Pro Tips for Avoiding Unwanted Housekeeping Cleanings at Your Hotel

Whether you're a frequent traveler or a first-time guest, understanding hotel etiquette is crucial. One common question guests often have is about avoiding unneeded housekeeping cleanings when they're out of their room. Here’s everything you need to know about using the 'Do Not Disturb' sign to effectively manage your room's cleanliness.

The 'Do Not Disturb' Sign: A Guest’s Best Friend

Hotels worldwide provide a simple and effective tool to manage your room's cleanliness: the 'Do Not Disturb' (DND) sign. This small but powerful tool allows you to communicate your cleaning preferences to the housekeeping staff without needing to interact directly. The sign typically hangs on the doorknob with one side reading 'Do Not Disturb' and the other reading 'Please make up the room'.

How to Use the Sign Correctly

When you check in, the hotel staff will place the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the inside of the doorknob. This sign should stay there as a sign of your preference for no cleaning until you change it. Simply turn the sign so that the 'Do Not Disturb' side is displayed to the guests once you are sure you do not need cleaning.

Communication and Time Management

Communication is key when it comes to room cleaning preferences. If you decide to change your mind and want the room cleaned, make sure to flip the sign at the appropriate time. It’s generally advisable to do so between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM, as this is typically when housekeeping staff do their morning rounds. Opting to change the sign at this time ensures that your request is noticed in a timely manner.

However, it’s crucial to note that if you wait too long or attempt to change the sign at an inconvenient time, you run the risk of being missed. Housekeeping staff often have busy schedules, and failing to communicate your needs can result in your room not being cleaned. Therefore, be mindful of the housekeeping rounds to maximize your chances of having the room cleaned when you return.

Additional Tips for Hotel Stay Etiquette

In addition to using the 'Do Not Disturb' sign, here are a few more tips to ensure a pleasant hotel stay:

Leave a Note: If you forget to change the sign or if your travel plans change, leave a note for the housekeeping staff explaining your situation. Be Consistent: Consistency in using the sign helps the housekeeping staff understand your preferences, reducing the chances of them making mistakes. Respect Housekeeping Workload: Be mindful of the housekeeping staff's workload; overusing the 'Do Not Disturb' sign can inconvenience them.

Conclusion

A hotel stay should be a pleasant experience, and understanding how to effectively use the 'Do Not Disturb' sign is a crucial part of hotel etiquette. By following these tips, you can ensure that your room is cleaned when you need it and avoid unnecessary disruptions when you are out exploring the local area. Happy travels!