixCreEightRAbsolutely! It seems like it should be common sense to keep the door locked, and put your valuables somewhere safe and well hidden or on your person, but sadly that's apparently not the case, and some people think their valuables are perfectly safe as long as they're kept in the room.

[@tinalovestotravel]

I also use the "Do Not Disturb" sign and as I'm leaving I loudly say goodbye to someone who is "still in the room" (even though there is no one still in my room).

[@h2ocpt]

I waa a road warrior, and the only theft i experienced was at a high-end hotel in New Orleans. Worse yet = the maid staff was "in" on the heist. Maid staff allowed a stranger into our room, while she was ckeaning the room. Fortunately, we had taken some precautions, so damage/loss was limited. I will also say, that in my youthful days, i fractured a few laws... So, allow me to provide some feedback on hour suggestions: Wynn vs Econolodge: I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood. When we went on the prowl, we went two places (nearby in our neighborhoods = close/convenient, trustful and relaxed security, people left their doors unlocked, car keys in the car, etc. Or, we'd go to the wealthy neighborhoods (to get high-end stuff, that didn't exist in ourr neighborhood.) But, we never ventured into "the hood" or the slums. That was too rough of a neighborhood, people walking the streets 7x24, barred-up windows & doors, pitbulls, etc. Granted, people who live within the hood, indeed steal within the hood (close, convenient, and what they know.) But, if Im not high on crack/meth?... and im gonna go steal from a hotel room (take those risks) -- zim NOT gonna roll those dice at the no-tell hotel. Instead, im going to wherever the money is!!! Where people (wrongly) ASSUME they are safe! Safe: Sure, while there might be a minority of people who know some sort of code/method to hack into a safe, the MASS MAJORITY of criminals/people, do NOT! The safe is indeed THE SAFEST place to keep anything in your room. If its something REALLY valuable, hotels often have "front desk safes," too. (e.g. Only the manager/owner has those combos.) Plus, the hotel takes/on added responsibility for your items when you turn it over to them for safe keeping. Luggage: Its the FIRST PLACE where crooks look. Many just zip it up, and roll it right out (while the maid is cleaning the bathroom.) They will pilfer through it later, offsite. Grab & go! Once they are outside of your room, they just look like any other traveler pulling luggage down the hallway, thru the lobby, etc. Ideally, you want to divide-up your credit/debit cards & cash. Leave some locked & hidden in your car. Carry some on you. Leave some in thr hotel safe. If necessary, put some in front desk safe. That way, if/when you DO get mugged, or car stolen, or room-robbed -- you still have SOMETHING to fall-back on. Crooks also grab pill bottles from the bathroom! They dont take the time to read the labels. They just toss all of them into your shaving bag (or the trashcan/bag,) and walk out. So, DON'T try to hide your valuables in pill bottles, fake shaving cream cans, or your shaving kit/bag. They are probably just trying to steal your meds -- and you accidentally gifted them credit cards or cash, too? My "test" of housekeeping is to leave two bucks on the TV stand. If they assume it's a tip and take it, you know they are willing to take/justify anything!!! If i didn't personally hand you the cash, or leave it there after checkout, then it's NOT a tip!!! Instead, it was MY money, that they stole!!! Many hotels nowadays REQUIRE a DAILY "proof of life" event (even if there's a do not disturb sign on the door.) They will politely knock. If you answer, they wont enter, and they will walk away with an apology. But, if you don't answer, they may also try to call the phone? If no answer there, then they may indeed ENTER the room. When possible, try to wait until AFTER maid service has serviced your room, to go party on the town. That way, no one SHOULD be revisiting your room. I place a folded small piece of paper into the door jam as i close the door (so I can barely see it when the door is closed.) If someone enters, the paper will fall to the ground. Thus, when you return, if the paper isn't in the door where you left it, DON'T enter the room! Instead, call hotel security! (Someone might still be lurking inside -- waiting for you to return?!!!) Good luck!

[@facetiouslyinsolent8313]

The recent spree of robberies in Vegas at Caesar's Palace and Paris were only rooms with do-not-disturb signs on the door. The thief had a master key and was stealing wallets and jewelry that was only going to be there if he knew you were in the room.

[@Quadrille763]

Don’t leave your toothbrushes out

[@jumpman366]

@@Quadrille763lmfaooooo

[@louisbrou4061]

Hello sir .I can't tell you how valuable your information has been to me and my family. Some people mite think im a friend or maybe part of your channel. I have never met you or I don't know you ,me and my family just got home from the Dominican Republic, Punta cana. And we had an amazing time. Thanks in large part to your advice on tips. The staff was amazing, so helpful and polite. The food was good ,not great but good , the room was comfortable, clean and safe. Our butler (Mike)😢 was the best .although we didn't need him That often he did take care of us when we did need help.but back to you and your Channel. If you like me are not familiar with traveling, your channel is a must. So, thanks for taking your time to give us newbies a fighting chance 😂

[@elvisminaya9069]

I was in Riu Republic Punta Cana a month ago and they are doing a great job protecting you. My card door did not work a couple of time and the cleaning lady will not open the door for me. I asked about 4 different cleaning ladies to open the room for me and they will give any a number of excuses not to open. I finally understood why, its called safety. Many guests can enter your room and steal your money and valuables. This for the video Coolist.

