It should come as no surprise to anyone that a dirty hotel room is offputting and can drive away guests, but new research suggests that it makes occupants so uncomfortable that they cannot sleep at night due to concerns over the filth.
Survey Says - Dirty Hotel Rooms Keep Guests up at Night
A filthy hotel room can make a guest turn around, walk out, and never return, but for those who choose to stay, the lack of cleanliness and hygiene is likely to keep them up through a sleepless night.
Recently, a study commissioned by P&G Professional surveyed two thousand travelers who regularly frequent hotel rooms, and discovered some eye-opening statistics.
Among the questions asked were what would make a guest turn around and immediately depart the establishment.
According to the survey:
- 71% cited dirty bedsheets.
- 69% said a disgusting bathroom, and;
- 65% stated a smelly room would send them packing.
Additional questions found that:
- 97% of respondents were disturbed by evidence of previous occupants.
- 66% were troubled by the thought of prior occupants drool on their pillowcase.
- 66% were repulsed by the sight of a stranger's hair clogging a drain.
- 78% stated they sleep better when they know their room is clean, and, most importantly;
- 84% reported they would not return to an establishment if the room were unclean.
Strangely, while a lack of cleanliness would send the majority of guests out the door and never to return, many of the same respondents admit to less than sanitary behavior, including:
- Peeing on pillows - 26%.
- Leaving their hair in the shower - 25%, and;
- Dropping food on the floor and leaving it - 21%.
How Important is a Clean Hotel Room?
Cleanliness is a top priority for hotel guests.
According to the P&G Professional survey:
- 78% stated that they check online reviews for comments regarding cleanliness over the location and available services, and;
- 74% said they would ask for a refund or discount if their room was unclean.
But, what exactly do guests mean when they demand a clean room?
- 67% want a fresh smelling bedroom.
- 64% require the bathroom to be immaculate.
- 45% don't want stray hairs anywhere in the bedroom or bathroom, and;
- 42% don't want to see a ring of dirt around the bathtub.
A clean room is so important to guests that 30% of them stated they would sacrifice a nice view in favor of an immaculately cleaned room.
Green Cleaning Tips for Hotel Facility Managers
Green, environmentally friendly cleaning practices and products address several issues that concern hotel guests.
- The products eliminate harsh odors and the potential for contacting harmful chemicals--all of which can induce several health issues, including asthma attacks.
- Advertising that your establishment adheres to environmentally friendly cleaning practices has proven profitable and beneficial to financial bottom lines.
- Green cleaning products place a smaller burden on natural resource use, which helps to reduce the cost of cleaning and maintenance.
- Additionally, the products cost less to store and ship, as well as eliminate custodian exposure to toxic chemicals, which often leads to long-term health issues later in life that can come back to haunt hotel owners and investors.
References & Resources
Takeaway
Maintaining a clean and hygienic hotel or resort is a neverending challenge for facilities managers.
Often, hotel staff only have a minimal amount of time to clean each room before the next occupant arrives, and any missed item or area can spell disaster for their visit, and your establishment.
The keys to success require long-term staff placement to ensure the effectiveness of training and to eliminate issues with oversight, as well as difficulties in handling products and equipment.
Outsourcing nightly janitorial services, as well as regular deep cleaning, will significantly reduce the burden placed on day porter staff, while helping to improve the overall health and appearance of your establishment.
If you would like more information regarding the benefits of outsourced janitorial services for your hotel or resort, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facilities cleaning and infection prevention needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
