Accommodation Safety

Choose safe hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals

Essential Accommodation Safety Rules

Book Through Official Platforms

Never pay outside the booking system

Read ALL Reviews

Especially recent and negative ones

Research the Neighborhood

Use Google Maps and safety forums

Trust Your Instincts

If it feels wrong, find alternatives

Safety by Accommodation Type

Hotels

Common Scams & Risks

  • ⚠Fake hotel websites with lower prices that steal payment info
  • ⚠Bait-and-switch: booked room unavailable, offered worse room at same price
  • ⚠Hidden fees not disclosed at booking (resort fees, cleaning fees)
  • ⚠Overcharging for minibar items or claiming you used items you didn't

Safety Checklist

  • ✓Book through official hotel website or reputable booking platforms
  • ✓Verify hotel exists by checking Google Maps reviews and recent photos
  • ✓Request room on floors 2-6 (above ground level, below difficult fire escape)
  • ✓Check door locks, peepholes, and windows work properly upon arrival
  • ✓Use hotel safe for valuables and passport
  • ✓Don't open door without verifying who's there (use peephole/chain)
  • ✓Keep 'Do Not Disturb' sign up even when out to suggest occupancy
Vacation Rentals (Airbnb/VRBO)

Common Scams & Risks

  • ⚠Fake listings using stolen photos - property doesn't exist
  • ⚠Bait-and-switch: shown different property upon arrival
  • ⚠Host asks you to pay outside platform to 'save fees'
  • ⚠Hidden cameras in private spaces
  • ⚠Unsafe neighborhoods not disclosed in listing

Safety Checklist

  • ✓Only book through official platforms - never pay outside the app
  • ✓Read ALL reviews carefully, especially negative ones
  • ✓Verify host identity and check how long they've been hosting
  • ✓Research neighborhood safety using Google Maps Street View
  • ✓Check for hidden cameras: look for unusual objects facing beds/bathrooms
  • ✓Meet host or get clear check-in instructions before arrival
  • ✓Have backup accommodation option in case of problems
  • ✓Document property condition with photos upon arrival
Hostels

Common Scams & Risks

  • ⚠Theft from unlocked lockers or rooms without lockers
  • ⚠Fake hostel websites that take payment but don't exist
  • ⚠Overcharging for damaged items you didn't damage
  • ⚠Bedbugs and poor hygiene conditions not shown in photos

Safety Checklist

  • ✓Choose hostels with individual lockers and bring your own lock
  • ✓Read recent reviews on multiple platforms (Hostelworld, Booking.com)
  • ✓Keep valuables locked at all times, even when sleeping
  • ✓Use luggage locks on backpacks and suitcases
  • ✓Be cautious sharing travel plans with strangers
  • ✓Check bed and mattress for bedbugs before unpacking
  • ✓Store passport and credit cards in money belt or locked locker
  • ✓Choose female-only dorms if traveling solo as a woman

Red Flags to Watch For

Price Too Good to Be True
Luxury property at budget price often indicates fake listing or major undisclosed problems

What to Do:

Compare prices on multiple platforms. If one is significantly cheaper, it's likely a scam.

Host Asks to Pay Outside Platform
Scammers want you off-platform so you lose buyer protection when they disappear with your money

What to Do:

Never pay outside booking platform. Report host immediately and find alternative accommodation.

No Recent Reviews or All 5-Star Reviews
Fake listings have no reviews or only fake positive reviews posted around same time

What to Do:

Look for consistent reviews over time. Check reviewer profiles - real people have review history.

Poor Communication from Host
Legitimate hosts respond quickly and professionally. Vague or delayed responses suggest problems

What to Do:

Ask specific questions about property and location. Unresponsive or evasive hosts are red flags.

Pressure to Book Immediately
Scammers create urgency ('only one room left!', 'price increases tomorrow!') to rush your decision

What to Do:

Take your time. Legitimate properties will still be available. Research thoroughly before booking.

Request for Copies of ID Before Booking
Identity thieves may pose as hosts to collect passport/ID copies for fraud

What to Do:

Only provide ID after confirmed booking and through secure platform messaging. Never email copies.

Neighborhood Safety Guide

Paris

AVOID:

18th, 19th, 20th arrondissements (especially at night)

SAFE:

1st-7th, 16th arrondissements (central tourist areas, well-lit)

💡 TIP:

Stay near metro stations but not directly on major tourist streets where pickpockets operate

Barcelona

AVOID:

El Raval (southern part), Ciutat Vella at night

SAFE:

Eixample, Gràcia, Born neighborhoods

💡 TIP:

Beach area hotels attract thieves. Choose accommodations one block inland from La Rambla

Rome

AVOID:

Termini station area at night, Esquilino neighborhood

SAFE:

Trastevere, Monti, Prati neighborhoods

💡 TIP:

Stay near Vatican or Colosseum areas - touristy but safer and well-policed

Bangkok

AVOID:

Patpong, Nana, Soi Cowboy (red light districts)

SAFE:

Sukhumvit (near BTS), Silom, Sathorn areas

💡 TIP:

Stay near BTS or MRT stations for easy, safe transportation. Avoid ground-floor rooms.

Mexico City

AVOID:

Tepito, Doctores, Iztapalapa neighborhoods

SAFE:

Polanco, Roma Norte, Condesa, Coyoacán

💡 TIP:

Stick to established neighborhoods. Don't venture into unfamiliar areas after dark.

Istanbul

AVOID:

Aksaray, Tarlabaşı, far suburbs

SAFE:

Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy

💡 TIP:

Stay in European side tourist areas or Asian side Kadıköy. Both are safe and well-connected.

Room Security Checklist (Upon Arrival)

Check Locks & Entry

  • Door lock works and deadbolt functions
  • Peephole is clear and not blocked
  • Windows lock securely
  • No one else has access (change locks if concerned)

Inspect Room

  • Check for hidden cameras (smoke detectors, clocks, mirrors)
  • Inspect bed for bedbugs (mattress seams, headboard)
  • Verify safe works and only you have combination
  • Document any existing damage with photos

Know Your Surroundings

  • Locate emergency exits and fire escapes
  • Find nearest 24-hour reception or security
  • Save local emergency numbers in phone
  • Note safe routes to/from accommodation

Your Safety Starts with Smart Choices

Research thoroughly, book through trusted platforms, and always trust your instincts