Hotel Housekeepers Reveal 10 Things They'd Never Do After Working in the Industry
Being a hotel housekeeper is demanding work that involves long hours and intense physical exertion. Cleaning rooms efficiently requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to perform under pressure. However, this labor is often underappreciated, with some guests being outright rude, while others, even with good intentions, misunderstand what truly helps the people who clean their rooms.
To separate myths from reality, HuffPost consulted hotel housekeepers themselves about their biggest complaints and the practices they now avoid after working in the industry. Their insights, edited for clarity and length, offer a revealing look into the challenges of hospitality work.
1. I Won't Leave the 'Do Not Disturb' Sign Up the Whole Time
Maria Mata from the W Hotel San Francisco explains, "After being a housekeeper, I would never leave the 'do not disturb' sign up for my entire stay. Guests might think skipping cleaning makes our job easier, but rooms left uncleaned for two or three days become extremely dirty. I have to rush to clean them, which strains my body and increases injury risk. Daily cleaning is actually simpler. Plus, if too many guests decline service, hotels may cut shifts, causing wage loss even though cleaning costs are included in room rates."
2. I Won't Keep Telling Housekeeping to Come Back Later
Cinthia Camilo Vargas, director of corporate services at Stay SoFlo in Florida, advises, "Avoid wasting housekeepers' time by repeatedly asking them to return later. Instead, notify the front desk of your preferred cleaning time. This allows housekeepers to schedule efficiently, ensuring both productivity and guest satisfaction."
3. I Won't Go My Whole Stay Without Using Daily Housekeeping Services
Antoinette Clerisier of The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, states, "I would never skip daily housekeeping because I know the struggle. Rooms uncleaned for multiple days accumulate garbage, dirty diapers, and rotting food, making them harder to clean. It also reduces work for colleagues, as fewer housekeepers are scheduled. Our union recently fought to restore automatic daily housekeeping—a standard all should have."
4. I Won't Request More Towels Than I Really Need
Ronnette Lark from Harrah's Resort & Casino Atlantic City in New Jersey, emphasizes, "Requesting extra towels unnecessarily wastes resources and complicates housekeepers' tasks. Others could use them, so we should use only what we need and reuse when possible. It's about solidarity and efficiency."
5. I Won't Forget to Tip
Cameron Thomas of the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, shares, "After working as a housekeeper, I've learned tips are crucial. They show appreciation and provide extra income for emergencies, treats, or daily expenses like transportation or meals. Leave $5 to $10 daily, as different housekeepers may clean your room each day. In hospitality, I always tip at least $10, recognizing its impact on workers' lives."
6. I Won't Forget to Mention My Housekeeper in Good Reviews
Camilo Vargas notes, "Hotels monitor reviews on sites like Tripadvisor or Expedia. If guests know their housekeepers' names, mentioning them in reviews is valuable, as housekeepers are often overlooked compared to front desk staff or managers."
7. I Won't Work Without Proper Protective Equipment
Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, president of ServiceMaster of Lake Shore in Chicago, asserts, "My team and I avoid handling hazardous materials without gloves and masks to prevent health risks. For instance, we report blood or bodily fluids to authorities before cleaning and follow strict disposal protocols. Safety is paramount."
8. I Won't Work Without a Panic Button
Flora Matias of Hilton Doubletree Alana Waikiki in Honolulu, explains, "I would never work without a GPS-enabled panic button, which my union secured in 2018. Housekeepers often work alone in hallways and rooms, so this device ensures help is available if danger arises, providing essential peace of mind."
9. I Won't Leave a Big Mess for the Hotel Housekeeper to Clean Up
Rodriguez-Zaba adds, "When staying at hotels, I keep rooms neat to minimize housekeeping time. With kids, I clean up crumbs myself and always dispose of trash properly. Consideration goes a long way." Maria Mata recounts, "After working as a housekeeper, I'd never leave a huge mess at checkout. Gathering trash and towels helps reduce bending and rushing. Once, I cleaned a post-party room with balloons and drinks everywhere—such conditions lead to exhaustion and injury risks, draining energy for personal life."
10. I Won't Leave My Personal Stuff in the Way During My Hotel Stay
Rodriguez-Zaba concludes, "I store belongings in drawers, closets, or suitcases to facilitate cleaning and prevent damage or loss. This small act makes housekeepers' jobs easier and more efficient."
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date, highlighting the often-unseen efforts of hotel housekeepers and the simple ways guests can show respect and support.
