A romantic escape to the Cornish coast turned into a scene straight out of a British comedy for one unsuspecting couple, after an attempt at privacy resulted in an unexpected police intervention.
The pair were enjoying a stay at the luxurious St. Moritz Hotel in Trebetherick when they decided to hang the 'do not disturb' sign on their door, hoping for a quiet, uninterrupted evening. However, this standard signal for privacy was catastrophically misread by a concerned member of the hotel team.
Believing the sign might be a covert plea for help from someone in a potentially dangerous situation, the vigilant staff member felt compelled to act. Following established safeguarding protocols, they made the decision to contact the authorities to request a welfare check on the room's occupants.
Before they knew it, the couple's intimate evening was interrupted by the arrival of Devon and Cornwall Police officers at their door. The officers were there to ensure their safety and confirm that no one was in distress.
While undoubtedly embarrassing at the moment, the story has been recalled with laughter. A spokesperson for the St. Moritz Hotel later explained the well-intentioned reasoning behind the call, emphasising that the safety of their guests is their paramount concern.
They stated: "We always prioritise the welfare of our guests. Our team are trained to be vigilant and to act on any concerns they may have, which is exactly what happened in this instance. We'd rather err on the side of caution and ensure everyone's safety."
The incident serves as a funny reminder of the importance of clear communication and highlights the extreme lengths to which hospitality staff will go to protect their guests, even if it leads to a momentarily awkward situation.
