Hotel/Motel Defense?

[L_Killkenny]

When traveling by myself or with the wife and kids I usually (every time but once) have a gun with me. I have only had one incident that made me reach for the gun but here lately I've been thinking about what is the best way to handle hotel/motel room invasions.

Scenario #1: More than likely everyone knows the standard layout for a "motel" (not hotel) room. Door offset far right or far left. Window on front wall opposite of the door. You enter the room and the TV is straight in front of you. The bed(s) is/are on the opposite wall. Bathroom is usually in the back. I have the wife and kids with me and we awake to someone beating on the door. Where do I send the wife and kids? Where do I go? My first thought for the wife and kids is the bathroom at the rear. But the walls are thin and if any shots come from the doorway the bathroom wall is a likely spot for the stray rounds to go. What about on the floor behind the farthest bed but still in the line of fire/sight from the door? What about flat on the floor right under the window on the front wall? They would be close to the action but out of the line of "unfriendly" fire/sight. Anyone sending fire from the doorway or thru the window will more than likely shoot right over em while trying to hit me in the back of the room.

BTW, a scenario similar to this is the one where I actually picked up my gun and sent the wife to the bathroom. We heard a knock on the door in a town where we knew no one. I was stupid and went to the door to look out the peephole. A car was parked in front of our room and 2 trashy looking teens were standing in front of the door with a couple more by the car. I backed off to between the double beds (by the phone), sent the wife to the bathroom and prepared to dial. After a minute they left.

Scenario #2: What about in a hotel? Hotels usually have the bathroom in the front and a sliding door in the back. Where should everyone be if someone tries entry from the front? What about if they try thru the sliding door?

Basically, any advice for proper hotel/motel defense is appreciated.

LK

[Mannlicher]

The city I live in is right on I-75. There are a lot of transients around. Most of the motel attacks that have happened around here took place when a person was at their door, letting themselves in, or when walking back to their car to get something.
I can't recall any families being attacked. The usual victim here is an older couple, or a single person.
I can't think of any instance of gun play.

[tony pasley]

I would be on knee between the beds near the foot of the bed. Family either flat on the floor between the beds naer the head of the bed or in the bathroom in the bathtub. There is not any good cover in a hotel or motel room, but those I believe would give the best available. Having yourself at the foot of the bed it puts BG line of fire less likely to be toward the family and family between the bed puts Mrs. able to take up the weapon if needed to continue the fight. Just my way of thinking.

[fisherman66]

Most of those hotel/motel doors have double locks and often a U catch up top. It would take a strong use of force to bring down a door like that quickly. I've had a couple experiences like yours in the past, and I just moved away from the window (between the beds as mentioned earlier). Not fun in the middle of the night. I would under no circumstance open the door. If they have enough force to get through that door I'm in bad shape regardless. In retrospect I probably should have called the lobby at least.

[JDSnead]

Maybe I'm paranoid, but I have a standard routine that I follow when I'm sleeping anywhere other than at home.

I put the back of a chair against the outside door, and also the interior adjoining room door (if there is one and a second chair). Then I put the trash cans on top of the chair near the edge. That way, I hope, if someone opens the door, their entry will be impeded by the chair, and the falling trash can should wake me up. Since I always travel with a pistol, and keep it next to the bed on top of my briefcase, I can then respond appropriately.

I also have a solid rubber door stop, that I cram under the most vulnerable door to also slow someone down.

In addition, two things that are kept in my shaving kit are binder clips (normally used to hold a bunch of papers together) and a set of handcuffs. The binder clips work wonders to keep the drapes closed, especially where they gap open and let in light (and prying eyes) from the outside. This is especially useful in most motels.

The handcuffs are used when I go out of the room. I use them to lock my heaviest hardsided suitcase to something sturdy. I usually use the drainpipes under the sink or the bedpost, if it is bolted to the floor. This way, anyone who wants the suicase, or what's inside, will have to work a little harder to get it. Maybe that is just enough to make them want to choose another target.

With these precautions, I feel a little safer when travelling.
YMMV
JS

[Samurai]

Here's a good idea. I saw it on MacGuyver one time! See, like, you get a motion sensor, right? And, like, you rig it onto the trigger of a machine gun. Then, if anybody walks in front of the machine gun, the machine gun shoots them!!!

There's a fine line between "cautious" and "paranoid." And, on the other side of "paranoid" is "ridiculous." That's where I think we're headed...

Keep it simple. Lock doors. Talk to management and find out who's available for help at night. Keep your pistol handy. Don't open the door for strangers. Don't be paranoid.

[JDSnead]

The reason that I go through the precautions that I do while travelling are due to two incidents that occurred to ME.

In the first, when I checked into a motel (in the middle of the afternoon!), I was given an electronic key and went to "my" room. I opened the door, took a step inside, and saw a couple on the bed engaged in passionate sex!! They did not even notice me! I backed out and closed the door quietly. Went to the front desk and told them the room was occupied and they gave me a different room.

