Media Advisory

On Wednesday, February 13, Fox Chicago aired video of front desk agents in two hotels giving room key cards to an undercover reporter without requiring proper identification. Additionally, the segment, under the eye-catching title of "How Easy Is It For Somebody to Get a Key to Your Hotel Room?", also featured a security expert who hypothesized that security breaches such as these could lead to robbery, rape, and even murder in hotel rooms. To view the complete coverage online, click here.

In light of recent media coverage of "dirty hotel glasses" which quickly spread from Atlanta to other cities and recently garnered national attention on Good Morning America, AH&LA advises members to be aware of potential "copy cat" segments in their own markets. We encourage members to continually review and update their safety and security policies and procedures. Among other steps, you might wish to consider:

• Review your security standards and procedures to ensure they conform to your local standards;
• Monitor your property staff to ensure they are acting in ways consistent with your protocol;
• Review EI's many educational and training programs/resources for hoteliers, including the Spotlight on Security video, and Keycard Control: Security for Electronic Locking Systems video;
• If you become aware of similar media inquiries or stories developing in your local market, notify AH&LA's media relations manager Jessica Soklow at (202) 289-3153 or jsoklow@ahla.com.

AH&LA encourages its members to remember that, like every business in which the public is served, the lodging industry views guest safety as a top priority. Corporations, franchisors, and management companies are encouraged to maintain strong and comprehensive guest security policies and procedures, as do individually-owned and operated properties.

American Hotel & Lodging Association, 1201 New York Avenue, NW, #600, Washington, DC 20005-3931
www.ahla.com | (800) 252-2462