Confessions from the Front Desk: How Hotel Workers Stay Safe When Security Is MIA
Working the front desk at a hotel sounds pretty cushy, right? Greet guests, hand out key cards, maybe sneak a cookie from the continental breakfast when no one’s looking. But as anyone who’s actually worked that lonely lobby shift knows, sometimes it feels less like a sitcom and more like a scene from a thriller—especially when you’re the only employee in the building and someone starts acting strange.
That’s exactly the situation Redditor u/jasontheninja47 found themselves in, prompting a question that’s equal parts anxious, relatable, and a little bit haunting: “Do you guys have security, or what do you do when you feel unsafe?” As it turns out, the hospitality industry is chock-full of DIY security hacks, street smarts, and a healthy dose of gallows humor.
Let’s set the scene: Our OP (original poster) has been on the job for six months, mostly enjoying the ride. But two encounters—one with a guest whose “flirting” crossed the line into creepy, and another who flat-out refused to check out until the police were called—sparked a very real fear: “What if he had a weapon? Or decided to get violent?” Oh, and did we mention there’s no security on-site? Sometimes, OP is literally the only staff member in the building. Suddenly, those free lobby cookies don’t seem so sweet.
So what’s a lone front desk warrior to do? The Reddit hive mind did not disappoint, offering a smorgasbord of advice, commiseration, and creative solutions:
Lock It Down—Even If Management Whines
One of the most popular (and practical) pieces of advice: If you’re alone and feeling vulnerable, lock those lobby doors! As u/[deleted] (whose wisdom was upvoted by the masses) put it, “I began locking the doors so that they were exit only to avoid anyone entering that shouldn’t be there.” Sure, management might grumble about lost walk-ins, but as this commenter says, “My safety is more important than the possibility of a walk in not realizing to press the button for entry.” Can we get an amen?
u/DesertfoxNick agreed, noting that even guests appreciate a locked lobby during the “witching hours.” Apparently, no one wants to see what crawls in after midnight in a tourist town. And if management complains? Well, a little flak is better than a scary midnight encounter.
The Art of the Firm “No”
No security? No backup? Sometimes, the only weapon you’ve got is your attitude. As u/no-thanks-thot shrewdly observed, “Management has put a value on your safety by refusing to hire security… The rest is up to you. Locks! Refuse to leave the desk or enter a guest room for any reason. Call the cops when you say you will. Be firm and in charge.” In other words, channel your inner bouncer—no velvet rope required.
DIY Security Theater
What if you can’t lock the doors or you’re stuck staring down a guest who gives you the creeps? u/anotheroldmonk, a downtown hotel veteran, has perfected the art of “security theater.” When things get dicey, they pick up the landline, pretend to call security, and start describing the would-be troublemaker in detail. According to them, it’s surprisingly effective: “In my case, they all just walk out of the property on their own.” Sometimes a little bluff goes a long way.
Trust Your Instincts—And Your Locking Mechanisms
Night shifters know: if your gut says “nope,” listen. u/megalogo shared, “When someone gives me the creeps, I talk to them over the door, I don’t open them and even refuse to sell them a room. Better safe than sorry—if something happens nobody will know until 5am, no thank you.” It’s the kind of advice your grandma would give, but with more fluorescent lighting and less tea.
Personal Protection, Just in Case
Some staffers take things a step further, arming themselves with a little extra insurance. Mace, tasers, and even the humble pocket knife make cameo appearances in the thread (u/NocturnalMisanthrope swears by a sharp knife and a quick call to the police). While not everyone’s cup of tea (or legally advisable in all locations), it’s a sign of just how seriously front desk folks take their safety.
The Real Issue: Where’s the Backup?
Underneath the jokes and life hacks, one theme kept bubbling up: Why does hotel management leave people so vulnerable in the first place? As one commenter bluntly pointed out, it’s a calculated cost-saving decision. “Pretty easy to estimate how much that would cost,” noted u/no-thanks-thot, “but your safety isn’t worth that to them.” It’s a sobering reminder that sometimes, the people serving you waffles at 2am are doing it at their own risk.
A Final Word (and a Virtual High Five)
If you’re reading this from the comfort of a hotel lobby—especially during the graveyard shift—consider this your reminder: Trust your instincts, advocate for your safety, and don’t be afraid to lock the door, bluff a security call, or just say “no.” And to those who’ve had to call the police or face down a sketchy guest with nothing but a phone and some sass—your fellow hospitality warriors salute you.
Have your own tales from the front desk? Got a tip, a scare, or a hilarious “security hack” to share? Drop it in the comments—we promise, this is one lobby where you’re never alone.
Original Reddit Post: Do you guys have security, or what do you do when you feel unsafe?