The Room Attendant Role: A Guide to Pros, Cons & How to Get Started

Room attendants are essential to the smooth operation of any hotel or resort, ensuring guests have a clean and comfortable stay. This guide explores the responsibilities, benefits, challenges, and pathways to becoming a successful room attendant.

What Does a Room Attendant Actually Do?

A room attendant, also known as a housekeeper, is responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest rooms and other assigned areas in a hotel or resort. This includes making beds, changing linens, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming floors, restocking amenities, and ensuring that rooms are presented to a high standard of cleanliness. They also report any maintenance issues to the appropriate personnel. This role requires attention to detail, efficiency, and physical stamina.

Pros of Being a Room Attendant

The room attendant position offers several appealing benefits for individuals seeking a hands-on role in hospitality:

Entry-Level Opportunity: It’s a good way to get into the hospitality industry without needing prior experience. It’s a job that’s accessible to most people who want to work.
Consistent Work: The demand for room attendants is generally consistent, providing job stability.
Physical Activity: It’s an active job that keeps you moving and is good for those who like to stay active.
Independent Work: After initial training, you typically work independently and manage your own time. You have a good amount of freedom in your work day.
Skill Development: You gain valuable skills in cleaning, organization, and time management.
Team Environment: Although working independently, you’re part of a larger team working toward the same goals. You’ll always be a part of something bigger.
Direct Impact: You can directly impact guests’ experiences by providing a clean and comfortable room. You will directly impact people’s stays and experience.

Cons of Being a Room Attendant

However, there are also challenges associated with being a room attendant that should be considered:

Physically Demanding: The job requires a lot of standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
Repetitive Tasks: The daily tasks can become routine and repetitive. It’s a job that requires you to do the same things everyday.
Time Pressure: You have to complete your work within specific timeframes and meet hotel standards.
Exposure to Cleaning Chemicals: You have to handle cleaning chemicals, which may be irritating for some.
Dealing with Messes: You sometimes have to deal with unpleasant messes, left by guests.
Long Hours: Shifts can be long, and may include weekends and holidays.
Limited Interaction: You don’t have as much social interaction as other front of house roles.

How Much Money Can You Make?

The salary for a room attendant can vary depending on location, the type of hotel, and experience. However, you will typically earn an hourly rate and, in some cases, you may be eligible for tips.

How Do You Become a Room Attendant?

Becoming a room attendant usually involves the following steps:

Apply for a Position: Look for job openings at hotels, resorts, and other accommodations. Check online, or in person.
Demonstrate Reliability: Show that you are punctual, dependable, and have a strong work ethic. You need to be seen as someone who can always be counted on.
Get On-the-Job Training: Most hotels will provide training on how to perform your job effectively. Training is essential, so you learn what is expected.
Learn Cleaning Procedures: Familiarize yourself with cleaning protocols and hotel standards. You should follow all safety procedures and hotel rules.
Develop Time Management Skills: Learn to manage your time efficiently to complete your tasks on schedule. You should be able to work at a pace that meets the demands.
Pay Attention to Detail: Show that you have a keen eye for detail and maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Your attention to detail matters a lot for this job.
Be a Team Player: Be ready to work with others towards common goals. Even if you are working independently, you are a part of a team.

Questions People Often Ask (and Simple Answers):

Is Being a Room Attendant a Good Job?

It can be a good job if you are looking for an entry-level role with consistent hours and like physical work. You’ll be an integral part of the hospitality system.

What Skills Do I Need to be a Good Room Attendant?

You need to be detail-oriented, efficient, and have good time management skills. You need to be dependable, organized, and have a strong work ethic. You need to be able to focus and complete your tasks.

Can I Make Good Money as a Room Attendant?

The salary is typically hourly, and you may have the chance to earn tips depending on the type of place you work at. You may find that you can make good money with certain places.

Do I Need Formal Training to Be a Room Attendant?

Usually, no formal training is required, as hotels will provide you with on-the-job training. All the training you need you will learn as you work.

Is the Job of a Room Attendant Stressful?

It can be during busy times when there’s a lot to do in a limited amount of time, but many find the work manageable. It will take time to get used to the pace of the job.

What’s the Best Part of Being a Room Attendant?

Many enjoy the satisfaction of creating a clean and comfortable space for guests and the independence of the work. It’s a job where you get to see the fruits of your labor.

What Should I Wear as a Room Attendant?

Hotels typically provide uniforms that are comfortable, professional, and allow ease of movement. Most places will have you wear clothing provided by them.

The Bottom Line

The room attendant position is essential for providing a positive guest experience in the hospitality industry. With hard work, attention to detail, and good time management, you can find a stable job as a room attendant.