Housekeeping - what to expect?

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Permalink Reply by reggie on October 9, 2008 at 9:43pm

its depends on where u go to work u will run into people that want to play around and dosent want to work u might have to do between 16-20 rooms an day depends on the size of the hotel u will run into alot of guest its all depends on how u take it i wouldnt want to do it again since i;ve done housekeeping for long time and u will see things u dont want to see that it down right nasty

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Permalink Reply by Ronnie De St Germain on January 26, 2009 at 4:18pm

Personally I would go to the Front Desk, Lisa. As it offers better pay and a more professional enviroment in includes a list of skills that are valuable in multiple enviroments that can pay well.

Ronnie d
rsg003@yahoo.com
www.zmr.com

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Permalink Reply by Rick Peterson on January 26, 2009 at 10:09pm

I think you are making some pretty general statements here concerning housekeeping and a front desk comparison. For example, Princess properties pay their housekeepers the same as their front desk agents, which is also the same as bell staff or gift shop clerks. And I believe that housekeeping can give you plenty of skills to use in your future. What employer doesn't want someone who works hard, is detailed oriented, can work with a deadline, can work independently, and has customer service skills? A guest may spend 10 minutes at the front desk, but they spend 10 hours in their room, so a room attendant has a huge impact on a guest's overall stay and impression of a property, I believe more so than a front desk agent.

It is true that the jobs are very different. Housekeeping is hands on, physical, and demanding. It also doesn't always come with the respect it deserves. But you also usually get consistent day time hours, plenty of overtime if you want it, and you don't get screamed at by every crazy guest. And while every room attendant has their horror stories, most of the time rooms are just fine when you go in them. And if you are a good room attendant you get some tips as well.

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Permalink Reply by Brenda on January 26, 2009 at 11:44pm

I can tell you both horror stories from my days of housekeeping and some very sweet deals. On the light side of it when the guest decide to realize your working your butt off for them they can be very generous. For example I had a group of bikers stay over 2 women 2 men, and they tried like heck to get me to relax and join them for a drink. I politely declined but the next day they left a very nice tip to say the least and stated in a note that not only is this for Brenda the housekeeper but when they came back they requested me to clean there room. There tip $25 plus a full bottle of whiskey, and a full bottle of vodka as well as a 6 pk of beer. They were a fun group too and I will never forget em. I enjoyed talking to all four of them. I seen there Bikes and wow they had some sweet lookin Bikes and they offered to take me for a ride but I couldn't because I didn't get off until 4 and they were leaving by then. I won't even tell you the horror stories I've dealt with, and I do think that the pay all depends on what location your at. Were I was I think the pay should of been higher. In hsk'ing you have to keep yourself moving at a pretty good pace. I'm not so sure that the front desk gets paid more because in my years as seasonal I have seen about the same amount of pay between the two very different jobs. Both can be rewarding and a headache.

Ps. Lisa I remember you from the North Rim last year. did you not like it up there?

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Permalink Reply by Lisa J on January 27, 2009 at 8:22am

Howdy everybody and thanks so much for adding to this discussion. Firstly Brenda, unfortunately you didn't meet me at the North Rim last year as I have not yet started my adventure in seasonal work yet - I WISH!!!! you saw me last year!! LOL I've still got about 3 years before my last chick leaves the nest. But I really appreciate all of your comments on the pros and cons of front desk and housekeeping. With my current job, I do possess the skills probably needed for a Front Desk position, but I really crave to be in a more behind the scenes type of job such as housekeeping. And after sitting for so many years in a windowless cubicle, the physicality of housekeeping also appeals to me.

Also, the satisfication of giving people that "AAAhhhh" moment when they first open the door of their hotel room, seeing that it is clean and welcoming - that's something that I think I would really enjoy providing to others. And from what I gather, housekeeping can be fastpaced and a little stressful, but I'm thinking it would be less stressful than dealing face-to-face, one on one with people all day at the front desk. Maybe I'm wrong there, but I can't wait to find out one day soon!! Over time, I'll probably work both positions as the opportunities arise. So if the Lord is willing, I will get to find out that answer and have a ball doing so!! Thanks again for all of ya'll's input - it is invaluable information!!

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