Guidelines & Questions for Advocates Assisting Clients with Short-Term Hotel Stays

Easy-to-follow guidance to ensure clients are prepared for their hotel stay. 

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Guidelines and Questions for Advocates Assisting Guests with Short-Term Hotel Stays

Section 1: Pre-Booking Considerations

1. Research the area and read reviews of the hotel to ensure it meets the standards of both the agency and client. 
2. Before selecting a hotel, consult with the client to assess:
   1. Safe or unsafe locations: Are there particular areas the guest would feel more or less safe in? 
   2. Proximity needs: Does the guest want to be close to specific places like work, school, healthcare providers, or religious communities?
   3. Transportation: Does the guest need parking access? Are there public transportation options available nearby?
   4. Accessibility: Are there any mobility or transportation issues to consider? Are there accessible restaurants, convenience stores, or other amenities nearby?
   5. Language needs: What is the language spoken by the guest, and is language access provided at the hotel?
   6. Specific room accommodations: Does the guest have pets, need a smoking room, etc.?
3. Hotel Specifics
   1. Ask about any hotel events or community activities that could pose a risk or act as triggers for the guest.
   2. Screen for hotel-related factors, such as whether the hotel has been linked with human trafficking.
   3. Check policies on external doors, room access, housekeeping, and security measures.
4. Confirm Choice
   1. Confirm that the hotel's location and other aspects feel safe and comfortable for the guest.

Discuss and inform the guest about:

• Emergency exit routes and parking access.
• Check-in/check-out times, amenities, and hotel policies.

Section 3: Safety Planning During the Stay

1. Safety Measures
   1. Discuss safety planning, particularly if there is a risk of an abuser locating the guest.
   2. Link to resources for managing cell phones, location tracking, and social media use.
2. Emergency Contacts
   1. Ensure the guest has contact details for:
      1. Emergency services
      2. Case manager or agency contact
3. General Hotel Rules and Expectations
   1. Adherence to Hotel Rules: Acknowledge that you are expected to follow the hotel's rules and guidelines. Noncompliance may result in termination of the hotel stay.
   2. Room Condition: Agree to maintain the room in its original condition, avoiding any damage or removal of items.
   3. Drug Use or Other Illegal Activity
   4. Weapons Policy: Acknowledge that weapons are not allowed on hotel premises.
   5. Smoking Policy: Confirm understanding of the hotel’s smoking policy.
   6. Substance Use: Acknowledge that illegal drug use is not allowed.
4. Confidentiality and Privacy
   1. Location confidentiality (as needed)
   2. Unauthorized guests
5. Lifestyle Policies
   1. Room Occupancy: All guests staying overnight at the hotel must be included on the reservation. Hotels may refuse or cancel a reservation if more guests than are listed on the reservation are staying in the room. 
   2. Visitor Policies: For non-overnight visitors, many hotels require visitors to register at the front desk and provide their name and photo ID, even if the guest is staying under an alias reservation.  
   3. Noise Level: Acknowledge adherence to the hotel's quiet hours.
   4. Pets Policy: Confirm understanding that pets require prior approval.
   5. Smoking areas
6. Personal Responsibility
   1. Belongings and Security: Agree to keep your belongings safe and secure during your stay.
   2. Supervision of Dependents: Acknowledge the responsibility for supervising any children or dependent adults.
7. Emergency Procedures
   1. Emergency contact protocol.
   2. Welfare checks for unresponsive guests.
   3. Property retrieval after stay.
   4. Safety measures against people guest may be seeking safety from. 

By adhering to these guidelines and questions, you help ensure a safer, more comfortable, and client-centered experience.