Travellers urged to check for 6 'red flags' in their hotel to avoid 'major security risk'

With the high season approaching, Britons across the nation are now looking to secure the best travel deals for their summer . When booking a , expect a safe haven to rest and recharge, however, not all hotels are as secure as they might appear.

Travel expert Colin Pearson of Stanton House has issued a warning, for the "red flags" that could expose them to potential security risks. He said: "Recognising the warning signs as soon as you arrive can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations." Among the most alarming red flags are unsecured or faulty room locks, with Pearson stressing: "Always test the main door, windows, and balcony doors upon arrival. A room that doesn't lock properly is a major security risk."

If you find that the door doesn't shut securely or the deadbolt is broken, it's vital to request a new room immediately.

Another concern is poorly lit hallways and entrances. Dimly lit common areas can make hotel guests more vulnerable to security threats, particularly at night.

Colin advised that well-lit areas not only help deter potential intruders but also provide safer navigation for guests.

"If a hotel doesn't prioritise well-lit common areas, it could be cutting corners elsewhere too," he added, advising guests to request a room near main hotel areas rather than in isolated or poorly lit corridors.

A lack of visible security personnel or front desk staff is another important issue, with Pearson pointing out that hotels should provide 24/7 front desk staffing or a secure check-in process to ensure only legitimate guests can access the building.

If you don't see staff present, particularly at night, consider it a red flag, as in such cases, Pearson recommends using extra safety measures, such as a travel doorstop alarm, and avoiding sharing your room number aloud at check-in.

It's also crucial to be wary of overheard room number announcements during check-in. While this may seem like a minor issue, Pearson said announcing your room number aloud can expose guests to the wrong people.

"This is a huge mistake in hotel protocol. A good hotel will write your room number on a card instead of announcing it," he stated.

If your room number is spoken aloud, Colin advised requesting a different room to ensure added privacy and security.

Secondary locks and peepholes are standard features in secure hotel rooms, and without these, your room's safety could be compromised.

A chain lock or deadbolt allows you to open the door slightly to see who is outside before fully unlocking it, while a peephole offers an essential visual check.

If these features are missing, travellers are encouraged to use a portable door lock or door wedge for extra security.

Finally, the expert warned against letting hotel staff enter your room without permission.

While this might seem like an isolated concern, the expert said there have been instances where guests have felt unsafe due to unannounced room entries, so he encourages the use of a 'Do Not Disturb' sign when in the room.