Hotel Safes: Are They Secure???

[PhoenixFlyer]

We're staying at the Divi Phoenix right now. Got here Sunday Nov 22nd & on Tuesday, the 24th of November, lost $200 out of the room safe. Security people very nice - but they say that no one could have opened the safe without having our combination. Well, we're out $200. The safe has a pin lock, with a number that we pick. It also has a card swipe that no one seems to know anything about. They say (Staff) that they have no programmed swipe cards. Their literature says otherwise, indicating that all of their time share owners have a safe card. Also, there is a scanner connector underneath the card swipe - presumably for "maintenance staff" use only.
I'm wondering if anyone has had similar problems here ... ??? I have to say that the weather is great, the Staff seem the best, everyone is friendly & 'no one has ever heard of anything like this happening' ... it gets a bit hard to recommend when $$$ are disappearing from the room safe. Don't know what to make of it. I've read other reviews of non-Divi properties here in Aruba where the room safe proved to be a $$$ sieve
Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated!!! Last night, Nov 30th, met the local Aruba police. They were leaving the Phoenix after taking a statement from a couple that had lost $130 out of their safe - same story as ours. They took my statement as well. They were perplexed; their police report will be available to me today.
PhoenixFlyer.

[purpleangel]

I personally do not trust the room safes. I don't bring any jewelry with me, other than the earrings that I wear 24/7. I lock valuables in my suitcase when I'm not using them (iPod, digital camera, cash) and haven't had any problems.

[Arubalisa]

We have never had any issues at the Playa Linda, Occidental, Hyatt, Radisson, Westin, Phoenix or Tamarijn.

[damnyankeeuk]

there has to be a way for the hotel staff to open a dafe, in the event that someone leaves it locked when they check out. so, sounds like someone has access to the master combo or the master swipe card, and is using it to make a little extra tip money. hope they catch them soon!

[Jarubian]

I agree that someone has to have the master swipe card for the safe to be available to the next people that check it. It is ashamed that people are doing this whether or not they are in need.
I hope this does not ruin the rest of your vacation, and I also do like Darlene said, use the suitcase to put most valueables, and I have stayed at Radissson, La Cabana, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Marriott, Renaissance, Westin, and nothing as been taken eve when I left it in plain site.
Take care and enjoy.

[Chadd]

If I recall there was a problem with people at the RIU doing the same thing within the last year or so. I would push the issue.

[qlaval]

Hotel safes are very easy to open without any key or combo.

Don't believe me?

Look at this video for example...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPcmZ7zIqfo

[PhoenixFlyer]

Thanks for the video link. Since I've not posted enough yet, I am not allowed to place a link on the forum. If you go to:

"youtube.com/watch?v=99Q3aDy-BUc&feature=related"

into your URL, you'll see a way to preserve the safe owners original code, so that they won't know anyone has been in the safe!

[TomFrederick]

Over the many years have heard of some safe openings at a couple resorts.
I stay at a timeshare where they use a lock(fits down into the safe) and key. Over 20 years have not heard of any safe openings where I stay. If you lose your key am told maintenance/security comes in with a drill to cut out the lock. Think they charge like $25 for a new lock and key.
>>> "taking a statement from a couple that had lost $130 out of their safe - same story as ours"
----- 2 in a short period of time. Go talk to the manager.

[Shnyda]

Scary to hear - over the years I have put thousands in those safes after winning money in casinos. I will think twice before ever doing it again!