Do not disturb sign being ignored

[kileskus]

How often does this happen to you and how do you deal with it?

I've had a couple of cases where I've put a DND on the door prior to going out and come back to find my room cleaned. It's quite irritating because I don't like my belongings being repositioned and have medical supplies I don't want people seeing, but I assume it's done either in good faith or for housekeeping to make it easier for themselves on check out day. I've read that some hotels do condition checks on rooms regardless of DND but is that necessary if there's a credit card on file?

Wanted to hear your experiences with this.

 

[Scarlett]

I almost always just leave the DND sign on the door. Can only think of maybe one or two very rare instances over a 20 year span where someone has then come into the room to service it.

If I see the cleaning staff I’ll let them know it’s not required for my room. Or sometimes I’ll tell the front desk to let cleaning staff know it’s not required.

 

[DC3]

I've had a couple of cases where I've put a DND on the door prior to going out and come back to find my room cleaned

They believe that you are forgetful and don’t remember that the sign is on? Most likely all very innocent.

 

[RooFlyer]

I think its happened only once or twice. But I think better (in addition to DND) to let reception know and to emphasise that you want them to tell housekeeping.

 

[markis10]

With the move to electronic DND I wonder how many accidental activations occur, I know I have done it, sometimes housekeeping knock to check

 

[Flyerwin]

when I’m traveling for work for a couple of days I usually leave the dnd sign up as I can’t be bothered and it’s always been respected.

 

[Denali]

Ive only once had an issue and it was the Quest Homebush after a Rolling Stones concert and housekeeping tried to barge in at 8.30am. The door lock/latch thingy prevented her from storming in

Its 8.30am after a concert and we had late check out - bugger off

 

[Himeno]

There are some hotels that say they will clean rooms after x days regardless of any dnd sign.


Had someone open the door at a Boston hotel a couple of weeks ago, see me in bed and leave again. They were checking all rooms for some maintenance thing.

 

[flyingfan]

Had it ignored in Santorini and housekeeping inadvertently threw away my friend’s newly bought earrings which were in some tissue on the dresser. The hotel just shrugged and the friend was ropable.

 

[jb747]

Common in the USA, when you didn't want them coming in. On the other hand, the cleaners never seemed to turn up if you turned the sign around. Happened in UK.

What also happened quite a lot, was that if you left the sign on the door, they'd then ring you up. There was a reason it was on the door!@

 

[wombatpatties]

We stayed at RACV hotel in Hobart. They had a green card which meant if you’re agreeable, they would not cLean your room till four days, it was fine for us to enjoy a lie-in in peace. Plus you get a drink bonus too!

 

[Tag2305]

How often does this happen to you and how do you deal with it?

I've had a couple of cases where I've put a DND on the door prior to going out and come back to find my room cleaned. It's quite irritating because I don't like my belongings being repositioned and have medical supplies I don't want people seeing, but I assume it's done either in good faith or for housekeeping to make it easier for themselves on check out day. I've read that some hotels do condition checks on rooms regardless of DND but is that necessary if there's a credit card on file?

Wanted to hear your experiences with this.

I was staying at the Sheraton Eur Roma, put dnd out, vaguely packed some important things away, and left for an overnight stay. Came back to find room remade, even though it didn’t need anything done to it, and a very expensive silk scarf missing. Alerted management, they did nothing, didn’t speak with the room cleaners, I said I wanted the police called, they didn’t want that, but eouldn’t do anthing. I have never stayed at SHERATON again, and tell everyone not to stay there.

 

[jastel]

Had it both ways...they come in if you dont want, or dont come when you do want it...had handyman guy come in at 6am to fix something, wrong room etc...

I have been allocated other peoples rooms, had other people banging on my door as well at 2am, mistakes happen I guess.

If I want privacy and the door is a bit dodgy lockwise I will put a chair or something across it to make some noise.

So long as nothing goes missing I dont really care. Most staff are as embarrassed as you are by the mistake.

 

[RooFlyer]

Was at the Porter House in Sydney (Accor). Absolutely zonked, so tried to get some sleep in the arvo. Electric DnD on, door latch engaged.

Someone rang, then tried to open the door (failed) - went away. Then they called to say they tried to enter but the door was latched

I eventually discovered that the DND 'light' on the outside didn't come on when you engaged it inside.

These electric DnDs are becoming more common - might have to pinch a card one from somewhere and take it around with me.

 

[Larko1]

 

[QF_Flyer]

This drives me absolutely INSANE! I'm naturally a late sleep/late riser, so often I'll be asleep at 10am/11am and get a knock on the door. Fiji are particularly bad for this, they tend to call the room too, just to really p155 me off (unplugging the phone worked). My most recent and somewhat surprising was Intercon Wellington last weekend - 10:30am, several knocks on the door, despite not only the DND sign being on, but the red light being on too - ffs just leave me alone.

Update to add that Asia are probably the best in this regard - they tend to leave me alone and just stick a note under the door, but even there is not 100% perfect of course.

 

[MARTINE]

Agree its an issue
Have had both - not doing the clean when expected (or prompted) or ignoring the sign.

I usually ask at check in to have details on my file I expect the room serviced in am preferably from 9am. We are early risers and out by then. I also ask for this to be done on my way out.

If staying a few nights I try and chat to the cleaners and reiterate my preferences (if possible) politely - I always greet them anyway and wish them a good day, thank them for their work.

But @Larko1 where do I find one of those signs?!?