Role of a Room Attendant
Room attendants are synonymous with housekeepers and maids. These hourly employees often work in hotels, motels and inns at various resort areas. Most hotels employ at least several room attendants, depending on the number of rooms in the establishment. Most room attendants work during the day, though at least one room attendant is usually available in the evening, too. The room attendant has a number of different roles during the course of their shift.
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Guest Service
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The role of a room attendant is to serve the guests and get them what they need. Room attendants usually supply towels, washcloths, soap, toilet paper, cups, coffee packets, coffee filters and laundry bags. If guests need to have their laundry done or shirts pressed, the room attendants will usually take these clothes and return them later in the day or the following morning. Room attendants also contact maintenance if a guest has problems with the television or air conditioning, says HCareers.com.
Cleaning and Straightening
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The role of a room attendant also includes cleaning and straightening. Room attendants usually vacuum hallways and rooms each day. They also change the bedding and make each guest's bed. Additionally, room attendants empty trash, clean coffee pots, bathroom floors, sinks, toilets, mirrors and bathtubs. The role of a room attendant may also include dusting tables, nightstands and dressers, removing dishes and deodorizing rooms between guest stays, says HCareers.com.
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Guest Safety
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Another role of a room attendant is ensuring the guest's safety. Room attendants always check for guest occupancy before entering the room. They normally perform a preliminary inspection to make sure everything is in order before they start their daily routine. Room attendants do not provide information about guests or admit strangers in their room. Room attendants will sometimes report a guest's illness to the front desk and get a doctor, if necessary. Sometimes, a room attendant will go to the drugstore and get medicine for a guest, or ask one of the bellhops to do so.
Administration
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Another role of room attendant is administrative duties. Room attendants usually meet with their supervisors each day to get their guest logs. They have a checklist to complete and usually turn their logs in at the end of the day. Sometimes, room attendants may have special assignments for hotel meetings.
Education and Skills
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There is no special educational requirement for a room attendant. Most room attendants have varying levels of education. Room attendants usually do not need any previous experience to get a job. However, the hotel usually expects room attendants to have a good work ethic, know how to follow instructions and possess some customer service skills, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary and Job Outlook
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In May 2008, the average room attendant or maid earned $8.75 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Career Guide To Industries, 2010 To 2011 Edition." Wages can vary depending on experience. Additionally, hotel jobs, including jobs for room attendants, are expected to increase by five percent between 2008 and 2018.
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