How to Lock Hotel Door and Secure Your Hotel Room safer?

Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Vincent Zhu

As a manufacturer of smart hotel lock systems for ten years, we have provided smart and reliable electronic hotel door lock systems for hundreds of hotels.

At the same time, to help the hotel do a better job of hotel security and ensure the safety of hotel guests in the hotel room, we have compiled some suggestions on how to lock the hotel doors and secure your hotel room safer.

However, no one wants an unwelcome surprise when they return from a day in the city or hotel room.

How to lock the hotel door with a hanger?

If you are in a hotel or motel room but need to leave the room for a few minutes, you can use a hanger to lock the door from the inside.

How to lock the hotel door with a hanger

  • Grab a hanger with a hook and a curved back (most metal coat hangers will work).
  • Place the hook end at the top of the door and the curved back at the bottom, then lie against the door.
  • Fold up to 180 degrees so that it is perpendicular to the door.
  • Push down on both sides until you feel resistance from the spring-loaded pin, which should be sticking out horizontally from each side of your lock mechanism—this will click into place if done correctly. If you have trouble finding it, run your fingers along each side until you see two thin metal rods (pin tumblers).

In most cases, this does not prevent someone from breaking into your room but only prevents them from opening your door without breaking it down.

How to lock a hotel door from the inside?

These are all just quick ways to add extra security to your room. Some locks can be installed inside your hotel room or apartment doors if you need something more permanent and reliable. These locks do require installation, but they are also more secure. Some options include:

Internal Hotel Door Latch

Internal Hotel Door Latch

Internal Hotel Door Latch is an easy-to-install option for added security in your apartment or hotel room. It adds additional locking mechanisms other than just the standard deadbolt. It’s excellent for locking inside without worrying about keys, like on vacation with kids.

Use the deadbolt.

The deadbolt should be on your side and easy to reach on most hotel doors.

Use the chain lock.

Use the chain lock

Primarily for peace of mind, a hotel chain lock is better than nothing but can easily be snipped with scissors or broken if slammed against with enough force.

Use the doorstop.

Use the doorstop

Keep it under your door to keep it from being opened by someone outside to open the handle from the inside.

Use a portable door lock.

Use a portable door lock

This portable door lock provides an additional layer of security. At the same time, traveling makes it impossible for someone to enter without your knowledge since they would have to break through this before gaining access by unlocking anything else!

Use a doorstop alarm.

Use a doorstop alarm.

The Door Stop Alarm is a great device for your next trip. It’s only six inches long and about two pounds, so it’s easy to keep in your suitcase or carry-on bag and won’t take up too much space. The Door Stop Alarm is handy when you have no other way to lock the door from the inside.

Place this gadget behind your bedroom door handle, and an intruder cannot open it without triggering an ear-piercing alarm that will notify everyone in the area of his presence.

Use a door wedge.

Use a door wedge.

The door wedge lock allows users to install it on any surface, including most types of wood paneling, tile floors, etc.,

It won’t damage flooring and will not skid across carpeted areas,  as other devices may do if left unattended (this product does come with instructions regarding installation).

Use a door jammer.

Use a door jammer

The last line of defense for your hotel room is a door jammer, which blocks the door from opening. A door jammer can be a security measure if you have trouble sleeping in new places.

This will be the product if you’ve ever used an Airbnb and wanted to ensure the space was secure. Position the bar underneath the handle on your side of the door and slide it into place.

Use a privacy latch.

Use a privacy latch

A privacy latch is similar to a chain lock because it allows users to open their doors. It installs on your regular lock with minimal effort—no tools are required! Its unique design means no one can pick or force it open while an occupant wants to see who is knocking before answering.

Use Door braces

Door braces are a simple solution for a hotel door that won’t lock. They work similarly to the deadbolts you have on your home doors, but instead of being paired with a keyed lock, they are designed to be used in tandem with the existing lockset.

Door braces

The door brace slips underneath the door and extends into the room to be secured against the floor or furniture.

This provides extra security by preventing someone from entering your room and ensuring that no one can force their way in should they unlock your deadbolt.

Most also come equipped with an alarm that will sound if an intruder attempts to enter; some even have motion sensors to know if someone is trying to sneak into your room while you’re asleep.

Use A nightstand or desk chair.

A nightstand or desk chair is another quick option for locking a hotel door without a key—pull one over next to the door and slip its legs under the doorknob! That’ll make opening it from the outside impossible (and very noisy).

A nightstand or desk chair

It’s not too secure, though, since anyone who wants could break through quickly enough using brute force. Keep this trick in mind: only temporary protection until help arrives when an emergency such as theft happens nearby or medical distress requires immediate response outside hallways.

Detection alarm.

Detection alarm

If someone tries to enter when the alarm is activated, they’ll be greeted with a loud noise that will likely make them turn tail and run. You can adjust it depending on how far away from the door you want to walk before it goes off. These alarms typically run around $25 and include sensors that stick to your door. It’s not foolproof, but an added layer of protection never hurts anyone!

