Why Nevada's Potential End to Daily Housekeeping Could Impact Hotel Guests and Workers Alike
Why Nevada's Potential End to Daily Housekeeping Could Impact Hotel Guests and Workers Alike
The hotel industry is experiencing a shift away from daily housekeeping services, and this has serious implications for both workers and customers. The State of Nevada is currently considering ending the requirement of daily housekeeping at guest rooms in hotels across the state, which could have an extreme impact on the hospitality industry.
Several other states, such as New Jersey and Los Angeles, have already implemented laws that require minimum cleaning standards to be met every day. Companies like Wyndham and Hilton are no longer automatically offering guests daily cleaning services; instead they must request it at their front desk if they wish. This type of policy has been unfavorable among union members who argue that without regular service, "we don’t know what we're going to find after three or four days, and it is dangerous."
On the other hand, some companies are claiming that this shift away from daily housekeepings is for the benefit of their guests. Ayesha Molino, senior vice president of public affairs MGM Resorts International says, "We are providing daily housekeeping service," but they also want to be responsive to what their guests want. This gives customers more control over their experience while still offering a high level of cleanliness and hygiene.
However, experts like Chekitan Dev believe that this shift may ultimately benefit hotels as much as customers. He points out that reducing cleaning frequency can lower labor costs and materials required for cleaning rooms. Similarly, Starwood (now part of Marriott) introduced a “Make a Green Choice” program in 2009 that rewarded guests for foregoing housekeeping services.
Ultimately, it appears as though the pandemic has caused hotels to accelerate their shift away from daily housekeeping services. While this may be beneficial for customers and stockholders, union workers remain concerned about the impact on their jobs, as well as potential hygiene issues that can arise with less frequent service. It remains to be seen whether other states follow Nevada's lead and pass laws requiring minimum cleaning standards per day or if they allow companies to alter their housekeeping policies freely. Whatever the outcome, travelers should stay informed and make sure that their hotel room is up to their cleanliness standards before booking.
