Whether you’re planning a summer city break, travelling for work or heading away for a weekend getaway, feeling safe in your hotel can make all the difference.
Most travellers spend time comparing prices, reading reviews and checking locations before booking accommodation. But one important factor is often overlooked: hotel security.
Features such as in-room safes, CCTV, key-card access and 24-hour security can help protect both guests and their belongings while away from home. Yet our latest research shows that many hotels across the UK still lack some of these basic security measures.
To find out which UK cities offer the safest hotel stays, we analysed 200 hotels across 20 major UK destinations. Each hotel was assessed on the security features listed on Booking.com, including safes, CCTV systems, smoke alarms, security alarms and access controls.
The results revealed significant differences between cities, with some popular tourist destinations ranking surprisingly low for hotel security.
The UK’s worst cities for hotel security
The table below shows the average Hotel Security Score for each city analysed.
| Rank | City | Average Security Score |
| 1 | Nottingham | 3.6 |
| 2 | Brighton | 5 |
| 3 | Leeds | 5.1 |
| 4 | Sheffield | 5.3 |
| 5 | Leicester | 5.6 |
| 6 | London | 5.8 |
| 7 | Bristol | 5.8 |
| 8 | Belfast | 5.8 |
| 9 | York | 5.8 |
| 10 | Glasgow | 5.9 |
| 11 | Manchester | 6.1 |
| 12 | Cardiff | 6.1 |
| 13 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 6.3 |
| 14 | Oxford | 6.4 |
| 15 | Edinburgh | 6.4 |
| 16 | Birmingham | 6.4 |
| 17 | Bath | 6.5 |
| 18 | Cambridge | 7 |
| 19 | Liverpool | 7.3 |
| 20 | Aberdeen | 7.4 |
1. Nottingham
With an average Hotel Security Score of just 3.6 out of 10, Nottingham ranks as the least secure city for hotel stays in the UK.
Known for attractions such as Nottingham Castle, Sherwood Forest and its historic cave network, the city attracts visitors from across the country each year. However, our research found many hotels lacked some of the security features travellers have come to expect.
In-room safes were particularly uncommon, while key-card access systems and 24-hour security were also less widely available compared with other cities in our study.
For travellers carrying valuables such as passports, laptops or jewellery, checking hotel security features before booking could be especially worthwhile.
2. Brighton
Brighton takes second place with a Hotel Security Score of 5.0 out of 10.
One of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations, Brighton is famous for its iconic pier, independent shops, nightlife and vibrant food scene. Despite its popularity, many hotels in the city were missing several key security features.
The biggest gaps included 24-hour security, alarm systems and secure access controls. While many visitors enjoy trouble-free stays, the findings suggest travellers may want to take a closer look at hotel security information before making a booking.
3. Leeds
Leeds ranks third with an average score of 5.1 out of 10.
The Yorkshire city attracts millions of visitors every year thanks to its shopping, cultural attractions, sporting events and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales. However, many hotels analysed scored lower than average for security.
In-room safes were less common than expected, while around-the-clock security was also limited in many properties. These measures can provide valuable peace of mind for guests, particularly those travelling for business or carrying expensive equipment.
4. Sheffield
Sheffield records a Hotel Security Score of 5.3 out of 10, placing it fourth in our rankings.
Situated on the doorstep of the Peak District, Sheffield is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and festival-goers alike. Yet the city’s hotels scored below average across several of the security measures assessed.
Many properties lacked features such as in-room safes and 24-hour security, which can help guests keep valuables secure while exploring the city or surrounding countryside.
5. Leicester
Completing the top five is Leicester with a score of 5.6 out of 10.
Home to attractions including the National Space Centre and King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester welcomes visitors throughout the year. However, hotel security scores were lower than the national average, with fewer hotels offering key security features such as safes and 24-hour security services.
Like Sheffield and Leeds, fewer than half of the hotels analysed offered both secure storage facilities and continuous security coverage.
Which UK cities have the most secure hotels?
While some cities scored poorly, others performed exceptionally well.
Aberdeen was named the UK’s most secure city for hotel stays, achieving an average score of 7.4 out of 10.
The Scottish city was closely followed by Liverpool and Cambridge, both of which recorded strong security scores across the hotels analysed.
| Rank | City | Average Security Score |
| 1 | Aberdeen | 7.4 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 7.3 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 7 |
| 4 | Bath | 6.5 |
| 5 | Birmingham | 6.4 |
Hotels in these cities were more likely to offer a combination of in-room safes, CCTV monitoring, key-card access systems and 24-hour security measures.
Why hotel security matters
Hotel rooms often contain some of our most valuable possessions while travelling.
Passports, cash, jewellery, laptops, tablets and cameras are frequently left unattended while guests explore a city or attend meetings. That’s why even basic security features can play an important role in protecting belongings and providing peace of mind.