[@riccochet704]

Even the DND did not stop a staff member from coming right in our Excellence Club Suite at Excellence Punta Cana to restock the fridge. I was f'ing livid, to say the least. Luckily we were both dressed and not in the shower or in a compromising position. I'm not one to complain very often, but the resort manager got an earful from me that day. That was on our second day of a ten day stay. After that we found some very interesting hiding spots to stash money and jewelry in the room as I didn't trust the staff at that point.

[@XxLew]

Me and my fiancée had money stolen from our room in Royalton splash, Punta Cana. Security "investigated" and we was told that a maintenance person had went in the room, he saw the DND sign on the floor, but didn't take the money. Absolute joke. The travel company paid our money back

[@riccochet704]

@@XxLew Never put anything valuable in those "safes" in the closet either. Staff has a universal code to access them. Not very "safe" if they all can get in to them.

[@XxLew]

@Riccochet we put it in our suitcase underneath a lot of clothes. My Fiancé did not lock it as we quickly went out. It was lesson learned, but it's still no excuse to go through our things

[@jumpman366]

@@XxLewyall just be leaving money out? Jesus christ tuck it somewhere

[@rsnc23]

You mistake was going to that country.

[@kokomo9764]

In my career, I stayed in hundreds and hundreds of hotels. I have never had anyone break into my room.

[@TheWeardale1]

how do you know?

[@LePédantSémantique]

I’ve been a technician for several reputable hotel chains and it’s true that we visit rooms while customers are away. Personally, I carry a Wi-Fi camera which can be plugged into light sockets. Even if it’s not actually operating, it tends to deter opportunity crimes. 🤷‍♂️

[@Tad-For-Global-Peace]

Same

[@VittoShulman]

I travel and stay in hotels a lot and stayed in hostels when I was younger and the only three times I was robbed - all happened when I invited people into my room. Never had hotel staff taking anything.

[@fminem785]

I like keeping my bathroom stuff in a case that hangs on the back of the door or by the shower. I have two, one for makeup as well

[@johnnyboots481]

While staying at Hilton Atlanta(craphole of a hotel and location)for a convention we had a couple problems, a few I- pads got stolen out of one room, a guy got pick pocket sitting at bar. And thats what i heard about, could have been more problems. And while in my room,,I'm hearing a squeak, squeak sound by my door, I look through peep hole and a guy was there, I yelled coud I help you, since at that time I didn't know what the squeaking was, he took off running. After a couple minutes and getting my gun out of safe, I opened the door and that's when I see what the squeaking was, he was unscrewing the peep hole apart. Then I would assume has some type of "tool", to reach the door handle. As I said the hotel was a dump, I've traveled a lot in my years and never felt more unsafe as I did there. I told the hotel maybe I should have let him come in and shot him, then maybe they'd take security seriously.

[@Thmm712070]

Also remove my bag flight tag .. to prevent them to know where i am from and which category in the plane i am sitting business or first class seat

[@jumpman366]

They dont care bro lmaoo

[@leebrett2506]

Hey James. Great tips, DND and the TV are great shouts. I use these too. However now you’ve told any of the less trustworthy staff where you stash your goodies might be time for a new hiding place. 😱

[@becorations1]

If you have something that needs to go in a safe, request that they put it in the safe at the front desk. I’m retired civilian law-enforcement, and I took reports at McCarran airport for about eight years of my career. That’s something I was often told by hotels if I had to contact them about a report.

[@sanjaykarkhanis7854]

That's the perfect place to store your passport n valuables - lockers at front desk

[@conniekershaw4412]

Actually in Vegas it's usually in the cage

[@becorations1]

@@conniekershaw4412 When taking police reports, I sometimes had to have contact with hotel staff. I was always told the front desk. Maybe they are the ones that transfer it.

[@x-rated7675]

You shouldn't leave luggage on the floor. That's how the bedbugs crawl in.

[@wm9312]

I keep my luggage as far from the bed as I can. Put it on that stand for room service

[@STARpree1]

Yup don’t even put them near or on the bed.

[@jadedelarge]

You should put your luggage inside the bathtub. Bedbugs can't crawl on that type of surface.

