Originally Posted by
UKTraveller4Fun
...
The hotel gives guests all the tools needed to alert staff the room is occupied. A knock I fully agree is good manners but there is far to much room in the did they knock, didn't they knock or did they knock loudly enough debate to suggest a knock forms part of the security!
While I don't disagree that a DND sign can be a very useful tool. Where we disagree is what are the consequences of not utilizing it. Yes, there are many situations which could be avoided by its use. But, none of that absolves the hotel of responsibility. Independently of the guest's actions, the hotel staff should knock on the door before entering. I see if as far beyond mere manners, but rather an obligation of the hotel.
The hotel staff knows that the hotel makes mistakes; rooms which are believed to be empty sometimes have guests. These guest may be in any state of undress, amorous activity or just requires privacy. Pity the make hotel guest who is observed as he walks into a room of sleeping children.
For the hotel to enter a room without knocking, I would submit is egregious.