Daily hotel room cleanings may be going the way of domestic in-flight meals and free checked bags. That is to say, gone. A distant memory of better times in travel.
According to the New York Times, cleaning service on the daily is on its way out. Already, overnight guests at several major brands including Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Walt Disney World Resorts and more will only get daily housekeeping if they request it, with Marriott offering a range of tidying and alternate day cleanings depending on the tier of the brand (Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis guests still get daily cleanings).
The phenomenon started in 2020 when occupied hotel rooms forwent cleaning services for social distancing purposes. Instead, rooms were deep cleaned, properly sanitized and even left empty overnight between guests. When travel picked up again in 2021, daily cleanings were still phased out at many properties, for safety reasons, as well as budgetary reasons.
Many travelers were already familiar with hotels trying to save money on cleaning services—requesting guests reuse towels and sheets at the bequest of the environment and our oceans. And with so many travelers staying in home shares, short-term rentals, and other accommodations, daily cleaning may feel like less of an expectation.
Hotels are phasing out daily cleanings for several reasons, and money is a big one. Hospitality and travel specialist, Bjorn Hanson told The Times that "cost, staffing, the perception of environmental impact and guest privacy preferences" are all part of large hoteliers' calculations in reducing the service. With increased wages, hiring challenges and folks just not wanting their personal belongings touched by strangers, the time to eliminate daily in-room housekeeping services is upon us.