Most people envision front desk agents checking in guests, concierges assisting with directions and restaurant recommendations, and bellhops lugging luggage up to guest rooms when they think of hotel management. However, one important group of hotel employees is frequently overlooked: housekeeping.Although cleaning guest rooms is a primary duty of housekeeping, the role they play in ensuring a pleasant stay extends far beyond that. Since they deal with guests’ special requests and complaints, hotels’ housekeeping staff are an integral part of their management teams.
The housekeeping department is the backbone of any hotel establishment. Housekeeping is the department that ensures guests will want to return to a hotel because clean environments are appreciated by everyone. While the front desk is the “face” of a hotel, housekeeping is the department that ensures guests will want to return. The smooth operation of a hotel depends on a number of different departments working together to ensure that guests have a pleasant experience during their stay. When staying at a five-star establishment, the smallest details, such as a friendly greeting at the door or a brisk check-in process, can have a significant impact on a guest’s overall impression of the establishment.
Importance of Housekeeping
- Comfort:It is the responsibility of the housekeeping department to provide guests with a comfortable and welcoming environment, as well as to strive for courteous, dependable, and satisfactory service from all departments’ staff.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: The housekeeping department is responsible for ensuring that all areas meet a high standard of cleanliness and general upkeep at all times. The guest will have a more positive impression of your establishment if the spaces and equipment there are clean and well-maintained.Hygiene is maintained especially in the washrooms, toilets, pool changing room, health club, etc.
- Privacy:The housekeeping staff is responsible for protecting the guests’ right to privacy, and they should be familiar with the proper protocol before entering any guest room.
- Safety and Security: With the assistance of security services, the housekeeping department staff should ensure the safety and security of the guests.
CAIHM – Khairatabad’s Faculty of Housekeeping, Ms. Moumita Ghosal Koley shares her expert views on Housekeeping:
The quality of the housekeeping services provided can make or break a business. A hotel’s pride in its service can be seen in the meticulousness with which its rooms are cleaned and presented to guests. The cleanliness of a guest’s room is an unmistakable sign of respect for that guest. The quality of the hotel’s amenities and housekeeping services may differ depending on its star rating.
Keeping common spaces immaculate
Hotels can gain an edge in a fiercely competitive market by focusing on the little things that guests appreciate most. Thus, in addition to a spotless bathroom and new linens, distinguishing features of a hotel include plush pillows and duvets, fully functional modern appliances, and opulent guest amenities.Keep in mind that the quality of service provided by hotels of varying ratings may vary. However, having said this, no hotel should compromise on the cleanliness of their establishment.
Maintaining high guest satisfaction levels
Even though housekeeping staff may not interact with guests on a daily basis, the quality of service they provide has a significant impact on the experience and memories that guests take with them when they check out of the hotel. If a visitor enjoys their stay at a hotel, they are more likely to return at some point in the future, which helps the establishment maintain customer loyalty.
Having reliable and hardworking housekeeping staff is essential for any hotel that wants to succeed in the competitive hospitality industry. Housekeeping is not just about tidiness; it’s also about maintaining a certain level of quality. Given the significance of this service, hotels must invest in training their employees thoroughly to guarantee that their guests have a positive and memorable stay.
