Hotel Checklists

What is a hotel checklist?

Different studies have shown that checklists have a direct impact on productivity, time management, memory and concentration. In hotels, they are an important tool to improve the quality of hotel operations and staff performance. Checklists for all hotel areas can be used to thoroughly review and optimize the standard of service and the level of service.

Hotel checklists support management and staff in daily operations with regular inspections and training. Processes can be standardized and streamlined in this way. Supporting careful and customer-oriented management with checklists increases trust among guests and ensures an impeccable reputation.

This article briefly explains:

1. The top reasons for hotel checklists

2. What checklists a hotel needs

3. A transparent, efficient tool for hotel teams

Top reasons to use hotel checklists

There are a few good reasons why hotel checklists are powerful motivators for the team. First and foremost, checklists define goals in strategic, manageable steps. Anyone who has ever attended a business seminar knows the importance of setting SMART goals – outcomes that are defined as specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.

Hotel checklists can be used to organize tasks within SMART parameters to show the team that these larger goals are achievable through small, manageable steps. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable units keeps people motivated and positive throughout the process.

Why are smaller tasks more motivating than large-scale goals? When we have a sense of accomplishment, no matter how small, the brain releases the happy hormone dopamine. Dopamine is associated with feelings of joy, learning, and motivation. Checking a task off a list is enough for the brain to release a small amount of dopamine – which in turn motivates us to work on more items on our checklist.

Not all items on a checklist lead to the same feeling of satisfaction and motivation, however. Tasks must be challenging to trigger a dopamine response. Small goals must not only be meaningful to work toward your SMART goal, but also create a sense of satisfaction to keep employees motivated. This should be kept in mind when designing new hotel checklists.

What checklists are needed in hotels

The daily operation of a hotel means keeping track of many task areas at once. Checklists standardize processes, in this way the guest experience can be improved and loyalty created by building reliability and a certain standard. Over time, the use of hotel checklists can increase the number of positive reviews.

There are a number of different types of checklists that can be used in hotels:

1. General property checklist: to assess whether staff have been trained, all hotel areas meet brand standards, and to check guest rooms for comfort and cleanliness.
2. Room Checklist: to assess whether rooms are clean and free from damage and whether furniture and decor are in good condition.
3. Housekeeping Checklist: to assess whether the housekeeping team is working consistently and whether all areas of the hotel are clean, sanitary, and presentable to guests.
4. Bathroom Checklist: to assess whether bathrooms are cleaned and to assign which fixtures and equipment need cleaning. An inventory list can additionally be added for things like shampoo, towels, etc.
5. Inventory Checklist: to assess whether hotel supplies, food and beverages for the on-site restaurant and complimentary items are adequate.
6. Hotel maintenance checklist: to keep track of ongoing and occasional maintenance, such as pressure washing, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, security systems and deep cleaning.