In the other instance, was sitting and watching TV in a hotel room. I heard a key in the lock, grabbed my pistol, and saw the door swing open. A baggy-pants character ith a hooded sweatshirt saw me, the pointed handgun, and mumbled something about "the wrong room," and left. I called the front desk, reported it, and requested and received a different room there, too.

Since motel/hotels have so many passkeys floating around, and with the "easy victim" mentality of most travelers, I don't think my precautions are unwise.

Just my .02
JS

[Musketeer]

I travel often for work. I also often go to states where I cannot bring a firearm or am unable to do so because of coworkers I may be with. We do not have a policy on firearms but would if anyone ever knew...

I have a couple simple rules.

1. Stay in nicer areas. I will drive an extra 20 minutes if needed to avoid a bad location. There is a reason I do not stay in a motel on Cicero Ave. near Midway Airport when in Chicago even if it is close to the airport!

2. Stay in name brand hotels. I am a Marriott member and can almost always find a hotel. Marriott and Hilton live off of their buisiness travellers who do not want to be mugged in their hotels. You can often find hotels in those chains that are less expensive than the flagship ones. Fairfield Inn and Hampton Inn come to mind. You will have modern and functional locks on the doors of a modern name brand hotel.

3. Use the U bolt on the door.

4. If there is a sliding glass door use the brace or ask for one (name brand hotel will accomadate you, especially if you are a member).

5. Do not keep your room card/key with the piece of paper that has your room number on it. Loose one and you have lost both!

6. If you would spend $600+ for a gun then spend an extra $20 - $30 on a reputable hotel. You will sleep better also.

The only time I have been at a hotel where a problem looked like it was developing it was when I stayed at Frank's No-Name Motel No Tell. Look around the parking lot and the lobby and you should be able to tell what you are getting into.

[Groundhog]

One more to add to Musketeer's suggestions.

Stay on the Second floor (or 3rd). This should eliminate outside window break ins if your hotel is accessed via an interior corridor. You are also not so high in the event of fire that you couldn't jump.

Obviously this makes no difference if your hotel is accessed from outside walkways. I suspect local climate would have something to do with this configuration.

[Beckerich]

what did the two teens at your door said they want? the way you said it it just seems they knocked and you got a gun and sent the wife off?

[L_Killkenny]

Quote from Beckerich:
"what did the two teens at your door said they want? the way you said it it just seems they knocked and you got a gun and sent the wife off?"

Yep, thats what I did. I didn't open the door and after thinkin about it I shouldn't of even gone to the peephole. I knew no one in town and it wasn't the nicest town. Not the worst but far from being "the nice part" of town. Being late at night, I had absolutly zero reason to expose myself.

LK

[tony pasley]

The named brand hotels help but not being ready is stupid no place on earth is truely safe. Those who are prepared are much less likely to find themselves in trouble.

[Dwight55]

Yep, my CCW is not recognized in all states. But that does not preclude me from taking my weapon. It can stay in my motel room when I am there, in my vehicle when I am there, and where ever is closest when I cannot be in either of them.

I basically refuse to sleep in a place where I don't "feel" safe, . . . and unless I have my weapon within arm's reach, . . .

May God bless,
Dwight

[45-70]

Some years ago, several coworkers and I were attending a course in a distant city and staying in the same name brand hotel. One guy had his family with him and they were staying on the third floor. He thought "This looks safe." Nice view of the fall foliage in the woods out this back side of the hotel window. About midnight when all were asleep (two king beds), someone noticed an intruder standing in the dark at the foot of one bed, rifling suitcases. Some shouts and the guy goes out the sliding glass, 3rd floor window -- with camera, watches, wallets, etc.

Being on the third floor, he had not checked the sliding glass window, much less braced it, and the guy either slipped around from the adjacent room or more likely just jumped up and grabbed the window ledge. (Dirt was piled up against the ground floor wall, so it wasn't as far as it looked from up there.)

Always check those sliding glass doors and block'em with something.

[skeeter1]

When I'm traveling by car, I almost always have a firearm in the trunk of my car. That's partly because the people I go to visit most often happen to be shooters, and they like it when I bring a toy along for them to try. When I retire for the night in a motel (I tend towards modest priced ones, like Motel 6 or Red Roof Inns), I take the gear bag in with me. Even if the only thing I'm traveling with is just a .22 (not often), it's better than nothing. When I leave the next day, the gear bag goes back into the trunk. I rarely stay in a room more than one night. AFAIK, that way there's no worry about what state allows CCW and which don't. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

[Samurai]

Motels usually provide enough locks on the doors and windows to secure the room. But, it is amazing how many people simply don't think to check the doors and windows at night to make sure they're locked.

Good lessons.

[stephen426]

Lots of good info on here so far. :D

I also have to travel frequently for work and much of that travelling is done by car. Unfortunately, you do not always know which are the good areas and which are the bad areas, especially if you are just driving through.

Hotels that have interior corridors are usually much safer. Your car may be at risk though and it is often impossible to park close to your room. Don't leave valuables in plain sight in your car and park as close at the main entrance as possible.

If you are limited by availability or budget and need to go with an exterior corridor hotel, then park as close to your room as possible. This is usually not a problem since most people park near their doors.

