SCOTLAND’S HOTELS ARE KEPT IN ORDER BY GREAT HOUSEKEEPERS. THIS MONTH WE FEATURE SEVEN… AND THE SECOND ONE IS MARIA JESUS BAILING ALVAREZ
MARIA JESUS BAILING ALVAREZ
Head Housekeeper, Airds Hotel & Restaurant, Port Appin
How did you get into Housekeeping? And how long have you been in your current role and many people are in your team?
I wanted to learn about the different departments within a hotel so I applied for a role in housekeeping and I have not looked back since. I have been in my current postion for over fifteen months now. There is a small team of housekeepers and laundry assistants as we do all our in house laundry. One of the team has worked at Airds for over 40 years and therefore what she does not know about laundry is not worth knowing!
What would you do in a typical day?
My day starts with cleaning all the public areas including the bar, the two lounges, the conservatory and the hallways and stairs. Then, once the guests start coming down for breakfast, we start to clean the rooms that we call ‘on’ rooms (these are rooms that guests are continuing their stay in). Then, when guests depart, we prepare their rooms for the new arrivals.
In the evening we also offer a turndown service which is offered whilst guests take dinner. Rooms are prepared for their return to bed.
What labour saving device or product could you not live without?
Henry my hoover.
What would you say was your biggest challenge?
Keeping the hotel spotless every single day as per the expectations of this type of luxury establishment.
What is your favourite part of the job?
When you go into a room that has been left in a mess and give it a good deep clean. I take pleasure from seeing the end result.
What would you say to someone considering coming into housekeeping?
Have a cheerful disposition and always be pleasant to guests.