Have You Hugged Your Housekeeper Today?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

What's that saying: "Better late than never." I just found out that this week is International Housekeepers Week, a seven-day celebration in honor of those who clean up after us (hey, I thought that was what Mother's Day was for). In all seriousness, I am blogging about this special occasion in the "Travel" category because I feel hotel room attendants (who often go unnoticed and under-appreciated) deserve recognition this week.

When was the last time you passed a hotel room attendant in the hall and said "thank you" or, perhaps, even left a tip in appreciation for their tidying efforts. Yes, I realize you may be thinking, it's their job, so why should we be setting aside an entire week to "honor" them? Well, consider this: a recent study found that hotel housekeepers are generally the most underpaid employees in the travel industry. And, while they play a key role in making sure your stay is clean and comfy, even veterans can make less than $10 an hour. (By the way, tips are not as plentiful as some may think. Like I asked before: when was the last time you left a hefty tip for a hotel attendant?)

However, as in an industry there are exceptions to that rule. Recent news reports announced that under a new pact with two- dozen Chicago-area Hilton properties, "union room attendants now get $13.20 an hour. And when check-outs are particularly heavy, they don't have to do their usual quota of 16 rooms daily." Sixteen rooms may not sound like a lot to a mom who cleans an entire house in less than four hours, but considering that the average hotel housekeeper changes sheets on up to 32 heavy pillow-top mattresses a day, five days a week, not to mention, scrubbing, dusting and vacuuming... well, you get the idea.

According to the UNITE HERE union, there are cities where U.S. housekeepers can make a relatively decent amount of money. For example, since July, hotel room attendants in New York City make $21.23 an hour in a new contract involving 138 hotels. Among them: the two Manhattan Ritz-Carltons, the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental.

Of course, we shouldn't limit our appreciation for the housekeeper to just this week. The next time you see a hotel room attendant in the hall... no matter what day it is... simply say "thanks."

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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