How to Be Room Steward - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 28, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rising demand for luxury hotels and resorts has increased the need for room stewards. Room stewards are responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest rooms and public areas, ensuring that all areas are kept in a clean and tidy condition. This demand has caused an increase in the number of job opportunities available to individuals seeking a career as a room steward.

As a result, competition for these positions has grown, leading to higher wages and better benefits for those who are successful in securing a position. In addition, the increasing number of luxury establishments means there are more opportunities for room stewards to gain experience and develop their skills, leading to greater career prospects for those who choose this profession.

Steps How to Become

Research job requirements and qualifications for Room Steward. Most positions require prior experience in housekeeping or hotel management.
Obtain the necessary certifications, if required. Many employers require Room Stewards to have a valid drivers license, CPR certification and food safety certification.
Explore available training programs. Some employers may offer on-the-job training for Room Stewards, but many require applicants to have prior experience or knowledge of housekeeping procedures.
Develop strong customer service skills. Room Stewards must be friendly and personable when interacting with guests.
Apply for open positions. Look for job postings in local newspapers, online job boards and with hotel chains and independent properties.
Prepare for the interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience and why you are the best candidate for the position.
Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview. A polite call or email thanking them for their time can demonstrate your interest in the job and leave a lasting impression.
Begin working as a Room Steward. Follow all safety protocols and adhere to all hotel policies and procedures.

In order to stay updated and efficient, a room steward should stay organized and keep up with the latest industry trends. It is important to regularly read industry publications, attend conferences and seminars, and connect with other room stewards to stay on top of the latest techniques and technologies. Doing so not only allows room stewards to remain current with their profession, but also enables them to better serve their clients and increase customer satisfaction.

staying organized allows room stewards to be more efficient and save time while performing daily tasks such as cleaning and organizing hotel rooms. Being organized also allows room stewards to be more proactive in addressing guest needs and improve overall customer service.

You may want to check Room Service Manager, Room Attendant Manager, and Room Chef for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure that all guest rooms and public areas are cleaned and maintained according to hotel standards.
Dust, vacuum, mop, and polish furniture and fixtures in guest rooms and public areas.
Clean and sanitize bathrooms, showers, toilets, sinks, and mirrors.
Change sheets and towels as needed, and make beds.
Stock supplies in guest rooms such as clean linens, soap, shampoo, etc.
Remove all soiled linen from guest rooms and replace with fresh linen.
Replenish amenities such as coffee, tea, and toilet paper in guest rooms.
Dispose of trash and recyclables from guest rooms and public areas.
Perform deep cleaning of guest rooms as required.
Report any maintenance or repair issues to the appropriate staff member or manager.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, materials, and equipment
Ability to understand safety and sanitation regulations
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
Attention to detail
Good communication skills
Customer service-oriented attitude
Ability to work quickly and efficiently
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Physical fitness and strength to lift heavy objects
High level of stamina and endurance

Organizational and time management skills are essential for a room steward to be successful. Without these skills, a room steward will have difficulty keeping up with the high demand of their job. Keeping track of the daily tasks, being able to prioritize, and having an eye for detail are all important qualities that will enable a room steward to properly clean, tidy, and prepare rooms for guests.

having good communication skills and the ability to work well with others is paramount in creating a pleasant environment for guests. A room steward must be able to work efficiently, as they often have tight deadlines and must complete tasks in a timely manner in order to meet the expectations of the hotel staff. Finally, having the knowledge and skills to use cleaning products safely and correctly is essential in ensuring that rooms are cleaned to a high standard without causing any harm or damage.

All of these skills combined make up the foundation for a successful room steward.

Room Design Engineer, Room Clerk, and Room Arranger are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in hotel housekeeping?
How do you ensure guest satisfaction and high standards of cleanliness?
What strategies do you use to effectively manage a large workload?
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult guest request.
What challenges have you faced as a room steward and how did you overcome them?
How do you stay up to date on industry standards for cleaning and safety protocols?
How do you respond to complaints from guests about the cleanliness of their room?
What techniques do you use to prioritize tasks?
Describe your experience in restocking and organizing room supplies.
What do you believe sets you apart from other room stewards?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. Used to clean carpets, rugs, and hard floors (e. g. Hoover Vacuum).
Broom and Dustpan. Used to sweep up dirt and dust (e. g. O-Cedar Dual-Action Dustpan & Angle Broom).
Mop. Used to clean and sanitize floors (e. g. O-Cedar Microfiber Spin Mop).
Disinfectant Cleaner. Used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces (e. g. Lysol Disinfectant Spray).
Glass Cleaner. Used to clean mirrors and windows (e. g. Windex Glass Cleaner).
Toilet Brush. Used to clean the inside of toilets (e. g. OXO Good Grips Hideaway Toilet Brush).
Trash Can Liners. Used to line trash cans (e. g. Glad ForceFlex Trash Bags).
Sponges. Used to scrub surfaces (e. g. Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge).
Towels. Used to dry surfaces (e. g. Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels).
Gloves. Used to protect hands from cleaning chemicals (e. g. Nitrile Gloves).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Hospitality Administration
National Restaurant Association
National Association of Hotel & Lodging Executives
American Hotel & Lodging Association
International Hotel & Restaurant Association
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
Foodservice Equipment and Supplies Association
International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education
International Association of Conference Centers
Cruise Lines International Association

We also have Room Refurbishment Technician, Room Division Controller, and Room Refurbishment Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cabin Steward. A Cabin Steward is a hospitality professional who is responsible for the cleanliness, tidiness and overall upkeep of the guest cabin or suite and its amenities.
Housekeeping. Housekeeping is the management of cleaning, laundry and maintenance activities in an accommodation setting.
Room Attendant. A Room Attendant is a hospitality professional who is responsible for cleaning guest rooms and suites in an accommodation setting.
Janitorial. Janitorial refers to the services performed by janitors and other professionals to keep a building or area clean and organized.
Hospitality. Hospitality is the act of providing guests with a pleasant and enjoyable stay in an accommodation setting.
Linen Services. Linen services involve the laundering, distribution and storage of linens for use in an accommodation setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Room Steward? A1: A Room Steward is a hospitality professional responsible for providing excellent service to hotel guests in their assigned guest rooms. They are responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of the rooms, and may also provide turndown service, restock supplies, and answer any guest inquiries. Q2: What duties are associated with being a Room Steward? A2: The duties of a Room Steward include cleaning guest rooms, vacuuming carpets, changing bed linens, restocking room supplies, dusting furniture, and responding to guest inquiries. Q3: What qualifications do you need to be a Room Steward? A3: To be a Room Steward, you should have prior experience working in the hospitality industry, a good eye for detail, and excellent customer service skills. You may also need to have a valid driver's license and be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Q4: How much does a Room Steward make? A4: The average salary for a Room Steward is $27,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience and other factors. Q5: What are the working hours of a Room Steward? A5: Room Stewards typically work a full-time schedule, usually 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. However, their working hours may vary depending on the needs of the hotel.