Three Must-Have Security Features For Hotels and Motels

May 1st, 2023

One of the reasons your Houston hotel or motel is chosen for a business or holiday trip is safety. While many people are looking for a clean room for the night, there is a growing public demand for tighter security. This is especially true in luxury hotels, which must adjust to higher levels of security. However, even with strong security, aside from break-ins, theft fraud, and other crimes, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Good, up-to-date security can put a stop to those and also prevent your hotel or motel from being held liable for the criminal acts of third parties, a common practice since 1976. So let's take a look at the top three security features you should consider installing.

1. Surveillance Cameras

Most hotels and motels in Houston have some form of video surveillance system. Often, a security team monitors easily targeted areas such as the front desk, the cash drawer, lobbies, and other common areas. 

Today's updated software will allow hotel/motel managers and owners to match up transactions with the surveillance footage instead of wasting time and money going through hours of film to find the illegal activity. This system is powered by analytics and can detect when a cash register is opened or every time someone uses a credit card. It is important to invest in or upgrade to high-quality cameras that can film small details such as facial features and bill amounts. With analytics, your hotel/motel can save thousands.

2. Cybersecurity 

According to a Hotel Management survey, 70% of hotel/motel guests do not feel that hotels are investing enough in cybersecurity. You have to show that you take your guests’ online experience seriously. Your IT and security department should work together to ensure a safe online experience not just for guests but for staff as well. 

Hotel/motel Wi-Fi needs to be a secure network that one has to log on to prior to using. Supply each guest with the username and password, and remind them about possible security risks, such as connecting to nearby public Wi-Fi connections that do not require a password. Your IT should set up the Wi-Fi with role-based access to make sure only guests and approved staff can log on. This is another way to prevent unwanted third parties such as hackers from gaining access to your system.

3. Mobile Room Keys

For years, one of the largest expenses for hotels/motels has been replacing traditional hotel keys. Today’s mobile keys strengthen security and even allow guests to bypass the front desk altogether. Every entry—be it their room, the gym, or the business center—is done right on their smartphone. 

While many hotels/motels still use key cards, the issue with those is demagnetization. This can be very frustrating to guests when they lose access to their room or have to go back to the front desk for assistance or a new key. A mobile key does not have to be reprogrammed every day over and over. What’s more, the checkout process can be done with the click of a button. 

When guests come to Houston, they deserve to stay at a hotel/motel where they feel safe and secure without having to worry about their private information being hacked. This is why it is important for you to determine how you can increase security by working with a professional and either installing or upgrading your current system. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.