RSNA 2020: Hotels with in-room safes for laptops and valuables

RSNA 2020 was held in Chicago from 29 November to 4 December 2020, bringing radiology professionals together for the Radiological Society of North America’s scientific assembly. Delegates often travelled with laptops containing presentations, research, patient information and confidential institutional data, making secure accommodation an important part of the meeting experience.

Hotels near McCormick Place offered accommodation across three, four and five-star categories, with room blocks and competitive rates for individual attendees and larger delegations. A suitable in-room safe provides valuable protection for devices and personal belongings, although travellers should confirm the amenity and its dimensions before paying for a particular room type.

Why room safes matter for delegates

Conference hotels are busy environments with frequent guest turnover, shared lifts and public meeting spaces. A room safe offers a defined place for laptops, phones, passports, bank cards and jewellery while attendees attend sessions, visit exhibitors or travel around Chicago. It also reduces the temptation to keep valuables visible or carry every important item between venues.

A safe should complement rather than replace sensible device security. Delegates should maintain encrypted backups, use multi-factor authentication, avoid storing the only copy of important data on a laptop and keep insurance cover current. Hotel policies and travel insurance terms should also be checked because the presence of a safe does not automatically cover accidental loss, theft or damage.

Recommendations for choosing a secure hotel room

Before confirming a reservation, ask the property to verify that the exact room category has an in-room safe rather than assuming that every room in the building includes one. Specify the size of the laptop and any associated equipment when requesting details.

• Confirm that a built-in or portable safe is available in every assigned room and ask for its internal dimensions.
• Check whether it uses a digital keypad or key, and learn the procedure for a failed battery or lock.
• Keep laptops and accessories in the main compartment rather than an open shelf or adjoining storage space.
• Store passports, cards, cash and jewellery securely while carrying only the payment card and cash needed for the day.
• Maintain cloud backups, encryption and multi-factor authentication so stolen data remains protected.
• Ask how issues involving a faulty safe are reported and whether the front desk offers a secure alternative.

Test the lock after check-in, keep the code private and conceal the safe when the room is unattended. If a presentation laptop must remain accessible for several hours, keep it with the delegate and place smaller valuables inside the safe.

Chicago stays for Australian attendees

Chicago’s River North, Streeterville, Loop and Near North Side areas put many hotels within a short ride of McCormick Place. Delegates with time between sessions can explore the lakefront, and this Navy Pier attractions guide helps with planning a break from the scientific programme.

Australian guests commonly arrive from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, where the local hotel market already includes comparable three, four and five-star properties. When comparing Chicago rates with familiar Australian hotels, check whether the quoted price includes breakfast, resort fees and taxes. Chicago hotels normally charge in US dollars, so choosing the currency conversion offered by the card issuer can be more economical than accepting a less favourable rate at the terminal.

Australian travellers should also consider returning home with a new computer. The personal import allowance for goods arriving by air is generally AUD 900; a higher-value laptop may attract GST or duty, depending on the circumstances, and should be declared. Current Australian Border Force rules should be checked before departure. In addition, Chicago operates on 120-volt, 60-hertz power, so devices requiring Australian 230-volt supply may need an appropriate voltage converter and plug adaptor.

Comparing room blocks and team bookings

Room blocks can provide negotiated rates, guaranteed room availability and a single point of contact for a delegation. They are especially useful for radiology departments, hospital teams and professional groups arriving together. When comparing properties, consider the distance to McCormick Place, public transport access, cancellation terms, check-in hours and whether room safes are included throughout the allocated block.

Teams can use the group registration service to organise bookings, attendee details and room allocations. Before the block closes, request written confirmation of safe placement, accepted identification, deposit requirements and procedures for adding or replacing delegates. This avoids uncertainty when different room types are assigned close to arrival.

Secure your stay and plan beyond the meeting

Individual travellers should compare the total nightly cost, location and included amenities before selecting a property, then ask the hotel to document the safe provided with the reserved room type. Reviewing the scientific programme and venue schedule can also help delegates identify days when they will need early breakfast, late baggage storage or secure space between commitments.

Some attendees may combine Chicago with another US journey. For an outdoor extension, this Idaho water sources guide explains how to research water supplies for remote travel in Idaho’s high desert. It is relevant to itinerary planning beyond Chicago rather than to the hotel amenities themselves.

Use the RSNA 2020 accommodation and group registration options to secure the preferred hotel category, request a suitable safe for each room and establish one contact for payment, rooming lists and delegate changes. Complete your booking now and obtain written confirmation of the in-room safe before travelling to Chicago.