Room Attendant

A room attendant cleans the rooms and replaces the linen in hotels and guest houses.

The Work

You could be:

• cleaning public rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, including toilets


• vacuuming floors, dusting and emptying bins


• replacing used towels and toiletries


• making up the beds with fresh sheets and pillowcases


• checking the mini-bar, adding up the daily drinks bill and refilling with more


• replacing tea, coffee and biscuits


• checking furnishings and reporting any damage or other problems to the housekeeper


• collecting laundry and dry cleaning for guests


• in the evenings, in some hotels, turning down bedcovers, closing curtains and switching on bedside lights.

Conditions

• You will work unsocial hours, including early mornings and weekends.


• You might work shifts.


• The work can be seasonal, with lay-offs during the winter months.


• You will be on your feet all the time, bending, stretching, carrying equipment and perhaps pushing furniture about.


• You will probably wear a protective overall.


• Conditions can be dusty and messy.


• Some hotels are in remote areas such as parts of the Highlands and Islands.


• You might have to live in.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful.


• You should be fit for physical work and should have no allergies to dust or cleaning chemicals.

What Does It Take?

You need:

• a smart appearance


• a polite, friendly and helpful manner


• honesty


• good communication skills


• the ability to work quickly and tidily


• attention to detail


• respect for guests' privacy


• an interest in tourism and hospitality


• ability to work in a team.

Training

You can work towards Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) Level 1 and 2 Cleaning and Support Services and Level 2 Hospitality: Housekeeping.

Getting On

After gaining experience, you can apply for promotion to floor housekeeper or head linen keeper and then housekeeping manager.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.