Spring Cleaning Checklist for Hotels

Welcome Spring! This is the time of year to go beyond the routine deep clean and step up your freshen up. Make a plan to rejuvenate your entire property, clean the clockwork of your operations, and polish up your messaging and marketing.

According to online reviews and travel websites, cleanliness is the most common and often most damaging criticism of hotels–more than noise, check-in/check-out delays, unreliable Wifi, and customer service.

Maintenance, organization, and aesthetics significantly affect your hotel’s reputation and profitability.

Pull on the white gloves and focus on all aspects of your property, including HVAC systems, pool maintenance, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, and lobbies, and remove that annoying stain on the ceiling.

Cleanliness is critical for all hotels, whether luxury, boutique, or budget. If you don’t have the staff, consider professional cleaning services.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: 

Guest Rooms

• Deep clean carpets and tiles, steam clean upholstery and curtains.
• Sanitize high-touch points.
• Dust all surfaces, including ceiling fans, baseboards, and light fixtures.
• Polish wood.
• Clean windows.
• Flip and inspect mattresses and replace them if needed.
• Declutter room. Get rid of outdated magazines, menus, and TV channel guides.
• Change up decor, if possible with summer colors and art.
• Ensure adequate supplies of linens and amenities. Check for wear and stains and replace if necessary. 
• Check all electronics for functionality, contactless check-in, and Wifi access.
• Check all lightbulbs (make sure color/lumens match).

Bathrooms

• Descale showerheads and faucets.

  

• Inspect plumbing for leaks, proper drainage, and hot and cold water. 
• Deep-clean grout.
• Re-stock amenities and change out toiletry supplies with summer scents.
• Ensure an adequate number of towels.

 

 

Guest Experience

A thorough spring cleaning creates a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Guests appreciate clean, well-maintained spaces.

Welcome!

• Prepare welcome kits with summer essentials (sunscreen, water bottles, etc.).
• Plan and promote summer activities, events, and summer food and drink menus for guests.
• Enhance outdoor dining and entertainment options.
• Ensure adequate supplies of towels, linens, and amenities.
• Train staff on handling summer-related guest requests and complaints.

Lobby & Common Areas

• Polish floors, clean windows, and deep clean upholstery.
• Open windows, create air flow when possible. 
• Check lighting and replace dim, mismatched, or flickering bulbs. Dust chandeliers.
• Add summer scents and music with seasonal vibes.
• Bring the outdoors in with live plants.

HVAC

• Inspect and repair HVAC systems.
• Replace filters, clean air ducts, and returns to ensure everything functions correctly during the busy season.

Kitchen & Dining

• Order extra supplies of food, beverages, and amenities.
• Discard and replenish expired cleaning and kitchen supplies.
• Deep clean all appliances.
• Clean or replace all servingware.
• Organize pantry and refrigerator.
•  Clean and refresh the dining area – deep clean chairs and tables, and inspect for damage.
• Add summer fare to your food and beverage menus.
• Inspect functionality of vending machines.

Laundry

• Deep-clean washing machines and dryers.
• Discard and replace stained or ruined towels and bed linens.
• Re-stock all cleaning supplies.

Pool & Outdoor Spaces

• Check that pool inspections are up to date. 
• Pressure wash all walkways, decks and sidewalks.
• Deep clean the pool and stock up on pool supplies.
• Clean outdoor furniture.
• Check outdoor pool and pathway lighting for guest safety.
•  Make sure safety equipment, protocols and emergency information are clearly visible.
• Upgrade landscaping and test sprinkler systems

Clean Operations & Fresh Messaging

Make your hotel a clean machine, from top-notch staff to well-tested technology. 

Technology

• Test online booking systems and POS systems to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Test Wifi infrastructure for efficiency, accessibility, and speed.
• Test all guest room technologies, such as contactless check-ins, mobile device support and charging, and mobile concierge services.

Staffing

• Review current staffing levels and anticipate increased demand. 
• Hire additional seasonal staff for front desk, housekeeping, and food service where necessary.
• Schedule staff training on customer service, safety, and summer-specific procedures.
• Create a flexible staff scheduling system to accommodate fluctuations in occupancy.

Inventory Management

• Review and update the inventory management system to prevent shortages and delays for operational efficiency in all departments.

Interior Design

• Consider refreshing your color palette with spring and summer colors.
• Bring the outdoors in with live plants and flowers and natural light.
• Change out art. 
• Add summer scents and music with summer vibes.

Marketing, Messaging & Promotions

• Develop summer packages and promotions.
• Update website and online listings with summer offerings and availability.
• Increase social media presence and engagement. 
• Share images and updates about the spring cleaning process and the hotel’s readiness for summer can generate excitement.
• Partner with local attractions and businesses for cross-promotions.
• Offer early-bird discounts and incentives for bookings.

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Develop a Summer Budget: Plan for potentially increased expenses and revenue during the summer. 
• Review pricing strategies and adjust pricing to reflect peak season demand can maximize revenue. Monitor and track performance and manage expenses for financial stability.

Spring cleaning provides an opportunity for an overall brand refresh. It can rejuvenate your property, invigorate your staff, enhance the guest experience and clean up your operations. Your focus on organization and aesthetics will impact your reputation, guest ratings and reviews, and overall profitability. 

References:

Innroad blog – Expert Housekeeping Tips for Hotels to Nail Spring Cleaning.