6 Things you didn’t know about chamber maids

(And some things that you probably didn’t want to know, SORRY…)

I don’t know about you but I’m fascinated by chamber maids. How do they manage to get a room so shiny and clean in just 14 minutes (that’s how long they get). No-one can pull sheets as tightly as they do. I try to be the perfect guest. So I sometimes make the bed myself. Not nearly as neatly as they do, but still. And hide my knickers appropriately in a corner. I was intensely happy as I did this interview with a chamber maid from a boutique hotel (who would like to remain anonymous). At least until the final question that is…

1. The worst behaviour from hotel guests…

Leaving no tip or emptying out your pocket change. So degrading. Also irritating to clean a room when the guest has thrown their stuff all over the place. We’re not actually allowed to touch their things so it’s difficult to clean up.

2. The best guests…

Those are the people who can feel for us. They place their personal belongings in one spot so we can clean easily.

3. The worst you’ve ever seen…

There are people around who seem to have a physical disability when it comes to flushing the toilet. I once cleaned a room where the toilet was used but, umm, not flushed for some time.

4. Tipping rules

2 euro per day is perfect. And leave it in a place that makes it clear it’s a tip. Like in the bathroom under the glass or on the room service tray. If in doubt we always leave it lying there.

5. The time it takes to clean a room.

14 minuten. That’s all we get. For the suites too. Almost impossible. You do the bathroom, wash glasses, clean the sheets and change the towels and vacuum and dust.

6. What does no-one know and probably never want to know…

That we clean the bathtub with the toilet brush…