You can go far with a career in hotel cleaning
For anyone considering a new career, returning to work or taking their first step into employment, cleaning in the hotel sector can offer a welcoming route into a varied and rewarding future.
There are thousands of opportunities for hotel cleaning staff in small independent hotels, major international chains, luxury resorts, conference venues, serviced apartments and country-house properties around the country.
Hotels need cleaning teams throughout the week, with full-time, part-time and seasonal roles often available, meaning there are opportunities for both flexible working or long-term careers.
Lisa Williams, National Chair of the UK Housekeepers Association (UKHA) and Director of Housekeeping at The Grand, York, said: “There is lots of demand for hotel cleaners. Hotels have really struggled to get the staff since the Covid-19 pandemic. There are a lot of vacancies across the country and in London, hotels are particularly short of staff.”
Cleaning staff are given different names by different hotel chains, such as room attendants, maids, stylists or housekeepers.
Whatever they are called, the role is crucial because guests expect bedrooms, bathrooms, restaurants and shared spaces to be spotless, hygienic and inviting. Staff also have to communicate with guests.
Cleaning teams are central to the guest experience, customer satisfaction and the commercial success of the business.
Previous hotel experience is not always necessary when applying, because employers often provide induction and practical training. What matters most is usually reliability, a positive attitude, attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
Lisa explained: “There are always opportunities for people who have a positive attitude and a smile on their face. The industry is easy to get into and you can go a long way.
“A lot of staff don’t want to work full-time. We employ many students who work part-time and fit it in round college and also parents who need to drop off or pick up children from school before or after the shift, so they start at 8, 9 or 10 am. Staff love the flexibility.
“If you want a long-term career, there are plenty of opportunity to progress to supervisor or higher. If you are bright and forward thinking, you can make a fantastic career and go far.“
Though names of positions and the roles vary across the industry, an experienced room attendant might become a floor supervisor or equivalent, checking standards and supporting colleagues.
The next steps could include the assistant housekeeper, executive housekeeper or housekeeping manager roles, with responsibility for recruitment, training, budgets, stock, schedules and a department.
In larger hotels and hotel groups, talented people may progress into regional or corporate roles overseeing operations across several properties.
Pay and conditions vary across different hotels. Tipping cleaning staff is less common these days but The Grand has introduced a digital tipping system for guests to tip staff, which has proved very popular. The industry offers other rewards too.
Lisa said: “When you have done a good job, when you get positive feedback, it is very rewarding. When the guests say ‘thank you’ and are appreciative, it is a really good feeling.
“We offer staff food on duty, as do some other hotels. We also offer meals off duty but that isn’t so common. There are often staff parties and staff BBQs at The Grand too.
“It is a nice environment and very social. People make great friends and relationships. I have lost count of the amount of people I’ve met and friends I’ve made along the way.”
For people who take pride in high standards and enjoy being part of a team, hotel cleaning is an accessible starting point for your career, a skilled profession and a launchpad towards leadership, specialisation or business ownership.
The door is open to build a career with opportunities to learn, progress and succeed.