9,000 Takes on “Do Not Disturb”

It’s easy to forget they’re there — until the cleaning crew knocks on the hotel door while you’re recovering from jet jag. 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 workwith the International Labor Organization of the United Nations before retiring to his home country of Italy. He told Collectors Weeklythat 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

(Edoardo Flores/Flickr)

This DND sign from Israel is either vintage, or emulating1950sadvertising.

Do Not Disturb sign from The Plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel

(Edoardo Flores/Flickr)

A very different feel fromDenmark — like an early 20th century children’s book.

Do Not Disturb sign from the Codan Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark

(Edoardo Flores/Flickr)

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

Do Not Disturb sign from Victoria Beach Resort & Spa in Hoi An, Vietnam

(Edoardo Flores/Flickr)

This American DND sign seems to bechannelingRoy Lichtenstein.

Do Not Disturb sign from the Helix Hotel in Washington DC

(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

(Edoardo Flores/Flickr)

This one from Sweden ought to win Most Adorable.

Do Not Disturb sign from The Comfort Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden

(Edoardo Flores/Flickr)

But this sign in Tehran means SERIOUSbusiness.

Do Not Disturb sign from the Azadi Grand Hotel in Tehran, Iran

(Edoardo Flores/Flickr)