New housekeeping policy, seeking clairification

Wow, I got that email too. But, I never read it, I just thought it was just a typical email "fluff confirmation." I'd like some clarification on that too. Thanks for pointing that out Narei. ^^

This clause has been added to quite a few room contracts. Basicly there have been times that people have left the Do No Disturb sign the entire length of the convention and thusly not permitting housekeeping into the room to maintain it. Housekeeping Needs to enter a room at some point to replace consumables (Soap, Shampoo, glasses, Toilet paper), Empty the trashcans, Remove large garbage, and insure Habitablity of the room. Too many times as I've been leaving at the end of a convention I've seen the poor housekeepers pulling mountians of pizza boxes, and several bags of garbage because people have left the DND sign up.

As for Housekeeping starting at 10 a.m. it's to let people sleep after parting all night so they don't leave the DND sign up.

This is just my thinking on the subject. My opinions in no way repersent Anthrocon or any of it officers of employees.

~T

It makes sense I guess... I'm just wondering though, as a just-now thought, if we'll be able to ask the housekeeping staff if they can come back at another time during the day (for example, say one of my roomies is in the shower). I realize it goes smoother if they can just go one room to another, though, and I have no problems letting the hotel staff do their job, I just wonder if this new policy is flexible to a point (If someone keeps saying 'come back at another time' all throughout the con/day/whenever would be the breaking point there, at which point I'd definitely expect the staff to do something to gain access to that room.)

Though admittedly, it is a good wakeup call for those who wanted to get up at 10

How about we wait until Monday when Jaime's back in the office?

I'm going to ignore Kage's comment about waiting for Jamie and try to rationalize this as much as possible.

Standard disclaimer, I don't work for the hotel or AC, but I think this topic could use some polite insight into this policy.

Honestly, I haven't seen a hotel where that sign has really stopped housekeeping in the first place. That's more or less a sign to keep out your roommates.

However, I AM NOT ENDORSING THIS, most hotels have an internal lock similar to a chain-and-anchor system (I don't know the technical name for it), and it cannot be disengaged from the outside. I don't recall immediately if the Westin has these, but I wouldn't see why not.

Almost certainly not. Look at this from the hotel's point of view. They have a few *hundred* rooms to clean, that by practice, have to be cleaned in a time span of 10am-3pm. Even if the room isn't changing ownership that day, they have to keep in practice of doing so. Remember that there are people in those rooms before we get them, and the highly efficient housekeeping services are what allow you to check in at 3pm instead of 8pm.

Going back to check rooms later wastes time, and they might forget about it too. Consider also that you cannot defer them to not clean any given day. If a mess piles up by the end of the con, regardless of a cleaning charge they might impose upon you for an especially filthy room, that room might not be cleaned in time for the next occupants when they try to check in. Or it might, but housekeeping might not be able to clean other rooms further down the line.

If too many people started requesting a "call-ahead", that would bog down housekeeping services or waste labor hours on the hotel's part. And remember we're getting these rooms at a special cost because of the convention, and prices are always going up, so nobody is keen on wasting money where it isn't necessary.

Usually it's a silent rule in the industry (FC's DoubleTree has a similar policy. Housekeeping had to at least inspect the room). And usually they don't have to speak it either, but crowd 2,500 college-age kids into a hotel and suddenly you have to start laying down the law.
(yes I know not everyone is that age, I'm making a general assertion)

Totally understandable. But please realize that housekeeping is very good at their job, and will only need a few minutes to clean a room so long as it isn't trashed. Which leads to the next statement...

If you're that clean, then most likely they can come in to make a quick inspection, certify that the room is up to standard, and leave within a minute. *Most likely, not absolutely certain*

And remember that they can't take your word for it either (that the room is clean). To them, you are a stranger, and capable of misleading them. Just let them inspect the room, do the adjustments as necessary, and be on their way.

It is also entirely likely that the room will be cleaned up while you are at breakfast. Usually I find that my room is cleaned when I'm at breakfast. Luck of the draw I guess.

As you said, they do need to keep an appearance. And moreover, since you are staying in their room, it is their prerogative to make sure that these rooms are kept up to standard. Other people will be using the room after you, remember, and certain things will create permanent odors and other problems if not taken care of promptly.

And try to remember that this is to make sure you are well-kept as well. As they are in the hospitality business, they want to make sure you are always maintained with fresh linens, towels, and a nice place to rest and/or "crash". It makes them all happy and warm inside to know that when you go to your room, that you have the most comfortable place in the city to sleep.

I hope this helps.

-Estimated six so far. Let's hope it doesn't go higher!

Good Morning

I really think Exkhaniber said it the best. We want to make sure all guests are as comfortable as possible with enough linens, towels, shampoo, etc. The Westin hotel has very high standards of service and cleanliness we would like to maintain, and to make sure we do that for Anthrocon guests as well as other guests that will be coming into the hotel; we need to maintain cleaning for each room daily.

Please note if the housekeeper knocks and it is not a good time for you or the guests in your room, simply answer the door and let her know what a better time will be. We ask that all rooms be serviced by 6:00pm each day.

Thank you!

Just to add in my two tuna, what I usually do when I'm staying at a hotel is before going out to to lunch, if the room hasn't been cleaned yet, I'll call housekeeping and tell them that I'm heading out and they may come and clean the room at their convenience.

Though sometimes weird things can happen. I was working MarCon last month and had a spot in the room that was shared by the other Dorsai Irregulars. When housekeeping answered the phone, they addressed me as "Mister Dorsai".

 
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I, for one, am really uncomfortable with this new policy. It gives them the right to enter the room reguardless. If we need extra towels, soap or whatever, I can call the front desk for some. I don't like the idea of some person entering the room around some of my very valuable things. The "Do Not Disturb" sign keeps out unnecessary visits of even potential theft. Don't get me wrong, I'm not accusing any of the hotel staff of EVER taking things from rooms. Most of the staff is pleasant, I just would rather NOT take that chance from previous hotel experiences.

Most hotels also carry the disclaimer of "we are not responsible for items in your room, and suggest putting valuables in the complimentary safe". But what happens when all of your valuables will not fit into that safe? If I had sets of copic markers sitting out (which could run anywhere from $300-900), I would certainly be more nervous if maid service was mandatory. I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable leaving it in the dealer's room after some of the thefts that occurred last year (no offense, to kage or any of the staff). Carrying those markers everywhere would break your back. What if I had a special diet, only to come into my room to find some of my food missing? I would be upset, even if it was a few items.

Will AC be offering any discounts at other hotels besides the DoubleTree and Westin?