Hotel Housekeepers Reveal 10 Things They'd Never Do After Working in the Industry
Being a hotel housekeeper is exceptionally demanding work, characterized by long hours and intense physical exertion. Cleaning rooms efficiently requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to perform under constant pressure. However, this labor is frequently undervalued, with some guests displaying outright rudeness, while even well-meaning individuals often misunderstand what truly aids those who maintain their accommodations.
To distinguish fact from fiction, HuffPost consulted hotel housekeepers directly about their major frustrations and the practices they now avoid based on their professional experience. Their insights, edited for clarity and brevity, shed light on the unseen 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 then have to rush, which increases my risk of injury. Daily cleaning is actually simpler. Moreover, if too many guests decline service, the hotel may cut my shifts, causing me to lose wages I depend on, even though cleaning costs are included in your rate."
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. If they ask if you want service and you say ‘come back later’ repeatedly, it disrupts their schedule. Instead, notify the front desk of your preferred cleaning time. This allows housekeepers to plan efficiently while ensuring your 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 strain it causes. Guests may think they’re helping, but rooms uncleaned for multiple days accumulate garbage, dirty diapers, and rotting food, making them far harder to clean. It also reduces work for colleagues, as fewer housekeepers are scheduled. Through our union, we successfully fought to reinstate automatic daily cleaning—a standard all housekeepers deserve."
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 creates more work and is wasteful. Others could use them, so we should only ask for what we need and reuse when possible. It’s about solidarity and easing the burden on cleaning staff."
5. I won’t forget to tip.
Cameron Thomas of the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown shares, "After working as a housekeeper, I tip generously. Tips significantly impact our lives, showing appreciation and providing funds for emergencies, treats for family, daily transportation, or meals after long shifts. Leave $5 to $10 daily, as different housekeepers may clean your room each day. In hospitality, I’ve learned to always tip at least $10, recognizing its importance for workers."
6. I won’t forget to mention my housekeeper if I leave a good review.
Camilo Vargas notes, "Hotels monitor reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor or Expedia. If guests know their housekeeper’s name, mentioning them in positive reviews is crucial, as housekeepers are often overlooked in feedback that highlights 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 refuse to handle hazardous materials without proper protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to avoid health risks. For instance, we report blood or bodily fluids to authorities before cleaning and follow strict disposal protocols."
8. I won’t work without a panic button.
Flora Matias from Hilton Doubletree Alana Waikiki in Honolulu explains, "I would never work without a panic button. In 2018, our union secured GPS-enabled safety buttons for every housekeeper. Since we often work alone in hallways and rooms, these devices ensure 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 my room tidy to minimize cleaning time. If traveling with kids, I clean up messes like crumbs myself and always dispose of trash properly. It’s about consideration." Maria Mata recounts, "After working as a housekeeper, I avoid leaving huge messes at checkout. Gathering trash and piling towels together reduces bending and strain. Cleaning a room after a party with balloons and spilled drinks forced me to rush, risking injury and leaving me exhausted, with no 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 without moving items. This makes housekeepers' jobs easier and prevents accidental damage or loss of personal effects."
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date, offering a candid look into the realities of hotel housekeeping from those who know it best.