[@JustinFH]

I always put it on the luggage stand

[@mancunianinlondon]

the do not disturb sign is a big barrier to thieves that work at hotels. I went to Croatia in October and stayed at a 5 star hotel. Very expensive, very reputable. However, one day it was so hot mid afternoon that I returned to my room and was surfing on my laptop. All of a sudden, my door opened and a member of staff walked straight in! What if I was in there with my boyfriend or naked? They said "oh sorry I must have the wrong room" , they apologized and left. From that moment on I became paranoid and left the Do Not Dist sign on my door all the time. I think they knew I was staying at the hotel alone and decided to go see if I had anything to take. I might be wrong, but it was a very strange incident and one that left me on my toes

[@maywildflower1313]

I just came back from the DR and didnt think to put the do not disturb sign out my first day and I think at least 3 ppl tried coming in my room without knocking. Luckly, I had the wall mounted door jammer, so they couldnt get in. After that, the sign went up and the lock engaged if I was in the room.

[@jonmnelson]

I travel with a camera or two and they’re very expensive, so I take those with me whenever I leave the room. Not only does that eliminate the possibility of them being stolen in my room, but I like to take photos so they wouldn’t be doing me any good in the room anyway. I also keep everything organized and neat so there’s no risk of anything being thrown out by mistake. Thanks for the tips!

[@dennisdaniels2992]

Hi, thanks for sharing your video about 5 things you do to protect your stuff from getting stolen at hotels!

[@Beans241-f6n]

Belongings stolen from a locked hotel safe are insured by the hotel. At least in Nevada this is the case, so use the safe while In Vegas!

[@heyheyhelen931]

Yep, never had a problem using a hotel safe. In fact, if you have an issue, only Security of the hotel can assist. I also leave the TV on when I'm downstairs.

[@heathermckinnon1865]

In the Caribbean, resort staff aren’t much help unfortunately. They just keep blaming other people or say you are mistaken.

[@shanibloome]

Insured up to $750 only!

[@checkraiser1000]

Yes! It's funny how it's called a safe for a reason, but these people think leaving it in a suitcase exposed is better. Lol

[@stargazer7644]

Nevada Innkeeper laws don't actually work like that. It is true for items given to the hotel front desk for safekeeping (up to a limit of $750). But when you put items in the room safe, no bailment is created between you and the hotel. You put the stuff in the safe and you lock it. You're responsible for it. The hotel staff isn't involved and is not legally responsible for any loss.

[@timothyborum8591]

Only if all guests were as clean, organized, and thoughtful as you are Housekeeping would be a breeze also Housekeeping is allowed to go through any do not disturb sign or light after your third day of staying for a wellness check those random knocks are previous calls placed in the system from Housekeeping that most likely weren’t completed from the previous shift or misunderstanding

[@JohnWilliams-mt6fx]

I agree with all the points you made with the exception of using the safe. I like storing my iPad and cash in the safe when I’m in Vegas . But it goes to your first point about staying at a major property that want excellent reviews. Any issues with a safe would cause a major public relations problem for that property reputation.

[@conniekershaw4412]

This is true with pretty much any property in Vegas that is not like a motel. You really want to stay in a hotel casino.

[@stargazer7644]

ALL hotel safes have a known default combination. They're worse than useless.

[@sjh3350]

Lol public relations problems? Vegas casinos have the best lawyers around you'll have to prove that you had something in the safe ! Good luck NOT

[@michelrail]

Never use a hotel safe!!!! I forgot my passport in the safe and drove back home. It dawned on me after 3 hours of driving. I turned around. When I got to the hotel, the front desk called and they just went to the room and got my passport without asking for the combination. It was that easy for them.

[@stargazer7644]

Hotel safes are worse than useless. Crooks know exactly where to look for valuables, and the master codes are well known.

[@JMcMillen]

The hotel has to have a way of opening the safe in case a guest isn't able or available to give them the code they picked.

[@StamperWendy]

I'm forwarding this to my friend who travels to Vegas & Mexico... Thanks!

[@STARpree1]

I’ve used hotel safes and have not had an issue. I even prop a chair behind the door before sleeping or hang an item on the doorknob that will make noise if the door is trying to be opened. I also leave a light on in the bathroom or at the door before sleeping. Note that most of the newer hotels with card access automatically shut off the power when you leave the room too so you may not be able to leave any lights or the tv on.

[@wasawasabi1054]

So the potential workaround for that could be to ask for a 2nd key card and leave that one in the room so that you can keep the lights and TV on? I'm half tempted to just get a cheapo camera with voice function similar to the Ring stick up cam so I can be warned when an employee enters my room when I'm not there and even scare em off by telling them that I'm calling the front desk about the theft occuring and that they're being recorded 😂

[@KMA66]

I do the chair in front of the door AND prop the closed ironing board in front of the chair. If someone tries to open the door, the ironing board will fall and crash to the floor.

[@KMA66]

You can request two keys when you check in, or you can use any magnetic hotel card key in the power slot to keep the AC and lights on when you go out. I always carry a card key from another hotel stay, doesn’t matter what hotel it is from.

