Key Takeaways

  • Hotel cleaning services must meet high guest satisfaction standards and regulatory hygiene requirements.
  • Effective marketing strategies combine digital platforms with local networking and tailored service packages.
  • Walk-throughs are essential for estimating cleaning needs, frequencies, and budget expectations.
  • A well-drafted hotel cleaning contract includes service scope, schedule, supplies, payment terms, and dispute resolution.
  • Staffing, industry certifications, eco-friendly practices, and service flexibility help businesses stand out in a competitive market.

Hotel cleaning contracts are a lucrative way to make business in the janitorial services industry. To find clients, you'll need to combine traditional marketing methods with online strategies. Once you have gotten their interest, close the deal with a clear, concise written agreement.

Marketing Strategies

Today's entrepreneurs mix online advertising with traditional networking, print advertising, and word-of-mouth. It's also important to keep the clients you already have.

The first thing you need to do is identify your market. If you want to do work for small motels, don't waste time marketing to larger facilities. If you already have clients, focus on the most lucrative ones and ask them for referrals and testimonials. Find out what your target client needs the most, and use that information to put together a range of services that you can offer in a contract package.

Knowing your clients' needs will also help you distinguish your business from your competition. For example, you could focus on providing an environmentally friendly “green” cleaning service, using supplies that are non-toxic and natural.

Online Marketing

Many customers make their decisions based on information they see online even before they make any contact with a business. Therefore, it is important to develop a strong presence on the internet for marketing purposes. The most vital part of promoting your business is providing information about your business that is trustworthy and current.

Facebook and other social media platforms are useful for reaching out to prospective clients. You could provide articles, news about the industry, videos, and other items your clients might find useful or interesting. If you do not already have a website, now is a good time to set one up. You should consider creating a blog where you can update your clients on your services and prices and answer common questions.

Traditional Marketing Methods

Despite the popularity of online marketing, old-fashioned methods are still effective as well. One of the best ways is asking your existing customers for referrals and testimonials.

Networking is another useful method. Basically, networking means making yourself known in your local business community. Find out which local business organizations your local hotels participate in, whether it's the hotel owner or its management representatives.

The Walk-Through

After you have invested time, effort, and money in marketing your business, the next step is closing the deal. To do so, you will need a walk-through to establish the customer's individual cleaning needs. Without a walk-through, it is impossible for you to offer a quote for the service.

You will need to find out what needs to be done at the hotel, whether it is regular daily cleaning or seasonal deep cleaning. Ask what their budget is, how frequently they will want the work to be done, and any other relevant information that will help you determine a fair price for the work.

Key Considerations During a Walk-Through

When conducting a walk-through, pay attention to the unique challenges each hotel may face. Factors to consider include:

  • Guest Turnover Rate: High occupancy may require more frequent service.
  • Facility Type: Boutique hotels, large resorts, and chain motels often have different standards and service needs.
  • Public Spaces: Include inspection of high-touch and high-traffic areas like lobbies, fitness centers, pools, and conference rooms.
  • Special Requests: Ask if clients require green cleaning services, linen service coordination, or infection control procedures.
  • Compliance Requirements: Ensure you understand any specific local or brand-mandated health and safety standards.

These insights will help tailor your quote and services to the client’s actual needs.

Components of a Hotel Cleaning Contract

Your hotel cleaning contract can go by different names, such as a maid service agreement, housekeeping agreement, cleaning services contract, janitorial services contract, or whatever you think is most descriptive of the services to be provided.

The main purposes of this agreement are:

  • Specify the professional relationships of each party.
  • Define the obligations of each party.
  • Manage the expectations of each party.
  • Standardize how your client's cleaning job will be handled now and in the future.

A good hotel cleaning contract can help your business avoid problems that are common in your line of work, such as disputes over the types of cleaning that are expected, the frequency of the service, and how you will be paid by clients.

The contract should include:

  • Basic information about both parties including names, addresses, and contact information.
  • The scope of services to be performed, which should be as detailed and specific as possible.
  • The location of the work to be done — not just the address, but which parts of the customer's property will and won't be cleaned.
  • Your schedule for performing these services, including which times and days you will be working.
  • An itemized list of cleaning duties, broken down by daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally, or other intervals if needed.
  • A list of supplies the customer is expected to provide, if any.
  • A list of supplies that your business will provide, such as stocking paper products.
  • A clause for renewing or terminating the contract.
  • Payment details.
  • A clause detailing how disputes will be resolved.

Importance of Flexibility and Customization

No two hotels are alike, so your cleaning services should be customizable. Include clauses in your contract that allow:

  • Service Adjustments: The ability to modify cleaning frequencies during busy seasons or special events.
  • Add-on Options: Window washing, upholstery cleaning, or porter services for added value.
  • Feedback Loops: Schedule regular reviews with hotel management to reassess service satisfaction and make proactive changes.

Customization enhances client satisfaction and positions your business as a long-term partner, not just a vendor.

Types of Hotel Cleaning Services Offered

Hotel cleaning contracts may cover a range of services, often categorized as:

  • Guest Room Cleaning: Daily housekeeping, linen changes, restocking supplies.
  • Deep Cleaning: Seasonal or post-renovation cleaning, including carpets, drapes, HVAC vents, and more.
  • Restroom Sanitation: Intensive disinfection of public restrooms and guest bathrooms.
  • Lobby & Common Areas: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, glass cleaning, and trash removal.
  • Laundry Assistance: Towel and linen management if not handled in-house.
  • Disinfection Services: Use of EPA-approved disinfectants to combat viruses and bacteria.

Offering a broad service menu allows for scalable packages based on hotel size and budget.

Certifications and Industry Standards

Professional hotel cleaning services often stand out by maintaining recognized certifications, such as:

  • OSHA Compliance: Ensures workplace safety standards are met.
  • CDC Protocols: Following updated CDC guidelines for sanitation and infection prevention.
  • Green Cleaning Certifications: Such as LEED or Green Seal for using environmentally responsible products.

Adhering to these standards demonstrates credibility and commitment to excellence, often required by hotel brands or franchises.

Staffing and Training Requirements

Hotels often operate 24/7, and cleaning must align with peak guest check-in/out times without disrupting operations. A strong hotel cleaning services provider should demonstrate:

  • Background-checked, Uniformed Staff: Cleaners must be professional and trustworthy as they may be around guests and sensitive areas.
  • Specialized Training: Staff should be trained in industry protocols, including handling biohazards, laundry services, and using commercial-grade equipment.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Ability to provide services during off-peak hours, overnight shifts, or on short notice.

Reliable staffing and ongoing training ensure that your cleaning team maintains quality standards consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is typically included in hotel cleaning services?
    Hotel cleaning services often include daily guest room cleaning, bathroom sanitization, vacuuming, linen replacement, and cleaning of public areas.
  2. How do you price a hotel cleaning contract?
    Pricing depends on the size of the hotel, the frequency of service, specific cleaning tasks required, and whether services like laundry or deep cleaning are included.
  3. Are hotel cleaning services required to follow health regulations?
    Yes. Services must comply with OSHA standards, CDC sanitation guidelines, and any brand-specific protocols for cleanliness and safety.
  4. Can hotel cleaning contracts be adjusted seasonally?
    Absolutely. Contracts can include clauses for adjusting service levels during peak seasons or special events, allowing for greater operational flexibility.
  5. What qualifications should hotel cleaning staff have?
    Staff should be background-checked, professionally trained in hospitality cleaning standards, and familiar with safety and disinfection procedures.

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