To Lock or Not to Lock: Are Hotel Safes Really That Safe?

Most travel safety tips suggest that you should always remember to leave your valuables in the hotel safe. But just how "safe" is it?

A new video posted by consultant skyrangerpro suggests that your hotel safe may not be as secure as you think.

Posted while skyranger was on travel in Markham, Ontario (hotel name not specified), the electronic safety boxes that allow you to program your own four digit codes opened with the default code of all zeroes, usually 0000.

This standard safe looks just like most of the ones we've found in our hotels across the country. It's a valuable lesson for travelers who think they are being secure with their valuables - check to make sure this password isn't your default setting before storing goods in your safe.

If it is, opt to check your goodies at the front desk (where another safety box is usually available).

Gadling's gear reporter Scott Carmichael wrote about the hotel safe issue back in 2009, and suggested a worthwhile but expensive alternative - a personalized locking device.

Sean McLachlan suggested ways to hide valuables around your hotel room.

Click here for more.

Tell us, which tactic would you take?