10 Housekeeping Mistakes

Hoteliers and experts tell us what it takes to ace the housekeeping game even in the best of hotels

- Nisha Shukla

Housekeeping is a critical function of a hotel’s operation —it can make or mar the guest experience. Well-maintained rooms and suites set the tone for the quality of services provided by a hotel, and also play a vital role in guest satisfaction, thereby assuring guest loyalty.

However, owing to the demanding nature of the profession and the number of rooms they have to cater to, a housekeeper’s job can be stressful, leading to many hits and misses. Some common mistakes the hotel’s housekeeping staff is known to make, despite all the precautions taken: Inappropriate linen checks; not using colour coded dusters; low cleanliness levels in areas such as high ceilings and under the bed; inappropriate vacuuming of carpets/mats, and unprofessional communication with guests, amongst others. Industry leaders and experts share their learning about the most common housekeeping mistakes that occur during operations.

Hair strands left lying around on the floor and the bathrooms

Strands of hair on the bathroom floor or in the sink are those little things that turn happy travellers into disgruntled hotel guests.

Meena Bhatnagar, general manager, Taj Wellington Mews Luxury Residences, says, “A clear sign that a room has been insufficiently cleaned is the sight of hair in the bath or on the floor. Over time, some employees may try to take shortcuts by not vacuuming or sweeping. To avoid such issues, hotels must make sure that the staff has plenty of time to tidy each room. A housekeeper should also make random checks to ensure that the staff is operating to a high standard, every single day.”

Miscommunication while dealing with guests’ needs and privacy