When you stay at a hotel, you’re likely focused on enjoying your vacation or getting work done. But have you ever stopped to wonder what goes on behind the scenes? As the backbone of the hospitality industry, housekeeping professionals have unique insights into the workings of hotels that guests don’t often see. In this post, we’ll share some housekeeping secrets that only the teams who clean the properties know!
BUT FIRST! What is Housekeeping and who does it?
You know those really sweet people who nod at you when you pass them in the hall, and are always pushing around carts full of towels and shampoo bottles? Those are the housekeeping professionals who have spent years training how to be discreet, helpful, and meticulous!
Housekeeping refers to the services provided by a hotel’s staff to maintain cleanliness, comfort, and orderliness in guest rooms, common areas, and other parts of the hotel. A housekeeping supervisor oversees the housekeeping staff and ensures that they adhere to established standards and procedures. And an Executive Housekeeper oversees not only what goes on within each room, but the overall customer experience – from the floral arrangement in the lobby (#pictureperfect) to the smell of the bathrooms on the ground floor which transport you to a whole different world!Â
But what is it that housekeeping professionals learn about us, as guests, when we spend the night at our favourite hotel or resort?
Let’s delve into some insider secrets that only housekeepers know:
1. The dirtiest spots in a hotel room
While hotels are generally clean and well-maintained, some areas are dirtier than others. According to housekeepers, the dirtiest spots in a hotel room are the TV remote, light switches, and the phone. These items are touched frequently and are rarely sanitized, making them a breeding ground for germs.
2. The strange items left behind
As housekeepers clean hotel rooms, they come across some unusual items left behind by guests. From forgotten underwear to half-eaten pizzas to , the things that guests leave behind can be surprising and sometimes amusing.
3. How many people spent the night
Hate to break it to you, but they can tell when more than one person has spent the night in the room! Whether it’s the second toothbrush being used or the excessively messy bed, your housekeeping team knows you weren’t alone and the best part? They are trained and discreet enough to never make you uncomfortable about it 🙂
4. The power of small things
Ever walked into your hotel room, tired after a long day, and been pleasantly surprised to see a flower on the bed? Or your favorite bath products replaced with new bottles? Or a bunch of decorations to wish you a happy birthday even though all your colleagues forgot? That’s your housekeeping team at work.
Housekeeping staff know the importance of providing a personal touch. They often leave small notes or tokens of appreciation for guests, such as folded towels in the shape of animals, flowers made of tissue paper, or handwritten notes welcoming guests to their room. These small gestures can go a long way in creating a memorable experience for guests.
5. The importance of room security
While guests may assume that their belongings are safe in a hotel room, housekeepers know that theft can and does happen. That’s why it’s important to always use the room safe for valuables and to lock the door when leaving the room.
6. The power of a clean room
Housekeepers understand the importance of detail-oriented cleaning. They are trained to pay attention to even the smallest details, such as dust on lampshades, stains on curtains, or scuff marks on walls. By ensuring that every nook and cranny is clean and tidy, housekeepers help to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for guests.
In conclusion, housekeeping services play a crucial role in enhancing the customer experience in hotels. Housekeepers are not just cleaning staff, they are customer experience experts who understand the importance of detail-oriented cleaning, the power of a personal touch, time management, guest behavior, and effective communication. By acknowledging and appreciating the hard work of housekeeping staff, hotels can create a positive and memorable experience for their guests.