How hotels can provide better security for guests and staff

No matter what kind of hotel you run, from huge multi-storey properties to tiny B&Bs and guesthouses, it is important to take your security seriously. However, with the busy day-to-day running of the operation to think about, it is not uncommon for hotels to leave this issue alone. If you are honest with yourself – when was the last time that you properly reviewed your security? This is such a vital part of the operation of your hotel, so it is something that you need to do as soon as possible. Here we take a look at some of the ways that you can improve your security, from the car park to the IT system. Ensure you have an emergency response plan in place Perhaps the most important thing that your hotel needs to have in order to improve security and safety is an emergency plan. If no-one understands what to do in the event of a genuine emergency taking place, it can make the whole situation far worse than it needs to be. It is vital, then, to have an emergency response plan that it created with input from emergency services. Of course, it is also vital that you then provide your staff with the training that they need so that they are prepared and feel confident to execute the plan. When there is a plan in place everyone can remain and take sensible steps even in the worst-case scenario. Stepping up physical security (without ruining the aesthetic) One of the most important places to do this is in your car park – it is a vital security measure to limit access and prevent any unauthorised entry to your car park, to make sure that vehicles can’t be used either as a weapon or for a fast escape route. In this blog post, civil engineering and security contractors Maltaward recommend the use of concrete barriers and CCTV, amongst other methods as a vital component of securing your business car park. However, many hotels are worried that putting lots of physical barriers in place will ruin the aesthetic of the property. As described, Malta rock barriers are easier on the eye, and look more like an intended rock garden than an industrial security measure – whilst offering the same protection from unauthorised access. Consider implementing a uniform Some hotels don’t implement a specific uniform, preferring to have staff dressed simply in smart clothes. This is popular and can work fine for many businesses, however, if you are interested in improving your security then you might be surprised at the difference a uniform can make. As well as looking smart and professional, a uniform helps guests (and other staff members) to understand who they can ask questions, and who is allowed to be in specific areas of the hotel. Your guests will feel much more secure and safe if they know what to look for in the people who are working for the hotel. It shows that you are taking them seriously and that they have someone obvious who they can turn to immediately. Install CCTV If you are looking for the simplest security improvements that can make the biggest difference to the safety at your hotel, CCTV has to be at the top of list. Having a system in place for surveillance is useful for a variety of reasons – clearly, first because it allows you to monitor the hotel and spot any suspicious behaviour. Additionally, however, remember that CCTV helps guests to feel more secure. When they see that they are being looked over by security staff, they feel more at ease. It is a good idea, then, to clearly signpost any CCTV cameras in order to help guests feel safe, but also to alert any potential criminals to the presence of the camera. This can actually discourage individuals from carrying out crimes in the first place. Invest in cyber security Don’t forget that the security of your guests does not only relate to their physical safety. As a hotel you will keep a lot of personal data about an individual ranging from payment details to home addresses and much more. This means that you need to have very strong cyber security that can potentially ward off attacks. This isn’t just important for the safety of your guests, it is also a legal requirement. Under the rules of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), British businesses are required to take steps to proactively prevent the possibility of cyber-attack. Failing to do so could see your business fined very heavily. By Dakota Murphey