The Lock Locker

The Lock Locker

The Lock Locker is another option for those worried about the safety of their hotel doors. It uses magnets to lock your sliding chain from the inside so no one can shimmy their way in if they manage to get past the lock on your doorknob or deadbolt.

While this might seem overkill for those not concerned about safety, it won’t hurt if you bring one along and use it just in case—it weighs less than half a pound and is ideal if you plan on traveling alone!

How to lock a hotel room door from the outside?

How to lock a hotel room door from the outside

Many people will want to know how to lock a hotel room door from the outside. There are many reasons why you would need this ability, such as:

  • A child is in the room, and you don’t want them to go out.
  • You have dangerous items in the room that you don’t want other people to find.
  • You have costly items in the room and don’t want anyone else to see or steal them.
  • You want to go out and keep your expensive items safe in a hotel room

Locking a hotel door from the outside is quite simple. Most of the time, it’s just a case of putting the “do not disturb” sign on your door handle, but there may be other steps you’ll need to take.

  • The Double cylinder lock system works by securing the door without having any keyhole on the outside, meaning no outsider can get in even if they have their keys – unless they break down the door entirely! It would be best to have a simple lockpick skill or creative thinking, like putting a toothbrush through a hole.
  • Put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door handle. This is all required to lock a hotel room door for many hotels. If this does not work for you, perhaps the hotel has automated doors, or guests have been caught tampering with those signs to avoid housekeeping services.
  • Call reception and explain your situation. The staff will help you out with locking your room from the outside. Be prepared for any possible questions, and know how long you plan to leave your room to send housekeeping if necessary.

How to lock a hotel room with a card?

How to lock a hotel room with a card

With magnetic keys, you can tell when the lock is in the set position: insert the card, turn the lock handle to the right, and if there’s a bump or click, you’re all set. The card should be inserted halfway or into the slot. Another trick is swiping your card several times; it’s probably set if it works on one of those swipes. It may take a few tries.

RFID key cards require less work than magnetic keys. You’ll want to hold your RFID key against the door handle briefly as you attempt to enter—but not so long that you look like a villain from an old James Bond movie.

Is it easy to break into a locked hotel room?

Suppose you want to break into a hotel room. Or maybe not.

It depends on how much you know about breaking into hotel rooms and your tools. It also depends on the type of hotel locks the hotel uses.

Breaking into a secured room is tricky unless you have the right tools, but it’s not impossible.

Many hotels use the same doors and locks, making them surprisingly easy to pick open with something as simple as a paperclip or straightened wire hanger. You can search YouTube and find dozens of videos demonstrating this.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, though. If you’re in a hotel and want to ensure no one will enter your room while you’re gone, never leave anything valuable out in plain sight (including laptops, wallets, and purses).

How can I make my hotel room safer?

If you stay in hotels often, you probably have a routine of checking into your room and familiarizing yourself with things like the phone, emergency exits, light switches, and bathroom.

How can I make my hotel room safer

But if you want to be as safe as possible, there are some additional steps you should take:

  • Lock your door. It sounds obvious, but it’s an important step that can be easily overlooked when lugging suitcases into a room and unpacking them. Lock the deadbolt on the door and close it before leaving again as soon as you enter.
  • Don’t answer the phone or door unless you’re expecting someone. If someone calls and asks for an employee who isn’t working that day, don’t give out information about other staff members or guests staying at the hotel.
  • Don’t leave your valuables in your room. Take these items with you, or bring them to the front desk.
  • If your room is on a higher floor, check that all windows are locked. This will help make sure no one can get in from the outside.
  • When checking in, let the staff know if someone else will arrive later than you (such as with family members). They understand who should access the room when you aren’t there.
  • It’s also important not to leave anything of value behind while traveling; this includes electronics like computers, cell phones, credit cards, or other forms of identification such as passports or driver’s licenses.

As a hotel owner, you should consider upgrading your old hotel lock system to an RFID hotel lock system,

Also, to make your hotel room safer, try our TThotel door lock system to help you manage your hotel room door more safely, remotely, and conveniently with your phone.

Conclusion

This article aims to inform you how to lock and secure the hotel door when staying in hotels. There are some simple steps that you can take for your next trip, such as keeping your valuables out of sight, using a TSA-approved lock on luggage and hotel doors, and locking interior doors in your room at night as well as using deadbolts on exterior (patio) doors.

Share This Article:

About Author

  • Vincent Zhu

    Vincent Zhu has 10 years of smart lock system experience and specializes in offering hotel door lock systems and home door lock system solutions from design, configuration, installation, and troubleshooting. Whether you want to install an RFID keyless door lock for your hotel, a keyless keypad door lock for your home door, or have any other questions and troubleshooting requests about smart door locks, don't hesitate to contact me at any time.

Other Articles About Hotel Door Lock System