Enhanced Hotel Security

Some of these things you may notice right off, other measures that they're taking aren't so obvious. And the hotels may or may not let you know what they're doing. They may not want the "bad guys" to know what they're doing, and they have to consider how you might react.

They also walk a fine line with this enhanced hotel security. They don't want to scare you away if you think there is the possibility of unrest.... On the other hand, they might want you to feel reassured that they are taking measures to protect you.

The problem is, of course, that some of these things might seem like a hassle if you encounter them... Just remember that the hotels are doing them to protect you, not to annoy you.

Some of the security measures you may find...

You may discover that there is no longer underground parking or parking right next to the hotel.

They may not let taxis drive up to the hotel entrance. We've stayed in hotels where taxis must park in front, and hotel staff will bring you and your luggage to the entrance in golf carts.

You may find metal detectors at all entrances. We've encountered scanning of luggage on arrival.

At check-in, receptionists (especially in big hotels) will probably tell you your room number quietly. You don't want it announced to everyone. The room number should not be written on the outside of a folder for all to see. Your card key may be a different number than your room number, so if you lose it, no one will know which room is yours.

We've also found that sometimes there are bag searches and scans when you return to the hotel from shopping or sightseeing.

In areas of high threat, you may find an end to luggage storage. Hotels in those areas may also refuse to let you send luggage or packages in advance of your arrival at the hotel. Yep, you might just have to go ahead and pay for those checked bags on your airline flight.

Especially in high profile hotels, you may start seeing uniformed security guards in lobbies, restaurants, and beach or pool areas. You might even encounter random photo ID checks.

You'll also start seeing card keys required to access room floors from the elevator. Those side doors to the pool or beach that used to be open, will start requiring card keys too. In extreme cases, hotels might even limit lobby access to registered guests only.

Just be patient if you encounter this enhanced hotel security. Be thankful that they care enough to make things safer to keep on traveling.