5. “Do Not Disturb” Signs Don’t Guarantee Total Privacy
Many guests assume that hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign ensures no one will enter their room, but that’s not always the case. While the sign typically discourages housekeeping from knocking, some hotels have policies that allow staff to enter after a certain period. In many chains, rooms that haven’t been accessed or checked in 24 hours may be subject to a wellness or safety check. This policy helps prevent incidents such as medical emergencies or illegal activity from going unnoticed. For example, after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, several hotels updated their protocols to allow for more frequent checks of rooms left undisturbed.
Guests should understand that the sign offers limited protection and may not override hotel safety procedures. If you’re concerned about privacy, it’s best to speak with the front desk and clarify the policy upon check-in. Knowing this kind of policy exists is one of those hotel secrets that proves appearances can be misleading.
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