Why you shouldn’t book a hotel room above the 4th floor, and other surprising travel advice (2024)

A travel risk expert, in charge of keeping people safe overseas, has outlined some of the top tips people should follow on holiday. Words by Kara Godfrey.

Next time you are booking a hotel room, you should make sure it isn’t any higher than the fourth floor.

A travel risk expert has revealed the best way to stay safe at a hotel – and rooms below the second floor are advised against as well.

Lloyd Figgins, a travel risk expert and a former soldier, toldThe Sunthe most important thing to think about was building fires.

“The biggest thing that is overlooked is the risk of fire,” he said.

“When you arrive in a hotel, you’re in an unfamiliar environment which you think is safe. The problem comes that if there were to be a fire alarm go off, what do we do next?

Why you shouldn’t book a hotel room above the 4th floor, and other surprising travel advice (1)

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“Do we know where the fire exit is? How are we going to get to it, and is it going to get you to safety? Is it blocked or locked?”

Because of this, Mr Figgins said: “It is always worth walking the route of the fire escape, counting the number of doors between your room and the fire escape.

“Make sure you are staying between the second and fourth storeys of the hotel because fire department ladders rarely reach above [the] fourth storey,” he said.

“Anything below this is targeted by burglars.”

Why you shouldn’t book a hotel room above the 4th floor, and other surprising travel advice (2)

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In fact, to be extra vigilant against burglary, theTravel Survival Guideauthor said guests should never say their room number out loud while inside a hotel and they should get hotel staff to write down the room number instead of saying it out loud as well.

“Hotels attract criminals as there are a lot of people with their valuables or possessions either in their room or on them,” he said.

“Receptions and lobbies are where they can pose as fellow travellers.

“They are looking for people checking in alone because they can hear what room they are allocated – the receptionist says they are in room 301, for example.

“When they then see that person in the bar or restaurant, they know that room is unoccupied and [they] are unlikely to be disturbed.

“It is often the case that they have a way of gaining entry into that room, sometimes an inside job like getting cleaning staff to open the door for them, and know they won’t get hindered.”

Anyone who is worried about being the target of theft while they are in their room should invest in a door wedge to take on vacation.

“Even if you’re in your hotel room and [criminals] have the master key, the door wedge underneath will stop even that,” he said.

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This article originally appeared on The Sun. It has been reproduced with permission.

Why you shouldn’t book a hotel room above the 4th floor, and other surprising travel advice (2024)

FAQs

Why you shouldn’t book a hotel room above the 4th floor, and other surprising travel advice? ›

According to the New York Post, staying higher than that spot is going to put you at risk but staying lower than that spot is going to put you at risk as well. According to the post, travel expert Lloyd Figgins revealed one of the biggest things that many of us tend to overlook is the possibility of a fire.

Why shouldn't you stay above the fourth floor in a hotel? ›

Because of this, Lloyd says "you should always follow the route of the emergency exit in case of fire, count the number of doors between your room and the emergency stairs." He added that anything above the fourth floor is a bad idea because the firefighters' ladders usually cannot reach above the fourth floor.

Why shouldnt you stay on the third floor of a hotel? ›

He added: “Make sure you are staying between the second and fourth stories of the hotel because fire department ladder rarely reach above fourth story. “Anything below this is targeted by burglars.”

Is it better to be on a higher floor in a hotel? ›

Being situated on a higher floor ensures that guests are further away from street-level noise, foot traffic, and other distractions. This can be especially important when trying to get a good night's sleep or when working in your room. More Privacy: High floors are often less frequented by hotel staff and other guests.

What is the safest floor to stay on in a hotel? ›

The best floors in a hotel to stay in for safety and convenience are the second, third, and fourth floors. They are high enough in the building to avoid most burglaries but not too high in case of a fire. They are also more convenient than higher floors for entering and leaving the hotel.

What is the unlucky floor in hotels? ›

Ever wonder why you've never stayed in a hotel room on the 13th floor? The answer is simple: The floor doesn't exist. It all comes down to triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13.

What is guest floor rule? ›

The guest floor or guest room must be occupied with privacy and security. Generally the room attendants or the housekeeping staffs have to enter the guest room for housekeeping purposes so they are usually responsible for ensuring room as well as guest security.

What is the 5 feet rule in hotel? ›

The 10 and 5 rule is a simple guideline that is widely used in the hospitality industry. The rule dictates that when a staff member is 10 feet from a guest, the staff smiles and makes direct eye contact, and when they are within five feet, the staff verbally greets the guest.

