How to Handle Being Locked Out of Your Hotel Room

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Maybe you forgot the key, misplaced it, or lost it somewhere during your travels; but whatever the reason, you've found yourself locked out of your hotel room. It's a sticky situation, and under some unfortunate circumstances, it can even be embarrassing. This article offers a few ways to get back in with your dignity intact.

Steps

1
Never leave your room without your key. This goes without saying in the first place; you can easily avoid being locked out if you take the key with you when you leave. Always double check that you have it with you when you leave for the day, and when returning to the room at night. If you tend to be forgetful, put the key somewhere obvious before going to bed, like on top of your clothes or inside your shoes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

If You Do Get Locked Out

1
Assess the situation. Are you dressed appropriately to be seen in public? Wearing anything from everyday clothes to simply pants and a shirt is acceptable. If all you have is a towel or underwear, it may be embarrassing, but still legal. Almost everywhere, being completely nude is illegal.
2
If you're dressed appropriately to be seen in public, simply go to front desk and ask for a replacement key to your room. If one isn't available, ask to see if maintenance personnel can use a master key.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

If You Aren't Dressed

1
Stop and think. Are you alone on your trip? Is there anyone else staying with you? If there is, go to their room and borrow suitable clothing from them to ask for a key, or have them ask the front desk for you. If a friend or family member is sharing the same room with you, but is not present, call them to come to the hotel and use their key.
2
If no one is available to help, look for a phone or use your cell phone. Some hotels have guest phones or payphones in the hallways you can use to call the front desk. Explain the situation, and ask them to send someone up with a key.
3
If you cannot find a phone, look for anything you can use to wear. A coat hanging on a door, a bath towel, etc. Go to the front desk wearing this, remembering to return the items once you can get back in your room.
4
Look for something to cover yourself up with if nothing else is available. Be prepared to draw attention when holding up a potted plant or newspaper to yourself, but if it is all you can find, it is necessary.
5
If you can't find anything to cover yourself, and there are no other options, use the stairs to reach the front desk and poke your head around the door. Call for someone to help, and explain your situation. Do not use the elevators to get downstairs; you'll want to create as little disturbance as possible.
6
If there is no door, poke your head around the wall, or whatever is there. Call for security if the front desk isn't nearby, or if someone bothers you.
7
As a last resort, take a deep breath, put your hands where you need them to be, and run to the receptionist. If it helps you, pray to God that there is no one else around to see you, and quickly ask them for a key.

Community Q&A

Question

I am naked, but still have my towel and there is a swimming pool. Should I ask pool staff to call reception?

Community Answer

You should go find help immediately. You can certainly ask pool staff to call reception or anyone else who might be able to help you. Make sure you are well covered by the towel. Finding someone that is your gender might be more comfortable. Also, the pool staff may have some more towels or clothes to lend you.
Question

What do I do if I see someone?

Fort Bacon

Community Answer

Smile and wave. Whatever you do, don't panic! Calmly walk to the main desk and say, "I've been locked out of my room. Could you let me back in so I can get my key?" At this point they will probably ask your name and what room you're in, and escort you there. Within 15 minutes you will be back in your room, sighing in relief.
Question

What if I'm naked and someone sees me?

Community Answer

Cover your parts, apologize, explain and figure out how to get back into your room.

Warnings

Do not knock on random doors. You will not be welcomed inside, and you risk causing a commotion that will lead to humiliation, and if they escalate, the possibility of arrest for indecent exposure and/or disturbing the peace.

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As previously mentioned, do not use the elevator if you aren't properly dressed. People are likely to get on, especially during the day, and there is no way of controlling when and where the doors will open. They could open to dozens of people in a large hotel.

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If you can't find a way to cover yourself up, stay where you are and do not go downstairs. Wait for someone to come into the hallway or out of their room, and explain your situation.

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