I always use the safe! I recently traveled to Florida for a wedding. We were coming back up from the beach to shower and change into clothes for dinner and as we turned towards our room down the hotel corridor, we saw a hotel employee leaving our room (I believe it was the person who checks the mini bar for use). We were far enough away for him to not know which room we were approaching. Anyway, as he left, he didn't secure the door! It required a little tug for the lock to engage and he just didn't do it. So had we not been approaching just then, our door would have been visibly open for anyone who walked by. No matter where you are, assume that nothing in your hotel room is safe unless you put it in the safe!