The hotel industry requires a means to store deposits and cash from guests as well as checks for employees and vendors. Hotel deposit safes, also known as drop safes, are intended for temporary storage of cash, checks and other valuables. They are specially designed to allow deposits by anyone, with the interior portion allowing access only by authorized persons. When considering a deposit safe, there are several styles and features from which to choose.
Since deposit safes are for temporary storage, they are not designed to be very effective against theft. The money and valuables stored in this safe should be moved daily to a more secure location. Deposit safes are also not generally fireproof, which amplifies the importance of using them only as a temporary security measure.
Three Types of Deposit Safes
There are three types of deposit safes that vary only in the way items are deposited. The first type accepts deposits through a slot in the front. This type employs a baffle inside that prevents anyone from gaining access to the contents once deposited.
The second type of deposit safe is designed similar to a mailbox. A hinged door provides access to the front of the safe. This type is especially handy for larger items. As with the slot front model, this safe contains a baffle to prevent retrieval of deposited items.
The third type of deposit safe provides the most secure method of deposit. It has a rotary door that is mounted to the top of the safe. When an item is placed inside, the rotary must be turned 180 degrees to close properly.
Access Features
Access to the interior portion of hotel deposit safes vary, depending on the security necessary. With the highly visible hotel, it is wise to choose the most effective system of security for entry into the safe.
One system of entry is the dual-custody key that requires two keys to open the safe. One key can be given to the supervisor or manager and the other to a trusted employee. This system may have its disadvantages if both employees are not available when needed.
Another method for deposit safe entry is the electronic keypad. This provides quick, convenient access to the safe. There is also an extended feature of the electronic keypad available which allows tracking of who has accessed the safe and when. This system is referred to as an electronic audit lock.
Hotel deposit safes are a convenient way for hoteliers to temporarily store cash, checks and deposits. Some hotels may even offer to store valuables at the request of guests. It is important to remember that these safes are merely a means to protect items temporarily. They do not offer the extended security necessary to protect against theft and fire. Any deposits made to these safes will need to be transferred to a more secure location, preferably on a daily basis.