Do hotels mind if 5 people stay in a 2 person room? ›

And we have security cameras to catch you, and you won't have been the first person who ever tried. No, hotels typically don't mind if 5 people stay in a 2 person room. However, it is important to check with the hotel beforehand as some may have restrictions on how many people can occupy a single room.

Why do so many hotels put windows into the toilet? ›

“Due to the fact that bathrooms sit away from the windows in most hotel rooms, a transparent bathroom allows for more light to flow through the space, and helps to make smaller rooms feel much bigger than they are,” said Sawyer. “This is especially true in urban environments.”

Why do people prefer higher floors? ›

Living on a higher floor has its advantages. You get better views of your locality, better light and ventilation, and there is lower impact of street-level disturbances compared to those on the ground and lower floors. Higher floors are also usually free from the menace of mosquitoes and rodents (mainly rats).

Which floor is best for guest room? ›

Laminate flooring is a great choice for hotel rooms. Unlike many other surfaces, laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. It also offers accurate surface textures and is resistant to stains.

Are higher floors safer? ›

Increased security. The top floor is the most secure out of all the levels. Thieves or other invaders will rarely make their way to the top of the building. If you're on the top, you can feel safe from people who might push into the building from the outside.

How do I make sure my hotel room is safe? ›

Before You Book
  1. Research Your Hotel. ...
  2. Request the Right Room. ...
  3. Know Where the Emergency Exits Are. ...
  4. Shut Your Window Curtains. ...
  5. Don't Publicize Your Personal Details. ...
  6. Lock and Secure Your Valuables. ...
  7. Use the "Do Not Disturb" Sign.
Mar 27, 2023

How do you protect yourself in a hotel room? ›

Here are some tips you should follow to be safer during your next hotel stay.
  1. Stay at Hotels that Have Restricted Access. ...
  2. Ask for a Room Change When You Arrive. ...
  3. Don't Use Your First Name When Checking Into the Hotel. ...
  4. Test the Front Desk. ...
  5. Put the "Do Not Disturb" Sign on Your Door When You Leave Your Hotel Room.

Do hotels skip a floor? ›

According to Otis Elevator Company, around 85% of elevator panels omit the number 13. What's more, entire hotels are built without a 13th floor.

Do hotels have cameras in rooms? ›

It is illegal in the United States to have undisclosed cameras in vacation rental homes or hotels. It's also against the policies of every major hotel and vacation home company to have cameras (hidden or visible) in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms.

What are the most stolen things in a hotel? ›

The top five: towels, bathrobes, hangers, pens, and cutlery. Most hotels sell their plush towels and bathrobes, so if you simply must have one, ask about purchasing one rather than stealing it—after all, wouldn't you rather pay for a new item than steal one that hundreds of guests have used before you? Travel Smarter!

Is the 4th floor unlucky? ›

But the number four is considered unlucky because it sounds a lot like the word for “death,” and as a result Chinese buildings often lack a fourth floor (just as American buildings sometimes skip the 13th). Likewise, Chinese drivers avoid license plates ending in four.

What is the 72 hour rule in housekeeping? ›

Reservations must be cancelled seventy two (72 hours) hotel time, prior to your arrival date, in order to avoid a one (1) night full room cancellation fee. If reservations are cancelled less than 72 hours before the arrival date, you will may be charged the full room charge plus taxes.

What are the five rules of housekeeping? ›

The management concept of “5S” is promoted for good housekeeping practice in workplaces, which includes five complementary principles of “Organisation”, “Neatness”, “Cleanliness”, “Standisation” and “Discipline”. “5S” is a practically management tool for good housekeeping practice in workplaces.

What are the 3 principles in housekeeping? ›

There are various principles followed by the housekeeping staff. They are cleaning and hygiene principles, safety and security principles, comfort and privacy principles, and finally, the decor.

What is 10x10 rule in hotel? ›

These simple actions take service to a higher level, yet, they are missing in many organizations. I've expanded the Disney concept in my customer service training workshops by encouraging employees to greet customers within 10 seconds of coming within 10 feet of them. I call it the 10-10 rule.

What is the golden rule in hospitality? ›

The Golden Rule of hospitality: Do unto others as you believe they would want done unto them.

What is the 24 hour rule for hotels? ›

Cancellations made within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival date normally mean you'll be charged in full for the night, but there are exceptions to every rule!

