A delightful collection of ‘Do not disturb’ signs from all over the world

Sideshow
Do Not Disturb sign from Chateau d'Artigny in Montbazon, France

It's easy to forget they're there — until the cleaning crew knocks on the hotel door while you're recovering from jet lag. But have you ever noticed the variety in "Do Not Disturb" signs? Each one tells a story about the hotel, the country that it's in and what could be going on in your private space. 

Edoardo Flores has collected nearly 9,000 Do Not Disturb signs from 190 countries over the past two decades. He used to work with the International Labor Organization of the United Nations before retiring to his home country of Italy. He told Collectors Weekly that he always tries to buy the signs or ask permission — he doesn't encourage stealing. Although some well-meaning fans have stolen signs for him and gotten into trouble. 

And you wouldn't want to mess with this guy.

Do Not Disturb sign from Armada Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey
Do Not Disturb sign from Armada Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey.Courtsey of Edoardo Flores/Flickr

This DND sign from Israel is either vintage, or emulating 1950s advertising. 

Do Not Disturb sign from The Plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel
Do Not Disturb sign from The Plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel.Courtesy of Edoardo Flores/Flickr. 

A very different feel from Denmark — like an early 20th century children's book. 

Do Not Disturb sign from the Codan Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark
Do Not Disturb sign from the Codan Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. Courtesy of Edoardo Flores/Flickr.

Flores says his favorite DND signs come from Asia, where there is more attention to craftsmanship.

Do Not Disturb sign from Victoria Beach Resort & Spa in Hoi An, Vietnam
Do Not Disturb sign from Victoria Beach Resort & Spa in Hoi An, Vietnam.  Courtesy of Edoardo Flores/Flickr. 

This American DND sign seems to be channeling Roy Lichtenstein.

Do Not Disturb sign from the Helix Hotel in Washington DC
Do Not Disturb sign from the Helix Hotel in Washington DC. Courtesy of Edoardo Flores/Flickr.

The perfect DND sign for a writer on holiday in Venice.

Do Not Disturb sign from the Anton Hotel in Venice, Italy
Do Not Disturb sign from the Anton Hotel in Venice, Italy.  Courtesy of Edoardo Flores/Flickr. 

This one from Sweden ought to win Most Adorable. 

Do Not Disturb sign from The Comfort Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden
Do Not Disturb sign from The Comfort Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden.  Courtesy of Edoardo Flores/Flickr. 

But this sign in Tehran means SERIOUS business. 

Do Not Disturb sign from the Azadi Grand Hotel in Tehran, Iran
Do Not Disturb sign from the Azadi Grand Hotel in Tehran, Iran. Courtesy of Edoardo Flores/Flickr.
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