SCOTLAND’S HOTELS ARE KEPT IN ORDER BY GREAT HOUSEKEEPERS. THIS MONTH WE FEATURE SEVEN… AND THE FOURTH ONE IS EILEEN BOOTH.
Head Housekeeper, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen
Age: 64
Number of Staff: 14 employees in housekeeping
Number of rooms: 40
How long have you been a housekeeper and how did you get into it?
5 years as a Housemaid and 32 as a Head Housekeeper at the New Marcliffe and the Marcliffe Hotel & Spa at Pitfodels. I got into housekeeping as it fitted in with the school hours, as I had a young family.
What would you do in a typical day?
Daily briefing every morning with the housekeeping staff.
Checking bedrooms and public areas, to ensure our 5 star standard is maintained. Dealing with suppliers., Ordering stores., Organising rotas/holidays., Training and meetings., Settling in new starts.
Interviews., Communicating with other departments. and checking invoices and delivery notes. Always trying to be pro-active and helping our guests to have an enjoyable and memorable stay.
What would you say is your biggest challenge and hardest part of the job?
Recruitment and retention of staff, plus dealing with the public and continually exceeding their expectations.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Knowing that our guests have a great stay and that they will return in the future. Christmas is a great atmosphere and our guests love the Christmas stockings we leave for them on Christmas Eve, including a stocking for any dog guests we have staying as well. Also the great surroundings I work in and the people I work with, which is very family orientated, and we have a great team here at the Marcliffe.
What labour saving device or product could you not live without?
Our Molton Brown toiletries and our Comfort Zone Spa range.
Any tips for aspiring Housekeepers. Training is the key to a successful team and a well run department, whether it is internal on the job or external training. The chance to do SVQs being able to learn and earn at the same time. First impressions and attention to detail and time to do for what is being asked.