[@joshmartin1938]

would a expired card work? - say any plastic card the same size as the hotel card?

[@Foden5354]

​@joshmartin1938 yep literally any bank card will work, I just did this in japan by mistake

[@lisah5784]

I've also seen where people come into the room in the middle of the night even though you're sleeping. What you do is put a door wedge underneath the door from the inside that way nobody can enter the room. There is a way for a trained professional to get in through any lock or bar on the door. I can't tell you how many times late at night I've had people randomly knock the door and say room service or they're there to give you pillows that you requested and you didn't. I recently bought a home security camera for just over a $100 that I tried at home and it works great as soon as someone opens the door it turns on. I purchased another one that I'm going to try next time I go to the hotel/casino.

[@newenglandlight8724]

I always bring a door wedge to use in hotels. Another tip I heard was to lean the ironing board against the door at night. It would make a lot of noise if someone tried to open the door. Sad we have to worry about these things, isn't it?

[@catistrolling7333]

Brand of camera

[@stargazer7644]

People keep saying things like this. Every hotel room I've ever been in has a deadbolt lock where the lock CANNOT be opened from the outside with the key when the deadbolt is closed. They also usually have flip latches that are difficult to open from the outside. If people are walking into your room while you're sleeping, you left the damn door open.

[@jumpman366]

Why do you guys go anywhere if you feel you have to do all that?

[@morningwaves]

Luggage locks on bags, leave TV or music on. Close bathroom door and leave music on in bathroom so that if someone sneaks into room they might still think someone is in bathroom. Have a bag with important valuables to always take with you when leaving room and maybe store in rental car.

[@suzyq_lasvegas4536]

Lock the safe even thou it’s empty. They would most likely go for it. Room cleaners are not supposed to touch any of the guest’s items period.

[@checkraiser1000]

Then where do I put my cash? Lol

[@yfa6244]

@@checkraiser1000 In your sock

[@checkraiser1000]

​@@yfa6244 Sorry, the expiration date for a response has passed.

[@pvt.2426]

Some good tips for clueless travelers. (And, adding a few of my own.) * There are two (2) categories of thieves targeting hotel guests: Staff Vs. Third-parties. * Hanging the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door is smart, but LEAVING the TV ON too, is even smarter. * Using the hotel's safe has pros & cons. Pros: Many innkeepers are shielded from liability for your personal property loss, if a safe is provided and not used. Cons: Is there a 'master code/key' to override a personal code or provided key? (Of course there is. How else do hotels deal with stupid guests that forget their code or lose the key.) * Putting your stuff away, i.e., in your suitcase, luggage, etc. and closing them isn't sufficient. Lock them! * "Do as I say, not as I do.", was thought that crossed my mind when you recommended and claimed that you "put everything away ... laptop, electronic gear ..., but your tripod was not stored away. That's a big tip off to a thief of what may be in your bags. * The thief doesn't need to search your bags to steal something. Just take the entire f*cking bag. (Unless, you make it more difficult by running a wire cable through the handles of all your bags and then locking it. Now, the thief has to struggle with carrying out a sh*t load of luggage. People or the hotel staff seeing them 'cable together' is certainly a 'red flag'.)

[@micheleboyle3547]

Omg! I stayed one time at a hotel close to the Tropicana in AC and slept with my clothes and boots on holding my purse….and left as soon as the sun came up….I was new at getting places by myself and I learned fast from then on about how to stay safe! Thankfully nothing happened to me and my car but I’ll never do that again. And it may have been only 5 years ago but it was a game changer for me…ps the lock on the door wasn’t safe either…believe me as a single gal I have put my life at risk way too often! But no more shady hotels!

[@courtney5576]

We stayed at the Bellagio this month and even though we put the DND sign on the door the whole time they still came in when we weren't there. We know the Bellagio is a reputable higher end hotel but we felt uncomfortable about someone being in the room when we had asked them not to.

[@sandrasundell1190]

Always ring or visit the front desk about the unwanted access to your room. Also leave a message with the manager.

[@haileyw2342]

@@sandrasundell1190 what would you tell them?

[@stargazer7644]

They're required to check the rooms every so often.

[@Freddybender123]

Happened to me in Mexico they came in our room with the do not disturb sign was on and I caught the maid inside our room..she had our pillows in my open suitcase..I said you’re not supposed to be in there..well the next day my hubby said let her clean the room..the maid stole a pair of my shoes cause I wore them to the beach I complained and had security enter our room..they offered me nothing except sorry..and our maid wasn’t on our floor anymore but she was still working..my shoe size fit her size I know she stole them..they were older shoes but they meant something to me I hope she gets bad karma for doing that!

