Hiliariously, my PM brain that can never be at-rest was thinking about how this whole interaction could be improved. Hampered, of course, that this was dated in 1997–now hotels have magical things like in-room tablets.
That's a huge problem. This situation is not something that requires "improvement". It's a well defined, easy to implement, no frills request. And which is particularly tried hard not to be delivered. Any of the parties which are to provide the solution do not use one modicum of brain to solve this. They ignore clear and concise communications and try to play dumb and by the book. Which was the all ask. “Don't play by the book, ignore this part which I particularly don't need“.
Which means that this can now play out with tablets instead of bars of soap.