Cleanliness and Upkeep — Are you missing the mark?

Jeff Bowes
3 min readMar 5, 2023

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Photo by Olexandr Ignatov on Unsplash

As the hospitality industry continues to grow and evolve, the importance of cleanliness in hotels has become increasingly evident. In recent years, room cleanliness has emerged as the number one reason people choose a hotel for their travels. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with staying in dirty hotel rooms and the increasing availability of information about the cleanliness of different hotels.

One of the main reasons room cleanliness has become such a crucial factor in the hotel industry is the potential health risks associated with staying in a dirty room. Hotel rooms can harbor germs and bacteria that can cause illness. Research has shown that hotel rooms can be home to a wide range of potentially harmful microorganisms, including E. coli, salmonella, and MRSA. These germs can be spread by contacting contaminated surfaces, such as bedding, towels, and bathroom fixtures.

As a result, staying in a dirty hotel room could expose travelers to various health risks. In addition to the risk of contracting a bacterial or viral infection, dirty hotel rooms can also contribute to developing allergies and other respiratory issues. For people with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, the risks associated with staying in a dirty hotel room can be even more significant.

In response to these potential health risks, many travelers now prioritize room cleanliness when choosing a hotel. This is especially true for travelers staying in a hotel for an extended period, as they are more likely to be exposed to the germs and bacteria that can accumulate in a dirty room. As a result, hotels that can provide clean and well-maintained rooms are more likely to attract guests and generate positive reviews. Upkeeply can help.

Another reason that room cleanliness has become such an essential factor in the hotel industry is the increasing availability of information about the cleanliness of different hotels. In the past, travelers had to rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and personal experiences to determine the cleanliness of a particular hotel. However, with the rise of online review platforms, travelers can now access detailed information about the cleanliness of different hotels from a wide range of sources.

These online review platforms allow travelers to read reviews from other guests who have stayed at a particular hotel, providing valuable insight into the cleanliness of the rooms and other areas of the property. Additionally, many hotels now offer information about their cleaning protocols and procedures on their websites, allowing travelers to make informed decisions about the cleanliness of a particular property.

The increasing availability of this information has made it easier for travelers to identify hotels that prioritize cleanliness and avoid those with a reputation for being dirty or poorly maintained. As a result, hotels that can maintain high standards of cleanliness are more likely to attract positive reviews and repeat business. In contrast, those that need to prioritize cleanliness may need help to compete in the marketplace.

In addition to the health risks and the availability of information, many other factors have contributed to the growing importance of room cleanliness in the hotel industry. For example, the increasing use of social media has made it easier for travelers to share their experiences with friends and family, including positive and negative feedback about the cleanliness of a particular hotel. As a result, hotels that provide clean and well-maintained rooms are more likely to generate positive word-of-mouth recommendations, which can be a powerful marketing tool.

Furthermore, the rise of online booking platforms has made it easier for travelers to compare prices and amenities across different hotels, allowing them to make informed decisions about where to stay.

According to the 2020 J.D. Power North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, cleanliness and communication ranked among the most critical factors regarding guest expectations.

Stop delaying and make a change. Contact us now and take your property to the next level.

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Jeff Bowes

40 years of Hotel Consulting and Hotel Management experience. He is skilled in hands-on training, software implementation, and hotel management.