Spa Lockers are Not Safe for Major Valuables

Spa Lockers are Not Safe for Major Valuables
by Susie Ellis

My neighbor’s valuable Cartier watch was stolen from his spa locker at the Wynn in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. He had changed into his spa robe, put his clothes and watch in the locker, and then punched in his “secret” four digit code to lock the locker. He walked away to enjoy the spa amenities and a massage. When he came back he punched in his “secret” four digit code again, opened the locker and saw immediately that his watch was gone.

Unfortunately, reporting the incident didn’t resolve anything with the Wynn (nor gain any sympathy I understand.) Perhaps Las Vegas hotels deal with these sorts of things often. I once saw a 60 Minutes TV report in which hidden cameras caught people purposely slipping and falling at casinos who later tried to sue in hopes of getting a settlement. Perhaps the same thing happens with people reporting missing valuables. In my friend’s case, it really happened.

This brings me to one of my “insider tidbits.” NEVER LEAVE JEWELRY OR MONEY IN A GYM OR SPA LOCKER – THEY AREN’T SAFE!

Here is why:

• With a key system, it is too easy for attendants to access the master key which opens every locker.
• With a punch system, there is an override code used by attendants if a guest forgets the code they entered. If this isn’t changed daily, someone who worked yesterday could access lockers today, for example.
• It is easy for other clients (or attendants) to watch you enter a “secret” combination. My friend suspects that’s what happened in his case.

The issue of valuables in spas is a major concern to all spas. Have you ever wondered why your spa robe doesn’t have pockets? Many spas have pocket less robes because too many clients have left jewelry in them and then some laundry person had to spend hours going through stacks of robes trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Although the best advice is to never bring jewelry or money to the spa at all, oftentimes it is hard to avoid. For more than 20 years now I have worn my wedding ring and watch into my massage or facial room, taken them off and put them on the counter (or in a small dish provided by the therapist) before my treatment. Of course there are risks with this also, however for me it beats worrying about valuables in my locker. The safest set up I have encountered thus far is a spa in Asia with a safe in each massage room for clients to lock things up.

I suppose there is still the possibility that I could forget to retrieve them.

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