Three Must-Have Security Features For Hotels and Motels

May 1st, 2023



One of the reasons your Chico hotel or motel is chosen for a business or holiday trip is safety. While many people are looking for a clean room for the night, there is a growing public demand for tighter security. This is especially true in luxury hotels, which must adjust to higher levels of security. However, even with strong security, aside from break-ins, theft fraud, and other crimes, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Good, up-to-date security can put a stop to those and also prevent your hotel or motel from being held liable for the criminal acts of third parties, a common practice since 1976. So let's take a look at the top three security features you should consider installing.

  1. Surveillance Cameras

Most hotels and motels in Chico have some form of video surveillance system. Often, a security team monitors easily targeted areas such as the front desk, the cash drawer, lobbies, and other common areas. 

Today's updated software will allow hotel/motel managers and owners to match up transactions with the surveillance footage instead of wasting time and money going through hours of film to find the illegal activity. This system is powered by analytics and can detect when a cash register is opened or every time someone uses a credit card. It is important to invest in or upgrade to high-quality cameras that can film small details such as facial features and bill amounts. With analytics, your hotel/motel can save thousands.

  1. Cybersecurity 

According to a Hotel Management survey, 70% of hotel/motel guests do not feel that hotels are investing enough in cybersecurity. You have to show that you take your guests’ online experience seriously. Your IT and security department should work together to ensure a safe online experience not just for guests but for staff as well. 

Hotel/motel Wi-Fi needs to be a secure network that one has to log on to prior to using. Supply each guest with the username and password, and remind them about possible security risks, such as connecting to nearby public Wi-Fi connections that do not require a password. Your IT should set up the Wi-Fi with role-based access to make sure only guests and approved staff can log on. This is another way to prevent unwanted third parties such as hackers from gaining access to your system.

  1. Mobile Room Keys

For years, one of the largest expenses for hotels/motels has been replacing traditional hotel keys. Today’s mobile keys strengthen security and even allow guests to bypass the front desk altogether. Every entry—be it their room, the gym, or the business center—is done right on their smartphone. 

While many hotels/motels still use key cards, the issue with those is demagnetization. This can be very frustrating to guests when they lose access to their room or have to go back to the front desk for assistance or a new key. A mobile key does not have to be reprogrammed every day over and over. What’s more, the checkout process can be done with the click of a button. 

When guests come to Chico, they deserve to stay at a hotel/motel where they feel safe and secure without having to worry about their private information being hacked. This is why it is important for you to determine how you can increase security by working with a professional and either installing or upgrading your current system. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268