Can you have 6 people in a 4 person hotel room? ›

The hotel is within its right to not accept the extra people unless: the room can accommodate the extra peple, and the hotel agrees. The price is adjusted (MORE, not less.).

Can you sleep 6 people in a 4 person hotel room? ›

In the U.S., generally not. The State or local fire inspector will have determined a legal maximum occupancy for each room or type of room. For rooms with 2 beds, that's generally 4 people.

Do hotels allow 3 adults in one room? ›

3 people would be ok staying in one room, if you book a room with 2 double beds and share it, all depends on your budget. The room I stayed had a king bed and a sofa, but the sofa wasn't large enough for an adult to sleep.

Why do hotels have red lights in the bathroom? ›

If you wake up to use the restroom during the night, you use the red light which allows you to stay drowsy and not wake you up like normal lights.

Why do hotels no longer have fans in the bathroom? ›

Most hotel bathrooms don't have exhaust fans because they are not required by building codes. Exhaust fans can be expensive to install and maintain, so many hotels opt out of having them in their bathrooms.

Why do hotel bathrooms not have doors? ›

They save space. “A lot of it comes down to people trying to design hotel rooms with limited space,” Parker says. “It's about the swing of the shower door, because it has to open outward for safety reasons, like [if] someone falls in the shower.

Which floor is best in 4 floor apartment? ›

According to Vastu the ground, first, second and third floors are the best floors to live in because they are close to the water element. Any apartment above the fourth floor is devoid of water elements, which can generate a tussle in relationships.

Is it better to stay on a high floor or low floor? ›

Next time you are booking a hotel room, you should make sure it isn't any higher than the fourth floor. A travel risk expert has revealed the best way to stay safe at a hotel – and rooms below the second floor are advised against as well.

What are the disadvantages of top floor flats? ›

Here are 9 disadvantages of living in a top-floor apartment.
  • Temps Can Swing More Widely in a Top-Floor Apartment. ...
  • Top Level Apartments Usually Have Higher Utility Bills. ...
  • Having Pets Is a Pain in the Penthouse. ...
  • Elevators Can Be a Pain in General, But Especially on the Top Floor. ...
  • Top Apartments Often Cost More.

What is the best flooring for your health? ›

Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.

What color floor is best for a bedroom? ›

'In general, lighter colored floors will require more upkeep than darker or more varied colors in a higher traffic area, so a lighter floor is suitable for a bedroom, whereas a living room or dining area would be better suited to a dark color palette.

What is the best floor for comfort? ›

Pros: Carpet is the most comfortable and cost-effective flooring material and it's available in a wide range of colors and patterns. It installs easily and carpet is easy to maintain, requiring just regular vacuuming. Stain-resistant versions are even easier to keep clean.

What are the disadvantages of top floor? ›

Disadvantages of higher floor living
  • Movement of furniture, luggage or new items while shifting can be a massive challenge in higher floors.
  • Electricity bill in summers is likely to be high due to increased sunlight exposure during the day.

Are there less bugs on higher floors? ›

Next time you climb the stairs, remember that insects, too, prefer lower levels. Survey findings revealed that as floor numbers increase, fewer types of insects thrive. Larger rooms, especially on the ground floor (or even below ground), harbored more insect diversity.

What is the safest floor? ›

Rubber Flooring Is Number One

Rubber flooring is a wonderful option for seniors because it is slip-resistant even when it is wet, making it the safest choice. Another great benefit is its absorbency. If someone were to fall on rubber flooring, it would most likely be less painful than hard surfaces.

Why should you not stay on the first floor of a hotel? ›

There are actually a few reasons to avoid staying on the ground floor. The first is that rooms on the ground floor are more susceptible to break-ins. Thieves will usually pick the easiest targets, and a ground floor room with an accessible window will be a more more attractive prospect than a third floor room.

Why choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors? ›

Stay between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Especially in hotels with outdoor room access, staying on the first floor is more apt to break-ins. And, some experts say that staying on the 6th floor or below is easier access for the fire department ladders in case of a fire.

Which part of the hotel is the safest place for a guest? ›

Add avoiding rooms on the first and second floor to your hotel safety checklist, as these are the areas most prone to crime. Rooms on the 3rd-6th floors are ideal. Not only is there typically less crime on these floors, but in the event of an emergency, you can quickly get downstairs and evacuate the building.

What does it mean when a hotel says high floor? ›

If you're short on time, here's a quick answer to your question: A high floor hotel room is a room located on one of the top floors of a hotel building. It usually offers better views and less noise compared to rooms on lower floors.

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