Behind Every Great Stay: Why Celebrating International Housekeeping Week is Vital to Your Hotel

Each year, International Housekeeping Week (IHW) gives us the perfect excuse to celebrate the real MVPs of hotel operations: housekeepers. They may work behind the scenes, but their impact shines front and center keeping guest rooms sparkling, linens fresh, and public spaces polished. Housekeepers form the backbone of guest satisfaction, making every stay comfortable, safe, and welcoming.

Hotel managers set the vision for their team whether elevating guest satisfaction scores, improving operational efficiency, or creating a welcoming atmosphere. These goals depend on the housekeepers who maintain spotless rooms, refresh every linen, and polish every public space. Without their dedication, even the best-laid management strategies fall short. Recognizing and supporting housekeeping teams empowers managers to achieve their goals while delivering the exceptional experiences guests expect.

When Do Hotels Honor Housekeeping Teams?

IHW takes place annually during the second full week of September. This year, it’s September 14–20, 2025. Hotels and businesses across the globe pause to give a well-deserved shout-out to their housekeeping teams, celebrating their dedication, professionalism, and the hard work that keeps everything running smoothly.

Why Does Housekeeping Deserve More Recognition?

Housekeeping takes determination and ranks as one of the most demanding jobs in hospitality. It takes efficiency, sharp attention to detail, and plenty of stamina to keep things running smoothly day after day. Yet, this essential work often goes unnoticed. That’s exactly why IHW exists: to shine a light on the incredible effort housekeepers put in behind the scenes.

Indeed lists hotel housekeeping as one of the top 12 careers for upward mobility, highlighting the opportunity to advance into management roles after just a few years of experience.

Recognizing housekeeping teams goes beyond saying “thank you.” It energizes the entire team, empowers managers to achieve performance goals, keeps operations running smoothly, and elevates guest experiences. A motivated, appreciated housekeeping staff drives overall guest satisfaction and hotel success.

Replacing just one employee can cost a company thousands of dollars. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), replacement costs typically range from 50% to 200% of an employee’s annual salary and in high-turnover industries like hospitality, the costs can be even higher. Investing in recognition not only shows appreciation but also helps retain valuable team members and reduces costly turnover.

Who Are the Stars Behind the Scenes?

IHW honors the incredible housekeeping professionals who keep hotels running at their best. From housekeepers and room attendants to laundry staff and housekeeping supervisors, every role plays a part. Together, these teams work tirelessly to create clean, comfortable, and safe spaces that make guests feel right at home—they’re the people who turn a good stay into a great one.

How Can You Show Your Housekeeping Team Appreciation?

Hotels celebrate in many ways, tailoring activities to what makes their teams feel most valued. Here are a few ideas:

  • Host a team meal – Cater a breakfast, lunch, or dinner to give staff a break and time to connect
  • Give recognition gifts – Small tokens like gift cards, personalized notes, or custom items go a long way
  • Plan fun activities – A photo booth, games, or contests can bring energy and joy to the week
  • Highlight your team – Share stories, photos, or “day-in-the-life” features on social media
  • Offer wellness perks – Massages, relaxation breaks, or self-care kits provide rest and rejuvenation

How Does Quore Show Gratitude for Housekeeping Teams?

At Quore, we’re proud to celebrate housekeeping professionals. This year, we’ll be throwing pizza parties for a few local hotel housekeeping teams, complete with:

  • Pizza and cake for everyone to enjoy together
  • Festive décor to set a fun mood
  • Goodies like buttons and stickers as a gesture of appreciation
  • A photo booth so teams can capture the memories

We’re also sending surprise “treats” to hotels across the country, spreading joy and showing our appreciation for the amazing housekeeping teams who keep everything running smoothly.

From keeping operations running smoothly to ensuring every guest leaves with a smile, housekeeping teams drive it all. For managers, supporting and celebrating these professionals strengthens team performance and powers the exceptional experiences that keep guests coming back.

From all of us at Quore, a huge thank you to every housekeeping team working tirelessly behind the scenes. You make each hotel experience exceptional and truly make a difference every single day!

How Can You Share Your Team’s Stories?

We want to see how your housekeeping teams celebrate International Housekeeping Week! Snap photos of your team in action, at events, or enjoying celebrations, and share them with us on social media by tagging Quore. You can drop your highlights in the Innsiders Facebook group to connect with other Quore users. Be sure to follow Quore’s social channels for inspiration, tips, and more ways to spotlight your amazing housekeeping staff throughout IHW.

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