Hotel Room Attendant
What is the work like?
Hotel room attendants make sure that hotel rooms are clean, tidy and inviting for guests.
As a room attendant, your duties would include:
- changing bed linen and towels
- making beds
- vacuuming floors
- dusting and polishing furniture
- cleaning bathrooms
- replacing stocks of guest supplies such as shampoo and soap
- re-stocking drinks in the mini-bar.
In a small hotel you would work under the direction of the housekeeper or housekeeping manager. In larger hotels you would report to the floor housekeeper or assistant housekeeper. In the very smallest establishments you may be supervised by the hotel owner or manager, who may also do some of the work themselves.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any qualifications to become a hotel room attendant. Employers will expect you to be honest, hardworking and a good timekeeper.
It will be useful if you have relevant experience, for example cleaning.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you start work you will usually receive on-the-job training.
You may also be encouraged to complete qualifications such as the following NVQs:
- Hospitality Level 1
- Multi-Skilled Hospitality Services Level 2 (this has relevant optional units)
- Housekeeping Level 2.
If you supervise other staff you may be able to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision.
Where can I go for more information?
Armstrong House
38 Market Square
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1LH
Tel: 0870 060 2550
http://www.uksp.co.uk/ (careers information)
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Hotel room attendants can earn from £11,000 to £14,500 a year.
- They are often paid an hourly rate, ranging from the National Minimum Wage to around £7 an hour.
There may be extra payment for working shifts or overtime. Guests may also leave tips.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work shifts, including early starts, as well as some weekends and public holidays. Part-time, seasonal and temporary work is common.
Your employer would usually provide a uniform.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high standard of work and attention to detail
- physical fitness and stamina
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team
- reliability and honesty
- respect for guests' privacy
- a polite and helpful manner when dealing with guests.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed by hotels, guest houses, holiday centres, agencies and contract cleaning companies.
You could find work through one of the agencies which hotels use to recruit staff for seasonal vacancies. There are also opportunities to work abroad.
Your opportunities for progression would depend on the size of the hotel. In larger organisations you are more likely to have the chance to progress to a supervisory or management job.
Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers and on websites such as the following (links open in new window):
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