DANBURY, CONN.—Meyer Jabara Hotels celebrated International Housekeeping Week (September 14 to 20) across its portfolio of 45 branded and independent hotels in recognition of dedicated department professionals keeping its hotels clean, safe, and welcoming for guests every day.
“Housekeeping is one of the most important roles in the hotel industry,” said Justin Jabara, President of Meyer Jabara Hotels. “Unlike front-desk or guest-facing staff, housekeepers work diligently behind the scenes, ensuring every detail meets the highest standards. A clean room directly affects guest satisfaction, loyalty, and the hotel’s reputation. Guests often judge a hotel within minutes of entering their room. A spotless, fresh-smelling, well-prepared space communicates professionalism, safety, and comfort. Having a reputation for immaculate rooms drives repeat bookings and shows people we care.”
Did you know?
- Housekeepers tuck in approximately 24 beds per day, with each portion of a mattress (being lifted eight times per bed) weighing 30 pounds in every lift. That’s 24 beds x 8 lifts/bed x 30 pounds/lift = 5,760 pounds per day, equivalent to almost 3 tons per shift.
- Housekeeper turnover has a tremendous negative impact on the housekeeping/laundry operation. The number one reason for turnover is that room attendants do not feel as though they have been properly trained.
- Due to the highly physical and repetitive nature of housekeeping, there are more injuries in this position than any other.
“We strive to recognize and honor our hard-working housekeeping teams every day,” Jabara said. “They are the heart of our hotels. Not only do housekeepers uphold brand standards by following cleaning protocols and checklists, but the consistency of service they provide guarantees that no matter which room a guest stays in, they’ll receive the same level of quality. Housekeepers also interact directly with guests. Their courtesy, discretion, and responsiveness to special requests (like extra towels or hypoallergenic bedding) contributes to overall hospitality. Without this departmental engine, we would not be in business.”
Building a Journey Culture of Empathy & Recognition
Meyer Jabara Hotels not only acknowledges the hard work of its housekeeping employees, but all associates across its growing enterprise. Quality training and recognizing/rewarding employees is key to keeping morale and retention high. Studies show that employees who feel valued are 31 percent more likely to stay with their employer and 23 percent more engaged in their work (Gallup, 2025).
“A company’s culture is not a destination or a human resources program of the month; it is a ‘Journey’ comprised of small actions and big strategies—the monumental decisions and the minute interactions which make up each day,” Jabara said. “At Meyer Jabara Hotels, all associates are encouraged and trained to provide superior customer service and differentiated repeatable experiences for our guests. This commitment to hospitality begins with how we treat our people. When employees feel seen, supported, and celebrated, it translates directly into guest satisfaction and loyalty. Ongoing training isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business imperative.”
Meyer Jabara Hotels works with PDQ Consulting Inc. to train and maintain its housekeeping and laundry operations. PDQ’s world renowned STEPS (System to Enhance Productivity and Service) process re-engineers the housekeeping department and organizes the responsibilities of room attendants into specific cleaning cycles that produce high level quality in the most efficient manner possible. The company has trained housekeepers at more than 4,000 hotels in 34 countries.
Throughout the week, Meyer Jabara Hotels hosted special activities, recognition events, and team-building opportunities to show appreciation for housekeepers at its properties. Festivities included a “Tree of Appreciation” (A tree painted on a poster board with all departments receiving paper leaves; associates will write a brief message to thank the Housekeeping Team. All leaves were glued to the poster and displayed in the breakroom.), chair massage days, scavenger hunts, chef-prepared meals and snacks, ice cream sundae treat breaks, crafting events, games, and gift giveaways.
A Culture of Gratitude
While International Housekeeping Week provided a special opportunity to honor housekeepers, Meyer Jabara Hotels recognizes that every associate plays a vital role in delivering memorable guest experiences. From the front desk to food and beverage, engineering to management, each team member contributes to the company’s culture of hospitality.
“We are thankful for every associate, regardless of job title, and remain committed to celebrating and supporting our people all year long,” Jabara said.