[@grayrabbit2211]

@2:15 -- I've never had a random knock on my door and I've been on the road ~100 nights a year for over 10 years now. I do keep a Wyze Pan v3 cam with me. It uploads to the cloud, notifies my phone, and it's constant movement gets people's attention. It's quite unnerving the way this camera will follow someone. If I travel with valuables, I have the hotel put them in their safe downstairs. In the USA, the hotel is liable for anything in the front desk safes, not so much upstairs. I also carry a velcro deadbolt strap with me and use it any time I'm in the hotel room.

[@BourbonBear52]

Another great video! Stupid me - I never ever think to put the Do Not Disturb sign on my door. But I'm doing it from now on! Thanks, James!

[@brendaedmond4489]

These are great tips! When I was there in April I did the do not disturb sign all 4 days because I didn't want house keeping coming in because I had things lying around but I still left a tip for them when I checked out but when I go there in a couple weeks I'm using your tips on putting everything away and closing my luggage and the bathroom tip was cool thanks for the tips

[@ericstein1781]

Just 1 point ..they don't need 90 min to go through you luggage because normally they would just steal your luggage ..lol

[@katherineroberts5698]

I been doing this for years. Do not disturb sign when I am away from the room. Even when I am in the room. Tv is left on during my visit.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

I like booking the room nearest the fire escape which is usually the furthest point from the elevators. I always use the DND sign unless I want my room made up. The last hotel didn’t do room service but you could use the app for more towels/soaps etc. And I never leave anything out. If they want my jewellery they can have it. I made most of my necklaces myself and can easily make more for very little cost. They look expensive but aren’t.

[@albertr2085]

Awesome tips. Especially from someone like you who has plenty of traveling and hotel staying experience. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@sheri1972]

Ditto to always leaving do not disturb sign on. I am probably overkill, but since I started traveling alone I actually bring a security door stick I bought at Home Depot which is placed under the doorknob and bolts the door shut. It won’t fit on a carryon, but I am usually checking a bag and it fits in there.

[@bluebonbon22]

Good tips, especially about putting everything away.

[@prettyflytraveler]

Just came off of two trips and I did the exact same things. I also have a door stop alarm and portable carbon Monoxide detector as added layers of protection.

[@laurelmunshaw1413]

Thank you 🙏 Honestly, Ive watched too many videos of people complaining that their stuff got stolen and none of them explain how to protect your stuff!

[@sango_wilko851]

One curious thing I noticed in Vegas recently that I have never noticed anywhere else is that housekeeping would still come in my room every few days no matter what. After the first time they bypassed my DND sign I started specifically requesting no housekeeping but found they still entered the room and looked around every few days they just didn't clean or refill anything. This has happened to me multiple times at Bellagio and Encore. Bellagio wouldn't give me a straight answer and suggested it was a mistake but Encore told me it was for security purposes and the guy joked they where looking for dead bodies.

[@FlixCreEightR]

Yep! They do.

[@amandaheshka5684]

I worked in the industry and by law they are required to enter every 3 days. They are looking for anything illegal, medical, insurance related.

[@MF-ty2zn1]

Because some people unalive themselves

[@joywebster2678]

And as somone else commented there was that person stockpiling weapons in his room for his attack in Vegas. So they check.

[@magicunicorn6535]

Room break-ins can happen SO fast! One time I was at a motel where I had to get up early the next day, so needed a good night's sleep. Asked to be put in the back, away from the highway noise. That was Mistake #1! The room faced the back parking lot, and beyond that, the desert. I was the only occupant back there, and should've reconsidered and asked for a room close to the office, instead. The next morning I was up pre-dawn. Not having time for a proper breakfast, I ran down to the vending machines downstairs to grab a Coke and a candy bar. ("Breakfast of champions" - haha). I didn't take my backpack with me because I was concerned about security at that hour. I left my wallet in my backpack in the bathroom, and dashed down to the vending machines. That was Mistake #2! I was probably only gone for about a minute and a half. When I returned, my door was slightly ajar, even though I know I locked it carefully. I pushed the door open and yelled, but no one was inside. But they could've been in the bathroom, so I shouldn't have gone in at all. So that was Mistake #3! First thing I did was look in my backpack, and yup - my wallet was gone. Lost my cash, credit cards and driver's licence, and I had a long drive ahead of me that day! Thank goodness I had taken half of my cash and locked it into the glove compartment, and at least my truck hadn't been broken into that night. I had just enough to pay for gas to get home, but not food. On my way out I woke up the motel manager to tell him I'd had a burglary in my room, and he COULD CARE LESS. This was at Motel 6 in Ridgecrest, CA. Sketchy motel in a sketchy town.

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

I use the safe. Anyone that is smart/ professional enough to crack even the dumbest safe is definitely smart enough to wheel away your locked suitcase. Be sure that your door is fully closed and locked when you leave. Housekeepers are not likely to rob you but strangers walking down the hallway pushing to see if doors are open will.

[@projectdesign4675]

you are wrong Gina....maids/security/maintenance are 90% of the problem......if you complain to security (they could care less), they say "call the police"!

