Housekeeping department (basics)

Housekeeping Department(I)

After you learn it, you are able totell the organization structure of a

housekeeping department;Tell the functions of a housekeeping

department;Tell each staff’s job;Deal with the contact with the guest, such as clean room according to guest requirement, supply items,

Figure 1-13

Housekeeping Department

The most vital department in a hotel;

Highest impact on guests;

Lowest wages paid;

Least respect received.

Housekeeping Org Chart(Medium-sized Hotels)

Housekeeping Org Chart(Large-sized Hotels)

P52 Housekeeping Department

What are chambermaid’s jobs?What are houseman’s jobs?What is laundry and valet service?How to handle lost and found articles?The housekeeping staff must coordinate its

activities closely with the front desk, why? Give some examples.

Terms I

Linens: articles traditionally made of linens, but today more often made of –cotton sheets, pillowcases, towels and so forth.

Laundry and valet service: laundry service includes washing and valet service includes dry cleaning and pressing.

Houseman: a hotel employee who does heavy housekeeping chores especially in the public areas of the hotell.

PA: public areas, including the lobby, sidewalks, restaurants, elevators, and public restrooms.

Terms II

Late check-out: a room in which a guest is being allowed to check out later than the hotel’s standard check-out time.

Stay overs: a room in which the guest is scheduled to stay again.

Due-outs: a room from which a guest is expected to check out on a given day who has not yet done so.

Housekeeping Personnel Supervisors

Inspect guestrooms and public areas. Serve as the contact point between the housekeeping department and the front desk.

HousekeepersResponsible for the cleaning and maintenance of guest rooms.

HousemenTransport linens and other supplies to housekeepers.

Laundry Room PersonnelSeparate, wash, dry, fold, and distribute linens.

Public Area Attendants Clean public areas such as hallways, lobby, restrooms, recreational areas, and banquet reception areas.

The Housekeeping Manager's responsibilities include：

Supporting the Executive Housekeeper in overseeing the day-to-day operation of the department,

Leading and developing Housekeeping associates,

Ensure consistent cleanliness in the rooms and public area,

Provide assistance to any guest inquiries or requests. 

Be energetic, self-motivated, and have a passion for giving guests an exceptional experience.

advice to other young aspiring executive housekeepers and professionals:

set one goal at a time. If you set too many, you’ll get discouraged. So set one and follow it through.

always ask questions.listen. It’s the most effective way to gain

intelligence.keep your eyes open to opportunities.work hard.defy adversity and negativity.never set yourself above your coworkers.remember that age is only a number.always ask for additional responsibilites, when

you can handle it.

Homework

Each group makes up two dialogues according to the topic. You decide the specific situation.

1. A guest wants you to clean his room at 4:00p.m.2. a guest calls to ask for a cell phone charger.Hand it in on Dec. 3.