Some of the most useful hotel security features include:
In-room safes
A hotel safe such as our Small Compact Safes, often found in wardrobes, offer a secure place to store valuables when you’re away from your room.
Key-card access
Electronic access systems help prevent unauthorised entry and limit access to guest-only areas. Aside from hotels, Airbnbs often use systems such as Key Safes to control entry.
CCTV systems
Visible surveillance cameras like our CCTV & IP Security Cameras can act as a deterrent and help staff investigate incidents if they occur
24-hour security
Round-the-clock security can provide additional reassurance, especially for solo travellers and those arriving late at night.
5 hotel security tips for travellers
Before booking your next hotel, consider checking whether it offers the following:
1. Look for an in-room safe
If you’re travelling with valuables, a safe, especially certified options like our High Security & Eurograde Safes, can provide an additional layer of protection while you’re out.
2. Check security information before booking
Many booking sites list security features such as CCTV like our DVR CCTV Systems, Intruder & Burglar Alarms and key-card access.
3. Read recent reviews
Guests often mention how safe they felt during their stay and whether security measures appeared effective.
4. Lock your room whenever you leave
Even if you’re only stepping out briefly, always ensure your room is secured. In hotels, these are often secured with locks such as Door Locks.
5. Avoid leaving valuables on display
Keeping expensive items out of sight can reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
Staying secure when you return home
Travelling isn’t the only time security should be on your mind. An empty home can be an attractive target for opportunistic burglars, particularly during peak holiday periods when many people are away.
Taking a few simple precautions before you leave can help reduce the risk and give you greater peace of mind while you’re travelling.
Lock doors and windows
It may sound obvious, but many burglaries still occur through unlocked doors and windows. Before setting off, double-check that all entry points are securely locked, including garages, sheds and side gates. Using a strong lock like our Door Locks can help to secure your property.
Avoid advertising your trip
While it can be tempting to share holiday updates on social media, doing so publicly may signal that your home is unoccupied. Consider waiting until you return home before posting photos and travel updates.
Use smart security devices
Smart home security products can help you monitor your property from anywhere in the world. Devices such as IP Cameras, Video Doorbells and Security Alarms allow homeowners to receive alerts and check on their property remotely. View our full range of smart products: Smart Home Security Systems
Make your home look occupied
Using timer switches on lights or smart plugs can help create the impression that somebody is home, even when the property is empty. Asking a trusted neighbour to collect post can also prevent obvious signs that you’re away.
Secure valuable items
Important documents, jewellery, cash and other valuables should be stored securely before travelling. A home safe provides an extra layer of protection against theft and can help keep important possessions secure whether you’re away for a weekend or an extended holiday. We have a selection of safes including Floor Safes and Fireproof Safes as part of our Home Safe range.
Read more tips on securing your home whilst away: Keeping Your Home Secure Whilst on Holiday
Expert insight
Anthony Neary, security expert at Safe.co.uk, said:
“While travellers often focus on location, price and amenities when booking a hotel, security features can easily be overlooked.
“In-room safes remain one of the simplest and most effective ways for guests to protect valuables such as passports, jewellery, laptops and cash while away from home. However, our research shows that many hotels across major UK cities still do not have this basic security provision.
“Features such as CCTV, key-card access systems and 24-hour security can provide additional reassurance, particularly for solo travellers, business travellers and those carrying valuable belongings.
“Before booking accommodation, it’s worth checking what security measures are available and taking simple precautions such as securing valuables, using safes where provided and ensuring room doors are locked whenever leaving.”
What this means for travellers
While price, location and reviews are often the deciding factors when booking a hotel, our research shows that security shouldn’t be overlooked.
From in-room safes and CCTV to key-card access and 24-hour security, these features can help protect both guests and their belongings while away from home. Yet our findings reveal that security standards vary significantly across the UK, with cities such as Nottingham, Brighton and Leeds scoring well below the national average.
Whether you’re planning a business trip, city break or summer getaway, taking a few moments to check a hotel’s security features before booking could help you avoid unnecessary risks and enjoy greater peace of mind during your stay.
And remember, security doesn’t stop when you’re on holiday. Making sure your home is protected before you travel – whether that’s securing valuables in a home safe, installing smart security devices or ensuring doors and windows are locked – can help you relax knowing both your belongings and your property are protected while you’re away. View our full range of products: Safe.co.uk
Methodology
Safe.co.uk analysed 200 hotels across 20 major UK cities using publicly available information listed on Booking.com.
Ten hotels were assessed within each city.
Each hotel was awarded a Security Score out of 10 based on whether the following security features were listed on its Booking.com profile:
- In-room safe
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Security alarm
- Key-card access
- 24-hour security
Scores were averaged across the 10 hotels analysed within each city to create a city-wide Security Score. Cities were then ranked from lowest to highest score.