Other good practices to follow:
1. Use all of the locks on the door and check the back door if there is one. Also be sure to check the lock if there is an adjoining room.
2. Beware of your surroundings and watch for people loitering around you.
3. DO NOT carry so many things at once where you cannot beware of your surroundings and reach for your weapon if you need to.
4. Try not to get back to your hotel too late at night when there are fewer people around.
5. Be sure to draw your blinds closed and keep them closed even if you are not in the room
6. Leave a light on and the tv or radio to give the appearance that the room is occupied. This will keep people from breaking in when you are not in the room.
7. Keep the gun handy, but be sure it is secured if you have children with you.

If you guys have more tips, please feel free to add them. :D

[JDSnead]

Here are a few more things I do when traveling (for the amusement of some and the edification of a few).

I wad up a sheet of TP and stuff it in the peephole. If you haven't seen one, they make a viewer that you hold up to a peephole that allows you to see clearly inside the room. I have one and it's amazing how much you can see in a room!

I also fold the bathmat lengthwise and seal the crack under the exterior door. This blocks light and prying eyes (and sound). It also keeps someone from seeing your shadow if you approach the door.

Lastly, I also leave a news channel going on the TV whenever I leave the room. I put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign whenever I'm either in or out of the room to keep hotel employees away.

Anyway, have fun!
My .02.
JS

[BillCA]

Lots of good stuff here.

The down side of most hotel/motel rooms is that there are few places to go if someone is kicking in the door. Best bet for the wife & kids is the bathroom of a motel room or behind the bed furthest from the door.

Rule #1
Always keep clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark.

Watch for loitering in hallways & breezways around the rooms. Especially once you find your room and are manipulating the lock. People coming near you at this time may be trying to get you into the room for robbery (or worse for solo women).

A few other tips when arriving at a hotel room.

Always know where the nearest fire exit is. Leave the room and survey the hallway. Which direction do you go? Is the door on your side or the other side of the hallway?
Physically count the number of doors you pass until you get to the exit. Remember this in case the hallway is full of smoke before you get out of it.
Check your room door - close the door and try to open it without a key. For electronic locks determine how fast the lock works in case you need into the room in a big hurry.
Once inside the room, lock the doors.
Inside the room, check all windows & doors for security as you check out the room.


If the room has a tape dispenser, use a piece of hotel stationary to tape a sheet of paper over the inside of the peephole. This prevents an outsider seeing your "shadow" cover the hole when you look out.

If you can sleep with a small amount of light in the room (some people need zero-visibility to sleep) create a night-light by leaving the bathroom light on and closing the bath door almost closed. This allows you to see objects and silhouttes in the room without turning on a light.

Be in the habit of locating your pants and shoes near the bed. In the event of a fire alarm, you can be in your slacks and shoes in 30 seconds without groping around the room. Keep your room key, wallet and money in your pants at night.

Need an alarm? Six inches or so of string and some inexpensive sleigh-bells. Hang this off the door knob or the privacy chain. Or you can use JDSnead's trashcan alarm (note: stacked up soda cans work well too).

For women travelling alone, if the hotel has valet parking, use it. Let the valet go into the parking garage or lot to bring your car to the lobby for you.

Hotel staff - Be generous with your tips to the hotel staff. Not only the room service person, but the housekeeping staff too. Leave a dollar or two for them every day with a note that says "for housekeeping staff" (otherwise they shouldn't take it). They'll be appreciative and if they see anything amiss in your room they're more likely to report it to keep a tipping customer appreciative of their service.

[Beckerich]

yes I'm sure we'll all be tying string to every door of the house, imagine waking up to go to the toilet in the knight and having to dive, skip, crawl under the maze of string.

just bring a shotgun.

[Blackwater OPS]

I think too many people have been watching the latest movies previews...;)

Seriously though, I always place the chair/table/whatever between me and the door, and brace all windows and sliding glass with something, just good precautions. Make sure you are going to be able to undo that stuff in the dark though if there is a fire. Of course my pistol is always on the night stand within reach...

[Beckerich]

Is your name Killkenny meaning the irish town by any chance? or are you just after kill[ing]kenny?

[cochise]

A wooden wedge.



I made my son travel with a wood wedge I made for him. [simple]


Yes on two occasions some one tried to gain entry in his room. They failed.

[Eghad]

A wooden wedge.
I made my son travel with a wood wedge I made for him. [simple]
Yes on two occasions some one tried to gain entry in his room. They failed.

wedges are pretty cheap at the hardware store if you cant make one...they were a $1.97 last time I looked. They even have some with an alarm. One time I stayed at the Airpot Holiday Inn in Atlanta with outside access. I just took the desk chair and put it under the door grip.

[cscoios]

I also used to travel alot on business. I always stayed at Marriots and found nearly every single time I first checked into my room the sliding door was always unlocked. I don't know if the maids left it unlocked when airing out the room? But first thing I'd do was lock the sliding door. It didn't matter if it was 1st or 3rd floor, the sliding door was always unlocked.

[STW]

I will simply add a working flashlight to BillCA's list. (Make sure it works before you leave on your trip.)