Hotel room attendants ensure that hotel rooms are clean, tidy and inviting for guests. This includes:

• changing bed linen and towels
• making beds
• vacuuming floors
• treating stains, for example carpet stains or damage to polished wood
• replenishing stocks of guest supplies such as shampoo and soap
• re-stocking drinks in the mini-bar.

In a small hotel, attendants are responsible to the housekeeper or housekeeping manager. In larger hotels, room attendants report to the floor housekeeper or assistant housekeeper. In the very smallest establishments the hotel owner or manager may supervise attendants, or might even do the job themselves.

Hours and Environment

There can be a lot of early starts, as well as some weekends and public holidays. Shift work is common - some hotels operate a 24-hour shift system. Part-time, seasonal and temporary work is common.

The job involves bending and stretching, and heavy tasks such as carrying loads of linen and turning mattresses.

Employers may provide a uniform.

Skills and Interests

As a room attendant you should be:

• physically fit with plenty of stamina
• prepared to work hard and to a high standard
• able to work independently and as part of a team
• able to work under pressure - guests may be waiting to occupy their room
• methodical and able to pay attention to detail
• polite and helpful when dealing with guests.

Entry

You do not need any qualifications to become a room attendant. Employers will look for staff who are honest, hardworking and good timekeepers.

It will be useful if you have relevant experience, such as cleaning.

Training

You are usually trained on the job over several weeks or months. 

You might be able to to work towards the following NVQs/SVQs:

• NVQ/SVQ Level 1 in Hospitality
• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Multi-Skilled Hospitality (which has relevant optional units)
• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Housekeeping. 

If you have supervisory duties you may be able to work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

There are usually plenty of vacancies throughout the UK in:

• hotels
• guest houses
• holiday centres
• agencies
• contract cleaning companies.

Hotels often use agency staff due to seasonal demand. There are also opportunities to work abroad.

Prospects for progression will depend on the size of the organisation. In small organisations, progressing may mean moving to a different employer. In larger organisations there are more likely to be opportunities to be promoted to supervisory and management jobs.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Room attendants are often paid an hourly rate, ranging from the national minimum wage to around £7 an hour.

There may be extra payment for working shifts or overtime. Guests may also leave tips.

Further information

2nd Floor
Armstrong House
38 Market Square
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1LH
Tel: 0870 060 2550