Having a safe in a hotel room or holiday home provides added value, but its effectiveness depends largely on where that safe is installed. If poorly chosen, there's a risk it could be easy to find and be broken into, thus defeating its purpose.
However, if the installation site is well chosen, the safe will go unnoticed, it will blend seamlessly into the room and be convenient to use, providing the sense of security your guests expect from the establishment.
In this article, we'll consider the factors for installing a safe in a hotel or tourist centre, including where to locate it and where not.
Factors to consider before installing a safe in your hotel
Before choosing the item of furniture or wall to install the safe, it's worth analysing a few key aspects:
1. Type of accommodation and guest profile
A business hotel in a city is not the same as a holiday resort or a long-stay tourist apartment. In each case, the safe may have a different purpose, for example:
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Storing laptops and confidential documents for business executives and travellers.
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Protecting passports, cash and other valuables for families.
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Safeguarding important personal belongings for guests staying several weeks in an apartment.
Thus, depending on the type of guest, you may need safes with greater capacity, easier access or advanced features, such as access auditing. Learning about the different security ratings of safes can help you choose the most suitable option.
2. Accessibility and ergonomics
Guests should find using the safe convenient and effortless. For example, installing it too low (at floor level) or too high makes access inconvenient and may discourage customers from using it.
The safe should ideally be positioned between waist and chest height, with enough space in front to comfortably open the door, place bulky items inside and see the keypad clearly.
3. Discretion and visibility
The safe should also be easy for the guest to find, but not be immediately noticeable to an intruder. It may not be possible to hide it completely, but it should be discreet enough not to be the first thing someone sees when entering the room.
So it's usually a good idea to integrate it into a wardrobe or item of furniture, so that it not obvious at first glance, but still clearly locatable by the guest.
4. Furniture structure and mounting
Security also depends on how solidly the safe is mounted. Therefore, before deciding where to install the safe, check if:
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The wall or floor allows for solid anchoring.
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The item of furniture to be used is sufficiently strong.
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There is enough space to insert screws and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Staff workflow
Finally, consider your staff as well. They will need quick access to replace batteries, check the condition of the unit or move it if furniture is updated.
If there is a problem, a location that requires moving beds or dismantling furniture will make their work far more time-consuming. This is a point to remember!
Ideal locations for installing a safe in hotels
Taking the above factors into account, here are some of the most recommended places to install a safe in a hotel or tourist apartment:
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Inside the main wardrobe, at mid-height. This is one of the best options. The wardrobe is already a natural storage space for the guest, and this way the safe remains discreet yet accessible.
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Inside a TV cabinet or desk. Many hotels include a closed compartment within the TV cabinet or desk. Here, the safe blends in with the room's design and is very convenient for storing laptops or other work devices.
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Auxiliary furniture in the hallway. In suites or more spacious rooms, auxiliary furniture in the entry area or hallway can be an excellent location: not noticeable for someone entering the room for the first time, yet convenient for the guest.
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Back office. For safes intended for hotel staff use, the best location is in restricted-access areas equipped with electronic access control on the door.
Take a look at our article on how a hotel room safe works to get a clearer idea of the most suitable installation locations.
Where not to install a safe: Locations to avoid
Choosing the right place is important, but knowing where not to put a safe is equally so. Some examples of locations you should avoid include:
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On top of a table, desk or dresser; it is fully visible.
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In the bathroom or inside furniture exposed to high humidity.
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Next to sliding doors or windows, in highly exposed areas.
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At the bottom of a wardrobe, at floor level, without proper anchoring.
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In high-traffic areas without access control.
Enhance your hotel security with Omnitec safes
In the hospitality sector, every detail matters when it comes to creating a sense of trust. That's why choosing the right safe model is important; but combining the right equipment with the right location is what truly makes the difference.
The hotel safes we offer at Omnitec are designed for hotels, hostels and all types of tourist accommodation; providing the perfect balance of security, usability and aesthetics. And of course, they incorporate advanced technologies.
When combined with other security systems, such as our electronic hotel locks, you gain a comprehensive solution for your property: the room door is protected with secure credentials and, once inside, your guests have access to a high-quality safe installed in an ideal location.
Don't wait any longer. Put your trust in our team at Omnitec and boost your hotel's security today!