Serving Stayovers: 5 Often Overlooked Tasks

It’s imperative to replenish toilet paper if there is less than a full roll remaining. Nothing is as awkward or embarrassing as running out of toilet paper when it’s immediately needed. The standard practice is to leave at least half a roll on the spool and a full roll on the shelf. Don’t forget to check the amount of remaining facial tissue. Any soap, shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, mouthwash, and lotion that has been opened should be replenished with a full container.

Coffee, tea, creamer, sugar packets, and stirrers all need to be restocked. Ensure that there is a full complement of unused or properly sanitized coffee cups and drinking glasses. Discard used disposable cups if they are empty, but do not touch cups or glasses with liquid inside them because they may contain a guest’s contact lenses soaking in solution. And don’t forget to empty used ice buckets and replace the plastic liner!

Guests will often take hotel pens and note pads with them when they leave their guestroom. Replace missing pens, note pads, room service order cards, tip envelopes, and other writing stationary as needed. Don’t move any notes, receipts, business cards, or other written items left by a stayover guest.

Ensure that all lights, lamps, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and alarm clocks are operational. Even though it is not uncommon for guests to find a lamp or alarm clock unplugged, it’s still a service failure.

Room attendants must visually inspect every window and door lock, handle, and viewfinder during guestroom servicing to ensure that they are properly operational and have not been tampered with. Finally, double check that every window and door is fully closed and locked before departing the guestroom.