What “Do Not Disturb” Signs Really Mean At Hotels

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Whether it’s a hanger for the doorknob or something that slides into the key slot, most hotels offer “Do Not Disturb” (DND) signs (Disney hotels, by the way, don’t – they started getting rid of them in late 2017 [here’s why], and replaced them with these. Other hotel brands, such as Hilton, also changed their signs around the same time, for the same reason).

DND signs are, obviously, designed for when you, well, don’t want to be disturbed…you’re requesting that no one enter because you’re sleeping, in the shower, enjoying an adult moment, whatever.

Obviously, specific hotel policies will vary from property to property. But for the most part, hotels really do try to give their guests a reasonable amount of privacy and security in their rooms, and they’ll try to respect DND signs as much as possible.

But what legal rights do you have if your DND sign is up? Actually, none. Although you’re lodging there, your hotel room is still the hotel’s property, and “DND” is merely a request, not a requirement. There are several people who are always allowed into your hotel room whenever they want (<– this also goes into who ISN’T allowed to enter your hotel room).

That being said, aside from housekeeping not paying attention (it’s embarrassing but yeah, it happens), there are few times that a hotel staff member will almost always enter a room even if there’s a DND sign hanging on the door:

• The hotel staff has heard loud noises coming from the room (could be a potential for property damage)
• The phone system shows that 911 was called from the room phone (probably less of an issue nowadays, when people use their cell phones more than a room phone)
• Hotel staff has heard loud voices, screaming, or arguing coming from the room (perhaps there’s domestic abuse happening)
• Water is leaking into the room below (if water is overflowing from the tub or sink, that could be an indicator of a potential health issue. If it’s overflowing from either of those or the toilet, that’s a potential for property damage)
• Several suspicious people have been seen entering and/or exiting the room (could be illegal activity)
• The DND sign has been up continually over the course of days (the health and well-being of the guest may be compromised)

As you can see, they usually have to do with staff thinking that health, safety or property are at risk.

So with a DND sign on your door, sure, you can expect a reasonable amount of privacy. But in the event of a suspected emergency, or based on the hotel’s policies, expect that hotel staff might still come in anyway. And there’s little you can do about it.

Feature Photo: Public Domain

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