Originally Posted by Foreign Affair
The emergency key is unique in that it will release the deadbolt, necessary in a fire or medical emergency.
I assume this is the deadbolt that is directly on the doorhandle area.
What does a hotel do in the case of an emergency with the other safety bolt? I don't know the exact name for it but it is usually higher on the door. You swing it towards the door and if the door is opened, it catches a little latch on the door itself and keeps the door from only opening an inch or two.
Since that appears to be purely mechanical, how does a hotel undo that in order to open the door?