[@checkraiser1000]

@@projectdesign4675 how is that wrong? Most staff anywhere won't rob you. She's right. But an open door invites other thieves that can roll your shit away. Use the safe.

[@TheRobinRedbreast]

Note: if you don't use the hotel safe in your room and your items get stolen the hotel is not responsible for them and will not replace them.

[@akaneiluj]

They don’t answer for things in the safe either. They only answer for things that they put in the safes that are in the reception. It literally says in most hotels that anything that is in your hotel room if it gets lost is your responsibility, and that includes the safe. Also there’s a group of people that have master keys for the safes. It’s super easy to open, I don’t trust in those boxes since i was little girl and my parents forgot the password and a guy came with a key and open it in 0.1 seconds

[@LifeInPink999]

How would they know if it was inside a safe or not? If someone is able to open the safe it won't be by breaking it.

[@scottcrossland8334]

Good info, James. Much of what you said is what I usually do when traveling. When we stay for 5 days, we only have housekeeping on the 3rd day and everything is put away ahead of time. The DND sign is on the rest of the time. I have had to turn off the DND sign, or remove the tag, for room service to come in during my stays in Vegas, so yes, employees know to not even enter the room with the sign in place. Appreciate the information in all of your videos.

[@vl2852]

Whats to stop anyone from taking the DO NOT DISTURB sign from the door? Its not like the sign is locked to the door.

[@fuaris492]

Nice to compare and see we're on the same page. This little stuff is very important. It takes 2 minutes and is so effective. The only extra step I take is locking the suitcase and throwing something unappealing on top like a wrinkled shirt. There is .001% of my brain that thinks closing and locking it makes it easier to wheel out and take in its entirety, but I think it'd get caught on a hallway camera.

[@sfrealestatedealmaker6001]

Laws don’t allow for hallway cameras due to privacy.

[@fuaris492]

@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001 There are cameras everywhere outside of the room, including hallways. Ive had security call me to return chips that fell out of my pocket in a hallway that I didnt even realize I lost!

[@bradebronson8835]

I always blockade my door when I'm in hotels. Then I usually enter and exit through the windows.

[@fjorddenierbear4832]

I use a squirrel suit to leave thru the window on 30th floor. To get back in, I use a jetpack.

[@sparker7768]

You all are hilarious 😂😅🤣

[@ThrewOutMyHalo]

Omg 😂

[@09meangirl]

I don’t take anything expensive even my wedding rings stay at home in the safe, I keep DND sign on the door ALL the time, the tv and a lamp is left on when we leave, plus I use a portable hotel lock and ring camera

[@bighoss9705]

The hotel will not be responsible for any items not kept in the safe. I always use it. Another tip, take photos of your passport, driver's licenses, ids, etc also serial numbers of your money, laptop, cameras, etc..anything worth money. In case it gets stolen you can PROVE its yours. Keep the photos on your phone and keep it with you.

[@stargazer7644]

Hotels won't be responsible for items in the safe either. After all, how can you prove the item you lost was even in the safe? Every one of those hotel safes has a well known common keycode to open them. They're security theater and worse than useless.

[@shelcheese8344]

Many people let their guard down away from home. We watched folks leave watches, phones, expensive designer sunglasses, purses etc on pool loungers in Mexico and walk away for over an hour!!! Keeping stuff organized is important, plus not having too much with you to track.

[@jamesramondetta]

Great tips. I would add , in the event that you do have something very valuable , you can go to the hotel manager and request that they hold it for you in their office safe. I have done that in the past. I would never trust the room safes, I've heard too many stories of the housekeepers coordinating theft rings of them.

[@mindocarlylelakevibes7542]

post tragedy in Vegas few years ago at Mandalay... i think leaving the sign on for that long may attract attention from security?

[@GREGNYCE76]

Good content bro . I enjoy your videos they are very informative . Thanks a lot . Be safe out there .

[@chezchezchezchez]

It’s absolutely scary that the average person thinks that the hotel safe, is in fact, safe. It’s literally the most unsafe place to store your valuables. Counter intuitive? Yes. A great tip? Absolutely.

[@kevinschneider1707]

I don’t know if I agree about the bags versus safe, but the safe does worry me at times. I’m more worried about door pushers, or being drugged by a woman thief than security stealing my jewelry. Anyways, I’d recommend a cable and separate lock. A ten foot long or so cable, and lock to lock your bags together, and perhaps around a bed leg or something, or around a wire shelf in the closet. I lock my Louis vuitton bags together in the closet, and close it. I like the idea of leaving the sign on the door when I’m gone. Makes a lot of sense, I’m not sure how often I leave it versus don’t. I know I do sometimes, but now I always will, except for cleaning time. I had money stolen out of a suitcase once, and another time no safe accidentally left a $6,000 ring in my pants pocket, realized it after I sat on it on the velocicoaster… bring a 6 ct invisible set ring, I’m glad I didn’t ruin it. That’s my mistake but still idk. I think my apartment home insurance covers electronics anywhere too. For cameras and such, up to a certain amount.

