Do Not Disturb Signs for Hotels and Guest Houses — A Buyer's Guide

A do not disturb sign does a small but important job. It tells housekeeping to come back later, gives guests a sense of control over their space, and — when it carries your logo — quietly reinforces your brand every time someone hangs it on a handle. This guide covers what to look for when buying do not disturb signs for a hotel, B&B, guest house, or serviced apartment.

What types of do not disturb sign are available?

Most hospitality door signs fall into one of three categories.

Reversible hanging signs are the most common format. A slot or hole drops over the door handle, with one message on each side — typically "Do Not Disturb" and "Please Make Up My Room" or "Please Clean the Room". They work on lever handles, round knobs, and most standard hotel hardware.

Single-message signs carry just one instruction and are often used in addition to a reversible sign — for example, a dedicated "Do Not Disturb" sign for therapy rooms or treatment spaces where cleaning-on-request messaging is not relevant.

Large-handle variants are designed for the chunky lever handles common in older buildings or boutique properties, where a standard-width hanger does not sit securely.

Oak or bamboo — which material is right for your property?

Both materials are engraved using a laser, which produces a permanent, recessed mark that does not fade, peel, or rub off the way printed plastic signs do. The choice usually comes down to aesthetics and sustainability priorities.

4mm oak veneered MDF has a warm, natural grain and suits properties with a traditional or country feel — farmhouses, heritage hotels, countryside B&Bs. It takes a sharp engraved finish and can be left natural or oiled.

FSC-certified Moso bamboo (certificate RINA-COC-001256) is slightly lighter in colour and has a more uniform grain. It suits contemporary boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and spa properties where sustainability credentials matter to guests. Bamboo grows rapidly and does not require replanting after harvesting, making it a genuinely lower-impact choice.

What size do not disturb sign do hotels use?

The most widely used format is 89×144mm — roughly A6 portrait. This fits over standard lever handles without sagging and is large enough to read from a few steps away. Wider variants at around 100×150mm suit larger lever handles and double doors.

For properties with non-standard door furniture, a bespoke size can usually be cut to order. It is worth measuring your handle before ordering in quantity.

Can I add my hotel logo?

Yes. All of our hotel door hangers include a free design service. You supply your logo — a black-and-white file works best for engraving, though most colour logos convert well — and we engrave it alongside the standard message text. The result is a finished sign that looks considered and professional rather than generic.

We can also adjust the wording. If your property uses "Please Refresh My Room" instead of "Please Make Up My Room", or if you want to include a room number field, that can be incorporated at the design stage.

How many do I need to order?

We supply from single units up to bulk orders of 500 or more. Bulk discounts apply automatically at checkout:

• 20 units: 10% off
• 50 units: 15% off
• 100 units: 20% off
• 250 units: 25% off
• 500 units: 30% off

For a 40-room hotel ordering one sign per room plus spares, the 20% tier applies at 100 units. If you are outfitting a larger property, the 250-unit pricing brings the per-unit cost down considerably compared to high-street alternatives.

How long do wooden hotel door signs last?

A laser-engraved wooden sign will outlast a printed card or plastic alternative many times over. The engraving is permanent — there is no surface layer to scratch, no ink to fade under UV light, and no laminate to peel in a humid bathroom corridor. In normal hotel use, a well-made wooden door hanger should last several years before showing significant wear.

If a sign is lost or damaged, replacements can be ordered in small quantities. Because all orders are made to your specification, replacements will match your originals exactly.

What other hospitality signage do you supply?

Do not disturb signs are one part of a wider signage suite. Many hotels order several products together to create a consistent look throughout the property:

• Hotel room and facility signs — spa, gym, reception, restaurant, toilet and accessibility signs in matching oak or bamboo
• Hotel room keyrings — oversized 200×80mm oak key tags engraved with room number and your logo
• WiFi QR code signs — solid oak blocks for room desks, showing your WiFi QR code or password
• Guest review signs — Google, Trustpilot or TripAdvisor QR code signs for receptions and rooms

Ordering multiple product types together qualifies for combined bulk pricing.

Where are the signs made?

All products are made to order in our workshop in North Wales. UK orders are dispatched via Royal Mail Tracked 24. International orders ship via Royal Mail International Tracked. Current dispatch times are shown at checkout.

Frequently asked questions

Can I order a sample before committing to a full hotel run?
Yes — order a single unit first to check the fit on your door handles and approve the design. Single units dispatch at full price; bulk discounts apply when you place your main order.

Do the signs fit all door handles?
Standard 89×144mm signs fit the vast majority of lever handles. If you have unusually wide or thick handles, message us with the dimensions before ordering and we will advise on whether a wider slot is needed.

Will I see a proof?
Proofs are not provided as standard. If you need one, please request it in the personalisation box when ordering.

Do you supply outside the UK?
Yes — we ship to the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Switzerland via Royal Mail International Tracked.

To see our full range of hotel door hangers and discuss your requirements, visit our Hotels & Hospitality collection or get in touch directly.

Pete, Cherry Grove Craft