As a Nigerian living in Nigeria, I often travel to places away from home. Choosing where to stay is always a critical decision for me. I ask myself, which hotel can I truly trust?
Next, I would search for people’s reviews on hotels around the area. Even when I eventually choose one, I often find it difficult to sleep. Why? Because of the gory stories I’ve heard in some seemingly popular hotels.
Sometimes, if the hotel looks luxurious, it might ease my fears. But it’s not always about the elegant looks. Evil perpetrators can be anywhere.
Most people won’t tell you the gritty details of hotel safety, but I’ll share that in this blog. I’ll also share other helpful travel safety tips in Nigeria. I’m not writing this blog to scare you, but to educate and prepare you ahead.
Don’t Just Pay — Investigate First
Often, in an attempt to be dubious, some hotel staff, just like in many businesses, always look for a way to scam others. This is something you should protect yourself against when booking a hotel. Thus, question and investigate if you’re asked to pay using any staff’s personal account.
Before You Unpack — Scan the Room for Cameras
Before you unpack and get settled in a room, take a few minutes to scan the room for hidden cameras. I remember a video I saw years ago, a man who just checked into a hotel room found about five hidden cameras. This is a breach of privacy, and it could expose you to serious risks.
Let me show you simple hacks to detect hidden cameras in Nigerian hotels.
- Turn off the lights and scan for small red or blue LED lights
- Use your phone’s flashlight or camera to spot reflections.
- Check behind mirrors, wall sockets, TV, and smoke detectors.
The image below shows a woman scanning for hidden cameras with a portable detector in a dimly lit hotel room.
Image Source: Freepik
Tell People Where You Are — And Let the Hotel Know That, Too
Let your trusted friends and relatives know where you are. I know some people like to keep their movements private. But when it comes to your safety, drop the secrecy. Call at least 2–3 loved ones and tell them the hotel name, room number, and location. You can also send voice or video recording messages upon arrival in the presence of the receptionists and management. This way, you’re making it known that you are trackable, and this should instill some fear into the minds of anyone with evil intent among them.
The image below shows a Hotel guest sharing their real-time location for safety.
Image Source: Canva; Getty Images
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Lock the Door — Then Lock It Again
Lock the door always. Seriously, don’t joke with this at all. Some doors in Nigerian hotels can be unreliable. Test the door if it’s in good condition. If not, don’t hesitate to request a room change.
I’ve read stories of people who have been victims of unsafe situations in hotels; many would say their door was locked. There could be access via several means. They could have an extra key or a master key. The keys could be duplicated, granting them free access to your room unexpectedly.
So, how can you keep yourself safe?
- Wedge a strong chair, table, or any other heavy item against the door.
- Get a portable door jammer or doorstop alarm.
- Insert a fork into the latch to prevent entry.
- Double-check the door peephole; cover it if it looks tampered with or foggy.
This is very important, especially if you’re a female solo traveller.
Trust Your Gut, Not Only the Hospitality
Trust your gut when lodging in a hotel. Yes, the hotel staff could be very hospitable. But if something feels weird, I’ll advise you to leave.
If you notice anything suspicious, pack your bags and find another place. No hotel room is worth your life and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to stay in a hotel for your convenience is not a bad idea. But the unpleasant, rampant stories of Nigerian hotels require us to be extra vigilant.
I’ll also add that you should keep a low profile while staying in a hotel. Don’t post your real-time location or check-ins on social media. Share your location only with trusted people, as I have stated above. And if you are alone in the room and hear someone trying to access your door, act as though you’re not alone. Speak loudly.
Do you have any hotel safety tips in Nigeria that I missed out on? Please share them in the comments section below. Also, please don’t read this alone; share it with other travellers.
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