[@JoeysArsenal]

In Vegas too bro! If your keen to get a drink or something that would be cool! Used your videos to book my trip from Australia haha

[@stevenschindler8342]

Great info James. Thanks for the tips.

[@elgrancamaron]

Wait First thing you do is put up the Privacy sign when you get to the hotel but then allow housekeeping in when your not there im good i dont need my bed made every day and i can take out my own trash if i need toweles i can just find a housekeeper that working on another room and ask for some

[@debragriffith6628]

I avoid hotel theft by never staying in them. I take my camper and sleep in my own bed without strangers with a key entering !

[@GOLDZZK]

As worked as a housekeeper once, all are good tips but one thing, I wouldn’t recommend you leave things in a bathroom sink since they would think it’s all trash.

[@magamaga1827]

great tips. also always leave your lights and tv on in the room when you're out. just an old nyc trick we use for our apartments/houses.

[@SurfCityBill]

Room safes in several Marriotts were bolted inside one of the dresser draws. All you had to do was rip the drawer out and carry the whole thing out with you. I'll often "hide" items on top of faux room partitions that don't go up to the ceiling, requiring a chair to reach up and over a trim section. Often dusty up there but gets little attention from anyone.

[@pedrojaviersantos2915]

i just don't want housekeeping at ALL! I'm not a dirty or nasty person ,i do use the safe sometimes, i wear my jewelry when i start the day till night and hide it once i get to my room and money just keep some with me and always block that door with the furniture an put a bell at the door if someone tries to break in , over the top security i take ..LoL.. when staying in hotels and i do stay in TOP hotels in las vegas ....

[@jakealden2517]

Thanks. You should do a video on how to keep your door secure from burglars, some of whom try to enter while you're sleeping.

[@alankaufman9454]

Lost cash that was in a room safe in a top hotel in Hollywood Florida. They left the wallet, but took the cash. Will never use the safes again. Thanks for sharing!

[@mikesuch9021]

Locks are only to keep Honest people Honest. Good advice. I know people who stay in hotels. Ill oass it on. I drive a RV.

[@annhenriques3520]

Excellent suggestions. I also keep the ‘do not disturb’ sign on most of the time, especially after I determine the housekeeping schedule for my room. Here’s some of my other ideas: 1. Tip your housekeeper daily and leave a thank you note. I tip $5 a day for a standard room, more if there is a larger amount of trash to be taken out. So far I’ve had no thefts and extra towels or soaps/lotions left by appreciative staff unasked. 2. I put a small name brand purse containing small denomination bills and a jewelry pouch with cheap jewelry in the safe. Everything valuable remains with me or stays at home. 3. Before going to sleep, a suitcase is placed in front of the door laying flat. This prevents a thief using a tool slipped through the gap at the bottom of the door to unlock the door. 4. If my room has a connecting door, at bedtime I use a battery-operated device that looks similar to a door stopper that emits a loud alarm when the door is opened over it. Like you said, don’t overpack, bring just what you need, especially with jewelry and shoes. No one wants to steal my no name brand sneakers and walking sandals, so IIeave those out. 😁

[@adzisme]

I like your third idea;very smart.

[@sparker7768]

Thanks for #3 and #4. I've also done the old-school chair prop under the door knob (if there's a desk chair to fit!).

[@TruthInspector]

I mean other than making your bed do they really need to clean anything when you're only there for less than a week. I don't even want my bed made when I'm there because I don't like my corners tucked in. I know for a fact they cross-contaminate and they use the same rags to wipe down the counters that they do the toilet so I don't want them in there after I'm in there. I can use a wash rag to wipe down what I need to know it's clean and then they don't keep cross contamination nating

[@denisemariner9755]

Thank you James. Helpful content.

[@sjh3350]

I worked in hotels 25 years here are some important tips: (1) ask for a room with no ajoining door ( if you cant get one make sure door is locked ) (2) hotels carry no responsibility for stuff if stolen from room safe so use a safe deposit box behing front desk where there are cameras for your valuables (3) be in room when maid cleans (4) do not disturb sign on door (5) dont let strangers in room you might have met and think are ok (6) leave tv on when you leave this will detour people from entering maybe (7) dont carry your key in the packet they give you with room number on it if you lose it they know your room number take it out of packet and just keep in wallet or purse with room number kept like on phone or memorized.

