Ask for a room between the second and seventh floors above the ground level. These rooms are high enough that you'll be free from the prying eyes of passersby, but low enough so fire truck ladders can reach you. If you pay with a credit card, be sure that you get your card back. Sometimes cards get switched inadvertently at busy front desks. When entertaining guests, wait for them in the lobby. Be elusive about your room number.

When you get to the room, do a quick security check. Do all the locks work? Is there a peephole? Is there a door to an adjoining room? If so, ensure that the door to your room is locked. Lock and bolt the doors and windows at all times, and don't leave money or valuables in the hotel room.

In the United States, every hotel room is required to post instructions about what to do during a fire. Take a few minutes to study the escape plan. Count the number of rooms to the two closest exits. When you're walking down the hall notice where the nearest fire extinguishers and alarms are. Keep a flashlight on your nightstand in case of a power outage. 

If the hotel fire alarm sounds, grab your room key and touch the doorknob with the back of your hand. Never grab a doorknob in this situation. If there is an electrical current going through the door your hand will convulsively grip the doorknob and you won't be able to let go. If the door is hot, don't open it and stay in the room. Fill the tub with water, soak towels and use them to block the crack in the door. If the doorknob is cool, cover your face with a wet towel and slowly open the door. Hurry to the nearest exit. In an emergency, always take the stairs - not the elevator. If all the exits are blocked, return to your room.