Ny Data

Housekeeping labor on a per-available-room basis remains down across the globe, but it showing some signs of a resurgence as demand, inchmeal, creeps back.

As the data show, labor creep is real. And though many hotels are doing away with daily cleanings, some brands, such as Omni Hotels & Resorts, are still offering full cleanings by request. Omni, like most other hotels, are also presenting the option of partial cleanings, which entail a refresh of towels and trash removal.

In 2020, Omni began incentivizing guests to forego cleaning services altogether, a spokesperson said. “Last year, Omni introduced ‘Opt Out to Help Out,’ a program that gives guests an opportunity to give back to their local communities. In exchange for opting out of housekeeping services, Omni donates a meal to Feeding America.”

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Whether the end of stay-over cleans remains in place or not, brands need to stay consistent in what they do, said Bell.

“From a brand perspective, there needs to be consistency, and while some markets may support having housekeeping by request only, or not at all, others markets won’t. There was a gradual evolution from changing the linen every night to green programs with occasional changing, and I honestly wonder, will stay-over service go that route?

“It’s likely going to take one brand to take the step and then others will figure out how to move around that. It’s not clear that it’s a keep or cut decision; there are a number of permutations involving the scope, frequency, additional fees, etc. that could take shape and give each brand a little room to execute the best fit for their guests.”