[@doodles3075]

Ex house keeper here. If I was in a room, I would always wedge the door open, this ment I could be seen from outside at all times unless I was cleaning the bathroom. It also covered me from being asulted on a couple of accassions. Anything that was left on the tops stayed on the tops, just moved to clean. Unless items were in the bin or right by the bin, it was never thrown. One thing to be aware of is things like pjs or sometimes clothing that has been left on or in the beds aren't always seen when the beds are stripped. They are balled as they come off the beds, then thrown into linen bags, they haven't always been stolen. On the other side of the coin, we went to a very expensive hotel in Greece 5 years ago, didn't realise until I was doing the washing when we got home, I was short of 7 Ralph Lauren Tshirts and 2 pairs of shorts. Anyone any ideas on not getting clothes stolen, apart from leaving them in your suitcase, which isn't practical?

[@allwelsh]

Only problem is housekeeping visit at different times and you can’t stay in until they’ve been,so you can’t put the privacy sign out if you want your room cleaned.

[@chop3625]

Nicely articulated. Have enjoyed your clips.

[@tomo9126]

I always put something of minimal value in the safe and remember its exact position. If it has been moved I'll know if someone went in.

[@LoveTennisWillTravel]

Very helpful video, James. Thank you for the tips.

[@Kikusin22]

I've been at Punta Cana lots of times and never lost anything, i didn't bring valued things or jewelry and i used the room safe for my purse and tablet and never had problems. The fear is not good advice. Just be cautious and enjoy your vacation 😊

[@karagawer6143]

I just had things stolen from my suitcase at The Encore Tower Suits last week. Lesson learned.

[@karagawer6143]

@Mr. Nishimoto housekeeping or maintenance...someone who had a key. What is weird is after I checked in someone tried to come in the room, but I had the bar across so they didn't come in. They didn't knock. I thought it may have been a supervisor checking the room not knowing anyone had been assigned to the room? I don't know who it was, but no knock and they had a key. The last day I was there is when the things I had bought the night before went missing. I think while I was gone to the buffet.

[@LoveLightVibration]

@@karagawer6143 sorry you experienced this. How long ago was this? Heard there were a bunch of break ins that happened there, even while people were sleeping in their rooms!

[@karagawer6143]

@@LoveLightVibration May 2022. 5 star hotel. SMH. Glad valuables were in safe.

[@checkraiser1000]

Thanks. Not staying there

[@andthe2become1flesh93]

When I worked at a national chain hotel in the Chicago area, I sometimes had to stay overnight because I closed and opened... I did have a morning where a maid used a key card on my door prior to 5 AM to "clean" even though I had my "do not disturb" sign prominently displayed on the door handle. She wasn't able to get in because I had the lock at the top of the door in place, however, the way the room was designed, she could see straight into the bathroom where I was completely undressed in front of a huge mirror. 🤦 Even IF my sign hadn't been out, I still have no idea why she was cleaning rooms that early!

[@boldmover]

I have the do-not-disturb on all the time, but I had forgotten it was on. When I called downstairs for extra water, housekeeping came, saw the sign, and went away. Then the front desk called and told me the person could not ring the bell because of the sign.

[@fishingwithrick3991]

I was at the Hard Rock Punta Cana last year for a week. One day someone knocked on my door and said they were maintenance. They said i called the front desk and told them my safe wasn't working. I said no i didn't, my safe is fine. He left and i called the front desk and told them what happened. They said, oh he must have went to your room by mistake. So, maybe that was true but it really had me nervous. I never lost anything though. My wallet and my passport were the only things in my safe.

[@Anon1mous]

Thankfully I’ve never ever had anything stolen from my hotel room however one time upon check-in I was given keys to my new hotel room. I went up to the room and use the car key to let myself in and saw that the room was already occupied. There was luggage in the room as if somebody had just checked in, dropped off their luggage and then left. If I was a bad person it would’ve been a bad day for those guests.

[@Lady.MD67]

That has happened to me too. Freaked me out,sleeped the first night with one eye open !

[@LifeInPink999]

What I do is put something not very valuable with small amount of money in the safe and hide the valuable in another place, so if someone in fact enters and opens the safe there are less chances for them to actively look in another place. Also if they see that I decided that a relatively cheap necklace must go in the safe perhaps they will decide that I don't have anything valuable with me and won't bother to waste their time in my room.

[@jackb5708]

I used to work at a very good hotel brand in Australia. It was five star and world wide. The Manager was caught stealing from the safety deposit boxes.

[@dcdanger6151]

A local Las Vegas reported stated in a report that only items secured in a room safe would be covered by any hotel for theft. I haven't verified this.

[@KYFHOme]

I doubt that it's true, because there's no way for you to prove your loss. Think about it- what will they say if you tell them you had 10K cash and a Rolex stolen from your safe? Probably "so sorry, but unless you can prove that it's not covered." And there's no way to prove that. No, a picture on a phone proves nothing 😊

[@m.g.3021]

Even though I had the Do Not Disturb sign up, while in European hotel, I had someone knock one morning AND enter, while we were in the room.

[@yfa6244]

Same and the maid did not get a tip. First time no tip!