More Bad Hotel Peephole Press

Security Cameras in a Hotel is a must. Being liable for something that was recorded but not reported is false. You are only required to pull recorded info if their is an event, theft, complaint or good reason. Security is complex, but handled by the right people that will take the time to use the system to its full capability will be succesfull with it. Nothing else in the world can tell a story like security cameras can. Security cameras not only protect and tell all. They can save a hotel tens of thousands of dollars monthly by better employee management, debunking slip and fall claims, theft reports like stolen bagadge, vanalism........the list goes on and on. Sorry to make this a small commercial but understanding what a camera system is really used for is the power behing managing and protecting your business!

I don't think it's "hotels", I think it is lazy employees and bad FOM's that don't know how to train people properly. Almost every time I stay at a hotel, I hear an innocent, mindless utterance of someone's room number and name at the front desk. It happens all the time, and I suggest you try it next time you go to a hotel. It's insane. Frankly, this goes back to the bombing problems too.... much of hotel security is an illusion, and nothing more than something to make people "feel" like there is safety and authority in control. How many pools are broken into after hours? How many people wander around back of house? Security in hotels is a loose concept at the best of them. Not to say there aren't PHENOMENAL teams out there... but it's just so complex. Heck you can get sued for having CCTV, because if it simply records the event, and no one takes action... you can be held accountable for not acting on what is recorded. It is actually why we have not put cameras in some recent properties... it causes liability issues. Security is complex... finding the balance of respecting guests while vigorously respecting their privacy is a fine line.

I believe your last sentence is the the most important issue. There are no expenditures that are more necessary than training and technology that ensure the guest’s personal security. This is not an area that becomes marginalized during an economic downturn. I recommended how the hotel industry should respond to the Erin Andrews peephole incident in a blog post last week - www.rockcheetah.com/blog/security/erin-andrews-peephole-video-demands-proactive-hotel-industry-response/ A friend told me she how someone had stalking her in a New York City hotel last week. An experienced traveler and seasoned executive, she was unnerved when the guy knocked on her door. The hotel moved her to a different room, but the situation should have never arisen. There is considerable marketing focus on customer engagement, building brand preference and extending relationships in the hospitality industry. The first step to gaining long term trust and commitment is to protect the guest's personal security.