Whether you are traveling for a vacation or visiting another city for urgent business, a good hotel stay can make your journey truly comfortable. Often, the moment we step into a hotel room, our eyes are immediately drawn to the cleanliness of the bed or the view outside the window.

But wait! Are cleanliness and luxury alone sufficient? In today's world, your safety and privacy matter most. Therefore, the next time you step into a hotel room, ensure your safety is secured before you even unpack your luggage or lie down on the bed. In this article, we outline 8 essential things you should check immediately upon entering your room.

**The Door's Double Lock and Peephole**
As soon as you enter the room, close the door and check the deadbolt first. Ensure that the lock is functioning correctly. Additionally, check the 'peephole' located on the door. If it is broken or if a piece of paper is jammed inside it, report it to the reception desk immediately.

**Searching for Hidden Cameras**
Nowadays, instances of hidden cameras in hotel rooms have become quite common. Upon entering the room, carefully inspect the TV set-top box, smoke detector, AC vents, wall clock, and mirrors. You can also use your smartphone's flashlight to examine mirrors and dark corners; if a camera is present anywhere, its lens will reflect the light and glint at you.

**Windows and Balcony Doors**
We often focus our attention solely on the main entrance, but windows and balcony doors are equally crucial for security. Check to ensure that the balcony door locks securely from the inside. This inspection becomes even more critical if your room is located on the ground floor or a lower floor.

**The Wardrobe and the Space Under the Bed**
This might sound like something out of a movie scene, but from a security standpoint, it is essential. Upon entering the room, make sure to take a quick look inside the washroom, the wardrobe, behind the curtains, and under the bed. This will provide peace of mind, ensuring that no stranger is already hiding in the room and that no suspicious belongings left behind by a previous guest remain.

**A Functional Landline**
If an emergency strikes in the middle of the night or you require immediate assistance, your mobile network might let you down. Therefore, as soon as you enter the room, pick up the hotel telephone receiver to check if there is a dial tone. Also, try dialing the reception number to ensure you can establish contact instantly should the need arise.

**The 'Emergency Exit' Map Behind the Door**
Every reputable hotel features a map—typically posted right behind the main door—detailing escape routes in the event of a fire or other emergencies. We often tend to overlook this. Study this map carefully and familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest fire exits relative to your room, so that you won't have to hesitate or figure things out during a crisis.

**The Hotel's Electronic Safe**
We typically store our valuables—such as passports, laptops, or jewelry—inside the hotel safe. Upon entering the room, check to see if the safe is open. If it is already locked, it indicates that the previous guest secured it before leaving. Request the reception desk to have it reset immediately.

**Electrical Outlets and Exposed Wires**
Safety involves protection not only against thieves or hidden cameras but also against accidents. Be sure to inspect the room to ensure that no electrical sockets are broken or damaged. In particular, there should be no exposed wires anywhere—especially inside the bathroom near the hair dryer or water heater. If you spot anything of this nature, immediately demand to be moved to a different room.

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