Housekeeping Module
Housekeeping is a critical component of hotel operations, directly impacting guest satisfaction and overall hotel efficiency. A well-managed housekeeping department ensures cleanliness, comfort, and order within the hotel environment. The integration of housekeeping tasks with technology has allowed for greater efficiency, real-time updates, and improved coordination between departments.
1.1 Room Status and Housekeeping Schedules
Room Status:
The room status feature in housekeeping management systems allows staff to track the current condition of every room (e.g., vacant, occupied, or under maintenance). It indicates whether the room is clean, dirty, under inspection, or in need of maintenance.
This system helps front office and housekeeping staff coordinate room readiness for incoming guests. For example, a vacant dirty room (VD) needs to be cleaned before it can be assigned to a new guest, while an occupied clean room (OC) is available for guests to use.
VC (Vacant Clean)
The room is vacant and has been cleaned, ready for new guests to check in.
VD (Vacant Dirty)
The room is vacant but has not been cleaned after the previous guest checked out.
OOO (Out of Order)
The room is not available for sale due to maintenance issues, renovations, or repairs.
OOI (Out of Inventory)
The room is temporarily unavailable due to long-term unavailability or major repairs (similar to OOO but for extended periods).
OC (Occupied Clean)
The room is currently occupied, but it has been cleaned.
OD (Occupied Dirty)
The room is currently occupied, and it has not yet been cleaned since the guest's last use.
DND (Do Not Disturb)
The guest has requested not to be disturbed. Housekeeping should not clean the room unless requested by the guest.
DL (Double-locked)
The room has been double-locked from the inside by the guest for added security.
NR (No-Show)
A guest reservation exists, but the guest did not check in, and the room remains unsold.
SLE (Sleeper)
The room is thought to be occupied, but the guest has already checked out without informing the front desk.
SB (Stayover)
The guest is staying for at least one more night and the room is still occupied.
NS (No Status)
No status has been assigned to the room yet, often used for rooms that haven't been processed in the system.
HU (House Use)
The room is being used by hotel staff or management and is not available for guests.
PCO (Pending Check-Out)
The guest is expected to check out soon, but the room is still occupied.
VNR (Vacant Not Ready)
The room is vacant but not yet cleaned or inspected.
VC (Vacant Clean)
The room is vacant and has been cleaned, ready for new guests to check-in.
VD (Vacant Dirty)
The room is vacant but has not been cleaned after the previous guest checked out.
OOO (Out of Order)
The room is not available for sale due to maintenance issues, renovations, or repairs.
OOI (Out of Inventory)
The room is temporarily unavailable due to long-term unavailability or major repairs (similar to OOO but for extended periods).
OC (Occupied Clean)
The room is currently occupied, but it has been cleaned.
OD (Occupied Dirty)
The room is currently occupied, and it has not yet been cleaned since the guest's last use.
DND (Do Not Disturb)
The guest has requested not to be disturbed. Housekeeping should not clean the room unless requested by the guest.
DL (Double-locked)
The room has been double-locked from the inside by the guest for added security.
NR (No-Show)
A guest reservation exists, but the guest did not check in, and the room remains unsold.
SLE (Sleeper)
The room is thought to be occupied, but the guest has already checked out without informing the front desk.
SB (Stayover)
The guest is staying for at least one more night and the room is still occupied.
NS (No Status)
No status has been assigned to the room yet, often used for rooms that haven't been processed in the system.
HU (House Use)
The room is being used by hotel staff or management and is not available for guests.
PCO (Pending Check-Out)
The guest is expected to check out soon, but the room is still occupied.
VNR (Vacant Not Ready)
The room is vacant but has not yet been cleaned or inspected.
Room Status Color Legend:
Green – Vacant Clean (VC)
The room is vacant and clean, ready for a new guest to check-in.
Red – Occupied Dirty (OD)
The room is occupied and requires cleaning after the guest leaves or at the guest's request.
Yellow – Vacant Dirty (VD)
The room is vacant but has not been cleaned yet after the previous guest checked out.
Blue – Out of Order (OOO)
The room is out of service due to maintenance issues or repairs and cannot be sold.
Purple – Occupied Clean (OC)
The room is currently occupied but has been cleaned.
Orange – Do Not Disturb (DND)
The guest has requested not to be disturbed, and housekeeping should not enter.
Gray – Out of Inventory (OOI)
The room is unavailable for an extended period, usually due to major maintenance or refurbishment.
Pink – Stayover (SB)
The guest is staying over and will not be checking out today. Housekeeping may or may not clean, depending on guest preferences.
Light Blue – Pending Check-Out (PCO)
The guest is expected to check out soon, but the room is still occupied.
White – House Use (HU)
The room is being used by hotel staff and is not available for guest bookings.
Housekeeping Schedules:
Housekeeping schedules are used to plan the cleaning routines and duties for housekeeping staff based on occupancy and room status. Housekeeping management software like KWHotel or Opera PMS helps automate these schedules by assigning cleaning tasks in real time and providing staff with updates.
Staff can access mobile applications to check their daily tasks, update room status upon cleaning, and even request supplies or report maintenance issues from the field.
Effective scheduling ensures all rooms are cleaned in a timely manner, minimizing guest wait times and enhancing room turnover. Additionally, technology enables staff to update the system instantly when rooms are cleaned, avoiding delays in check-ins.
1.2 Managing Housekeeping Tasks and Requests
Task Management:
Housekeeping management tools allow supervisors to assign tasks like cleaning, restocking amenities, and deep cleaning based on guest requests, room types, or scheduled maintenance. The tasks are distributed among staff according to their daily workload and expertise.
Real-time updates ensure that housekeeping staff can easily access their task list via mobile devices or tablets. Automated notifications inform staff about urgent tasks, like special guest requests or VIP room cleaning.
Managing Guest Requests:
Hotels often receive special housekeeping requests from guests, such as extra pillows, towel changes, or late cleaning services. A good housekeeping module helps log these requests and assign them to the appropriate staff member, ensuring the prompt fulfillment of guest needs.
Systems like KWHotel facilitate instant communication between the front desk, guests, and housekeeping staff, improving response times and enhancing the guest experience.