There is a significant change on the horizon for the traditional “Do Not Disturb” sign utilized by the hotel industry. As a rule of thumb, hanging one of these on your room door was treated by housekeeping as request for privacy. The industry is now changing its view with regard to the observance of the door tag. Whereas previous housekeeping staffs would bypass a room somewhat indefinitely when this sign was displayed, Hilton is among the companies leading an industry-wide shift in that approach. Team members are now being instructed to alert management to any sign that has been in place for more than a 24-hour period. Several other companies, including four of Disney World’s Resorts in Orlando, are also updating the verbiage of their policies to display “Room Occupied”. This will allow housekeeping to enter a room after knocking and identifying themselves to the guest. These changes should allow for a more efficient cleaning of rooms, as well as increasing guest safety.
