- Do not disturb sign
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Common Do not disturb sign of a hotel
A do not disturb sign is a sign placed on a door, either hanging on the doorknob or in some other manner, that lets others know not to enter.
One common place where do not disturb signs are used is in places of lodging, where guests can place these signs on the door in order to inform staff, including housekeeping to respect their privacy.[1] Some hotels also provide "make up room" signs giving the opposite instructions.
They are also used in schools to let other staff members and students at the school know that testing is in progress in the particular classroom.
Do not disturb signs are recommended to those who keep valuables in their rooms in order to deter possible thieves.[2]
Contents
Problems with do not disturb signs
In multiple cases, a do not disturb sign on the door of a hotel room has been blamed for concealing a homicide, suspicious death, or other criminal activity.[3][4][5]
In 2009, a do not disturb sign was blamed for concealing the disappearance of an elderly couple on a cruise ship.[6]
Future of do not disturb signs
An Electronic Do Not Disturb SignHigh tech signs
Some hotels are using high tech means to replace the paper do not disturb sign that hangs on the door. They are including a privacy button that one can press from the comfort of their room that lights up an indicator outside the room.[7]
Use as a marketing tool
More recently, hotels are using the do not disturb signs as a way to brand themselves and provide inexpensive advertising.[8][9]
In 2007, Embassy Suites ran a contest allowing the public to design do not disturb signs.[10] The winner was announced in 2008.[11]
References
- ^ Elliott, Christopher (June 29, 2008). "As hotels squeeze cleaning staff, guests get caught in the middle. How to make sure your housekeeping needs get met". San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/29/TRVA11DNES.DTL. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ Edward G. Hinkelman, Myron Manley, James L. Nolan, Karla C. Shippey, Wendy Bidwell, Alexandra Woznick. Importers manual USA.. 4. p. 46. http://books.google.com/books?id=SVoVKSXBTzwC&pg=PA46&dq=%22do+not+disturb+sign%22&lr=&as_brr=3&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html. Retrieved 2 Nopvember 2010.
- ^ Maurer, Kevin (6/26/2008). "Warrant: Body of pregnant soldier found in tub". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-06-26-3285533780_x.htm. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ "Hotel 'Do not Distrub' sign hid murder". Express.co.uk. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/104279/Hotel-do-not-disturb-sign-hid-murder. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ Riches, Chris (30 May 2009). "Hotel 'do not disturb' sign hid murder". Star Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/local/18730289.html. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ "Elderly Couple Disappears On Cruise Ship". CBS News. January 17, 2009. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/17/national/main4730518.shtml. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ "From hotel rooms to hi-tech havens". The sidney Morning Herald. May 9, 23008. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/05/09/1210131215154.html. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ "Catching ZZZZZZZZs a sign of the times". tvnz.co.nz. 26 February 2005. http://tvnz.co.nz/view/news_travel_story_skin/476263?format=html. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ Kingsbury, Amanda (27 February 2005). "Genius works behind 'do not disturb' sign". projo.com. http://www.projo.com/travel/content/projo_20050227_shush27x.1de18b8.html. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ "Make your own 'Do Not Disturb' sign". Associated Press. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20070917/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief_do_not_disturb. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ "The disturbin results of Embassy Suites 'Do Not Disturb' sign". hotelchatter.com. http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/2/18/102222/497/hotels/The_Disturbing_Results_of_Embassy_Suites_Do_Not_Disturb_Sign_Contest.
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