#hotel-safety

#hotel-safety

Terril Johnson had traveled to San José in May to see his granddaughter graduate from San José State the next day and jumped into the hotel shower after a long drive from Los Angeles. But instead of a relaxing shower, family members allege, the 72-year-old was "effectively boiled alive" by scalding water that a medical examiner said ultimately resulted in his death, according to a lawsuit filed against the hotel.

But before you flop down on the bed or open up your suitcase to grab some fresh clothes, there's one thing you should do first, and that's put your luggage in the hotel room's bathtub or shower. No, it's not because suitcases are covered in germs and you should be mindful about where you put them (although that's another consideration). Rather, it's to keep your luggage away from any fabric surfaces, like bedding or carpets, where bed bugs-the bane of all travelers-may be hiding.

"When you first enter your hotel room, start with safety," says Afi Anifrani, executive housekeeper at Thompson Savannah. "Make sure the door closes and locks securely, and if you plan to use the safe, check that it's functioning properly." Mary D'Argenis-Fernandez, founder and CEO of MDA Hospitality, also recommends verifying if any adjoining doors are locked. "If the peephole has a cover, ensure it is fully closed," she says.

The ultimate set-up is a large suite or chalet-style space within a hotel, with your own lounge area. Are the balconies safe? Ostensibly a strange question, but I continually see furniture placed next to balconies (a hazard for excitable children when heads are turned) and swiftly pull it right back or even into the bedroom. I always ring up ahead and check that the bathrooms aren't clad in slippery marble floors, and if so, if they provide several rubber mats.