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[Professor]

I've been on the road for the last 8 days.


Today, I checked into The Jefferson in Washington DC.   I checked into room 2**.    This is a VERY nice hotel.    After I unpack, I typically will check to doors and windows.   I got into this habit when I stayed in very bad hotel.   I've just continued my habit......

So, 


After ironing a shirt for an afternoon meeting, I began checking the three closets and two window in the hotel room.   I moved the chair from in front of the third closet and opened the door.  Surprisingly, this opened into a 5' x 5' area with a mirror and fake three (no light) - while standing inside of the closet with the closet door closed, I could view the entire room.   Why is this important?  On the other side of the closet was another door....It opened into another room where 5 people were sitting down evaluating paintings. 

What a surprise......as I stepped into a meeting.

Here's the kicker:  There was no lock on "my side of the closet" - only on their side.   I checked the closet door, it had a small turn lock --- and one on the other sides....

This meant that there was no way for me to secure access into my room.....plus, it would be easy for someone to sneek into the closet and observe me within the room.   

I called the manager.    The manager made tried to explain how the lock worked....I told her that if it was so - I wanted her to lock me out.....of course, she couldn't.     Finally, I asked:  Would you sleep in this room now...

I got a room upgrade and they made nice...

However, I'm sure someone is sleeping in that room tonight totally unaware that thier privacy and security is compromised....

[soapbox]We continue to ask about how to keep from getting hurt.....the first step is awarenes [end of soapbox]

Jeff

[pmh1nic]

Professor

You've increased my awareness and I'll be more diligent anytime I check into a hotel. Thanks.

[Deadeye Dave]

I remember once when I was a police officer I had to get into a room where a woman was ill and unconscious. She had thrown the little u-shaped solid metal "door chain" and hotel staff was mystified as to how to get it open, hence the 911 call. I believe they expected me to kick it in and then give them a report about it so they could file an insurance claim. They assured me it was "impossible" to open the door. I asked for a rubberband and a thumbtack... a little "mojo"... and Presto! open door.

Hotel personnel aren't hired for their security savvy...

[Professor]

Happened again a couple of visits ago....

Checked into the hotel rooms, went through the normal "prep" of a room...

What's in the prep?

Check all doors, locks, and windows....99% of the time, it's a waste...

But, this time the door between the rooms was unlocked. 

Keep watch.  Awareness is important...


Your friendly service Prof

[TAC]

Hidden door into the closet?? Man, you know whoever requested that to be put in when the place was being built is a pervert. You should have checked inside that closet for mysterious looking stains!

I was in a hotel over the weekend too. Had a short break on the coast away from the city with the g/f. I always check windows and doors too. I also take a walk to check out the fire exits. The fire-door leading to the stairwell is always open. But sometimes when you get to the bottom of the stairs, the fire EXIT is locked. Didn't we learn from 911?
When I was in the philippines I also checked for bugs and hidden cameras after I read a disturbing story similiar to yours Prof.

My secret weapon... door stoppers. You know the little rubber wedges. put them at the bottom of the door and up along the side also when it's closed (from inside the room). if they're shoved in good, nobody can get in.

I'm not paranoid I swear! I'm just being followed by Mi6, FBI, philippine mafia, CIA and the mob. It's not easy when you can't shake off the voices in your head either.

Sharif

[Nick Hughes]

Sharif,

A tin foil hat will take care of those voices mate...there's a pic here of the prof wearing one in his younger days



N

[Nick Hughes]

There are other hotel tips by the way...

Never take a room above the tenth floor  (no fire truck in the world can get that high)

If someone knocks on the door and says manager, call downstairs and make sure the mgr is indeed looking for you

rubber wedges yes!

Leave do not disturb sign and tv on all day when you're out

tip room service well (in advance) they will take care of you

Never use the safes in the room

Check the room the moment you enter for all things suggested by the Prof

do not leave valuables in the room

flash light and smoke hood good to travel with

count fire exits from your room (when there's a fire you won't be able to see the one marked exit)

If the fire exit is blocked return to your room, wet towels and place them under the door and open the window

don't take a room to close to the elevators...it's noisy and it gives people an excuse to be congregating outside your room with causing suspicion.

[TAC]

Good tips Ninor. I'm not sure the tin foil is powerful enough for the Voices. But it'll certainly take care of the starbucks globalization problem.

[JimH]

The use of match sticks/tooth picks or clear tape on all doors and drawers in your room.

You take the match stick or toothpick or half tooth pick and place it in between the doors and the door frame or at certain places in drawers in your room so if the doors or drawers are opened you know it.

Light weight,easily breakable scotch tape placed on certain spots of the door or drawer also works well.

If after room service is done with your room  you leave it place the match stick/tooth pick or clear tape in an upper or lower area of the door,if you return and see the stick on the floor or out of the door,or you see the tape broken you know some one has entered your room after you left.

The tape or piece of stick can be used on hotel/ship safes as well.

In all instances make sure the stick or tape is small enough not to be seen on a quick glance except by you.

With a secret door or door to another room which you cannot control, a roll of Duct tape with the tape placed around where the door and the frame meet will do the trick to at least make noise when the door is opened and leaves a tell tale sign if done while you are out.

Also place a wade of rolled up tissue paper in the small peek holes in Hotel and ship board doors as these little holes can be looked into from the outside and see movement inside.(the paper is easily removed for you to look out and replaced when done)

[TAC]

I've used the scotch tape trick a few times (altho not just in hotel rooms). I believe it's known as leaving a 'telltail' in intelegence and military circles.

The tissue paper is a good idea. In PI i used a little piece of cardboard and tape to make a little flap over the spyhole. That way i could just lift it to see outside but nobody could see inside.

Sharif