Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.

Good housekeeping is one of the most important aspects of hotel operations. No matter how spacious the rooms are or how many amenities it can offer, a hotel brand’s reputation can still be on the line if it can’t promise the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene to its customers.

What exactly do hotel housekeeping standards involve? Let’s dig deeper and examine what customers expect whenever they check in:

1) Proper Room Turnover

Hotel room turnover refers to the act of cleaning and preparing a hotel room for the next guest after a previous guest has checked out. The housekeeping department takes the time in between bookings to ensure that the high standard of accommodation is met for every guest, no matter how booked and busy the hotel schedule is.

For example, a hotel near NAIA would constantly have both local and international guests coming in and out of their hotel rooms to and from Manila’s airport. Proper turnover between each guest is of utmost importance to ensure that the quality of the accommodation is upheld for everyone.

2) Infection Control

Infection control is one of the most critical reasons hotels need high housekeeping standards. Proper hygiene and cleanliness are what prevent the risk of spreading infections and illnesses to both the hotel’s guests and its staff members. Any shortcomings when it comes to infection control may also cause a snowball effect on the hotel in question; staff members can fall ill and be unable to work, while guests can also get sick and trace the source of their infection back to the hotel, resulting in negative reviews and damage to the hotel’s reputation.

This is especially important after the effects of the COVID-19 virus. More guests have become vigilant about hygiene and disinfection for fear of catching anything serious. And while the worst of the pandemic is behind us, hotel owners and managers should still ensure the safety of their accommodations by maintaining good hotel room hygiene.

3) Pest Control

This falls into the same realm as infection control. Pests such as ants, roaches, and mice love dirty and unkempt environments. Poor sanitation and improper disposal of food and waste can draw an infestation that can be challenging to get rid of once it has begun. It’s important for hotel managers and staff to ensure that hotel rooms are not conducive environments for pests to live in, and that can only be done with consistent housekeeping.

Poor hygiene isn’t the only cause of infestation. Guests can unknowingly bring in pests that have gone into their luggage or other personal belongings. Regular housekeeping services can eliminate these pests before they grow into a bigger issue in the long run.

4) Guest Satisfaction

Guests will almost always prioritize a hotel’s cleanliness and presentation when looking for a good hotel to stay in. In addition, the staff’s efforts to keep up with this high housekeeping standard from the start of a guest’s stay all the way to the end can make or break their experience and satisfaction.

A hotel will be able to grow its business and reputation in the industry if it consistently exceeds guests’ expectations, especially in regards to housekeeping. If the management maintains and improves on their service, guests are likely to return for any future trips, refer the hotel to their peers, and leave positive comments on review platforms.

5) Safety and Compliance

Hotels should constantly be aware of any safety and security threats that may occur under their roofs, and housekeeping staff plays an important role in making sure that the hotel’s operations are running smoothly.

For example, staff can also check for any workplace hazards that need to be addressed while preparing a room for a guest. These include pipe leakages that could cause floods and slippery floors or malfunctioning equipment that can be dangerous if handled improperly. Maintenance and repairs can either be handled by the housekeeping department or by separate professionals.

The hotel’s housekeeping staff also ensures safety compliance by checking the emergency exits, ensuring proper usage of cleaning chemicals, and meeting any electrical and fire safety standards. That makes them invaluable in assuring guests of a hotel stay experience that’s not only pleasant, but safe.

6) Room Aesthetics

The hotel room ambience and aesthetic matters more than one may think. It’s one of the aspects that potential guests take into consideration when choosing a hotel to book, and it’s the first thing they will judge the second they step into their hotel rooms.

Housekeeping staff are expected to not only maintain the cleanliness of the rooms, but also each room’s aesthetic appeal. This includes making sure the decorations are not misplaced, each piece of furniture is in its proper place, the room amenities (such as hygiene kits) are restocked, and any waste is properly disposed of.

In short, the importance of hotel housekeeping standards cannot be understated. If you’re looking for a hotel to stay in, it’s crucial to keep a good eye on their housekeeping practices. A hotel that you can rely on to stay on top of its hygiene and cleanliness standards will likely provide high quality service in every other aspect of your stay.

Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.