Sweeping Changes

"From sophistication in operations through increased application of technology and automation to refinement in attitudes towards the workers, housekeeping in hotels in India of today has substantially enhanced its role during the recent years.

There shouldn't be any room for doubt that housekeeping is the edifice of the hotel industry. Without a clean restroom, or a spic and span lobby, the best of facilities and amenities of a five-star hotel are likely to be unable in attracting discerning guests.

It is because without sanitation, luxury or rather the entire concept of hospitality loses its significance. Similarly, the aesthetic décor of the room wouldn't appeal to the guest if she/he comes to the room after the meeting and see that her/his bed sheets are still as dishevelled as it was before she/he left in the morning, and the depleted toiletries in the bathroom are not yet replenished.

Yes, the major chunk of the revenue of hotels in India still comes from rooms (though F&B segment is fast catching up, and MICE and wedding are other important revenue earning segments), but without good housekeeping standards, the best of hotel rooms will fail to attract repeat visitors.

However, it doesn't mean that housekeeping is important only for five-star hotels, which are normally characterised by high-end amenities and decor. It is essential for all hotels, but for five-star properties, the housekeeping standards should be nothing short of impeccable, as here you are catering to guests who are likely to have experienced high standards of hospitality across the globe and naturally they have become habituated to not settle for anything ordinary.

Role Extension

What is more, housekeeping in hotels these days is not just about cleaning and maintenance, as it was years ago. Though cleaning and maintenance are still of extremely crucial importance in housekeeping, but today the role of housekeepers in hotels in the country, especially in high-end hotels operating in India, include some other facets too.