How to Secure Hotel Room Door with Hanger: Practical Safety Tips

Photo by Gindcheoutarkoadf OK, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Travel safety is a key concern for many people. When staying in a hotel, you might wonder how to secure the hotel room door with a hanger.

The hanger trick is widely shared online, but no safety agency tests or recommends it, and a wire hanger bends easily. The hotel’s own deadbolt and swing bar, plus a removable door wedge, do more.

Key Takeaways

• A hanger adds little real protection; use the deadbolt and swing bar first.
• Adding physical security enhancements helps keep you safe.
• Useful tips and FAQs for maintaining hotel room safety.

Physical Security Enhancements

Photo by עמית אבידן, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Several simple steps can make your hotel room door harder to open: using every built-in lock, adding a door stop, and carrying a portable lock. Whatever you add, you must be able to remove it in seconds if there is a fire.

Creating a Makeshift Door Jam with a Hanger

To create a makeshift door jam, you can use a metal coat hanger. First, straighten the hanger and bend one end into a tight loop. Next, place this loop through the latch and hook it around the door handle.

At best, this adds a small extra step for someone working the latch from outside. A straightened wire hanger bends under modest force, so treat it as a last resort when you have nothing else, not as a lock. Make sure you can unhook it instantly in an emergency.

Strengthening the Deadbolt

If your hotel room door has a deadbolt lock, always use it along with the swing bar or chain. Ensure that the deadbolt is fully extended into the door frame. A deadbolt lock provides an additional layer of security compared to a simple key lock.

Some travelers also place a chair against the door. Keep it light enough to move quickly, since a blocked door can trap you during a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration advises finding the two closest exits and counting the doors to them when you check in.

Using a Door Stop or Wedge

A door stop or door wedge makes an inward-opening door harder to push open from the outside. Place it under the door when you are inside the room.

Rubber door stops are particularly effective as they grip the floor and resist sliding. Door wedges made of metal or plastic can also work well. These tools are small and easy to carry in your luggage, making them a practical security enhancement for travelers.

Installing Portable Door Locks

Portable door locks are devices that can be installed without tools. They provide extra security for travelers. One popular type is a small metal plate that fits into the door strike. A bolt then slides into place, preventing the door from opening.

Another kind of portable door lock is a door jammer or door brace, which extends from the floor to the doorknob. These devices add resistance and come off quickly when not in use. Some hotels discourage devices that block staff or emergency entry, so remove them when you leave and check house rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

The State Department’s lodging safety checklist suggests checking that every door and window locks properly when you arrive, meeting strangers in the lobby rather than your room, and carrying your key separately from the packet that shows your room number.

Can an ironing board be used to secure a hotel room door?

Yes, an ironing board can add an extra bit of security. Place the wide end against the door and the other end into a corner of the room. This can make it harder for someone to force the door open.

What techniques can enhance the security of a hotel room from the inside?

You can use a portable door lock for additional security. A door jammer or wedge can also help. Always make sure the deadbolt and chain lock are engaged. A chair wedged under the door handle is another option, as long as you can clear it fast.

How do you reinforce a hotel door to deter break-ins?

Use a travel door alarm that will sound if someone tries to enter. A door wedge or stopper makes the door harder to push open. Don’t attach adhesive or screw-in hardware to a hotel door; it can damage the door and you may be charged.

What makeshift security measures can you take when leaving your hotel room?

You can’t add your own lock from the outside, so focus on what stays behind. Lock windows and balcony doors, use the in-room safe or the front desk safe deposit box for valuables, and keep items out of plain sight. Report anything suspicious to the front desk.

Sources

• Lodging Safety, U.S. Department of State
• Hotel and Vacation Rental Fire Safety, U.S. Fire Administration