How to keep stuff safe in a Chicago hotel?

I'm going on a class trip to Chicago for 4 days, any advice on how to keep all my stuff back at the hotel safe?

like "Summer Hiker" I travel a lot for work (2or 3 stars hotels) and I've never had a problem, I do leave my laptop on the table, I also leave sunglasses and sometimes my palm when it's charging. Sometimes I put my wallet (when I go to the gym) in a drawer but that's all. If you're on vacation you don' t need to bring (very) valuable things.

I wouldn't necessarily use the hotel safe. There have been TONS of stories about stuff being taken by staff from a hotel safe. And since this is a class trip, I'm going to assume you're not staying in a four star hotel.

My advice is don't bring any valuables that need to be kept in a safe. This is a class trip; what sort of valuables do you need to bring? Gold bars? A Rolex watch? Kugerrands? Just bring the basic stuff. You will (I assume) be keeping your wallet on you at all times, so you don't need a safe. And if you're talking about your 200 GB iPod or something, keep that on you as well. Buy a backpack and take that around town with you. Or you can purchase a money belt. It's actually a good investment and is pretty much pickpocket-proof. and if you're bringing a laptop, you don't need to store it in a safe. Just note with the desk clerk that you have one. In case it comes up missing he can verify it.

I travel 100% for work. I've never had a problem with stuff getting stolen out of my hotel room, including laptop computer (which probably isn't the safest thing to do to leave it there, but you get careless after a while).

If you have anything really valuable, check it in with front desk in the safe. Everything else should be fine.

Like all of the previous answers, I recommend not to bring anything you don't need!

For things like Laptops, and electronics, you can by anti-theft stuff, like a heavy duty lock for your computer (i used mine at school). You really shouldn't have much of a problem. Just try to make sure whom ever you're staying with, you trust!

There will be a safe in the hotel. Keep your valuables in the safe. You should be fine anyways. Valuables in the safe & lock the door to your room as you leave.