When guests check into a luxury hotel for a night or more, they expect to be safe and secure whether in their rooms or at one of the hotel’s amenities. Excellent security strategies are a part of any luxury hotel’s priorities. Beautiful aesthetics are not enough if there is a risk of theft, robbery, or violence of any kind.
Dealing with Risk
Whenever there is a constant flow of people entering or leaving hotels, there are also targets for criminals. Unfortunately, there is no large database of criminal incidents for this kind of hotel, as most luxury location managements prefer to deal with any kind of issue with extreme reserve.
To protect hotel guests, luxury hotels often implement state-of-the-art security measures, especially because guests of these hotels and resorts tend to be more at risk to be victimized. Not only is this a problem for the client, but it can damage a facility’s reputation. Here are some of the top technologies and security measures now implemented to keep luxury hotel guests safe.
1. Access Control
Typically, most hotels, regardless of the category, have people coming and going at all hours and as a result, access control can be somewhat lax. Criminals look for these kinds of vulnerabilities to target guests and even employees. Instead of permitting open access even at nighttime, some luxury hotels are now implementing stricter contactless access control especially in the evening and during the night.
2. Deadbolt locks and Secure Room Key Cards
Modern types of hotel door locks are reassuring for guests. Closing the door and hearing a deadbolt click shut provides an increased sense of security. When locks are old or poorly functioning, not only do guests feel unsafe but they may feel increased apprehension negatively impacting their stay and their sleep.
Some luxury hotels invest in upgrading their room key cards; however, deadbolt locks reassure guests that their rooms will not be violated by unauthorized visitors. This type of lock can be more expensive but is well worth the investment to keep guests returning because they feel comfortable and protected.
3. Security Video Monitoring
While surveillance cameras in general may be less expensive, top-of-the-line security cameras and CCTV with AI, night vision, and a host of other features reassure guests that someone is always watching out for them even if it is a computerized system that alerts management, emergency first responders, and security personnel to a potential issue.
With new security systems, luxury hotels can avoid potential blind spots by carefully monitoring every inch of hotel property. This not only is reassuring against criminal acts but can save a life should a medical emergency arise. These new security cameras are also crucial in the event of a natural disaster, fire, or similar threat. New security camera systems can be managed by hotel personnel remotely and connected to mobile devices as well as computers.
Hotel cash or payment transactions are also monitored using video surveillance and new technological advances permit management to match transactions with video feeds in real time should the need arise. Outdoor and parking areas are also monitored and parking may be equipped with license plate readers to ensure access only to guests.
4. More Security Personnel
A distinguishing characteristic of luxury hotels and resorts is that they invest in security personnel. The fact that these hotels have in-house security is a crime deterrent. Criminals may think twice before attempting theft or robbery with an increased security presence on the premises. Hotel guests also feel safer with a security team present.
5. Proper Lighting
Luxury hotels make it a point to install great lighting so that the property is well-lit from parking areas to hotel and resort amenities. Pools, gardens, and entry points are always well-lit eliminating potential hiding places or dark spots.
6. Safes and Storage Units
Most luxury hotels will offer individual safes in rooms as well as a hotel safe to store valuables. Guests can safely deposit items of value.
7. Customer Engagement
Top luxury hotels are in touch with their guests. They make it a point to engage with customers discreetly to ensure that they are doing everything to improve their guests’ stay at a facility. Excellent customer service begins with customer engagement. This also aids hotel staff in identifying non-guests who may have less than honorable intentions or do not fit the hotel’s profile of a typical guest.
8. Employee Background Checks and Monitoring
Luxury hotels know who is working for them. They leave nothing to chance, employing rigorous background checks and monitoring employee activities. It is not unusual for fraud or theft to be an inside job. Criminal background checks and drug screening are not uncommon. Systems are also monitored so that employees know there are fewer opportunities to commit crimes.
9. IT and Security Teams are Connected
Luxury hotels use department convergence to maintain high security levels often placing both groups of experts in a single department with a single budget.
Final Thoughts
Keeping guests safe and feeling secure is essential to having them return, to a hotel’s reputation, and to creating a loyal customer base. When staying at a luxury hotel or resort, worry is the farthest thing from a guest’s mind.
