HospitalityOperationsBeginner15 min10 steps

Guest Room Turnover Procedure

A step-by-step procedure for cleaning and preparing a hotel guest room between stays. Covers stripping, cleaning, sanitizing, restocking, inspection, and final presentation.

Step 1: Knock, Enter, and Assess

Knock on the door three times and announce "Housekeeping." Wait 10 seconds, then knock again. If there is no response, use your master key to enter. If the room is occupied, apologize and return later.

Prop the door open with your cart and do a quick visual scan. Note any damage, missing items, or maintenance issues that need reporting. Check under the bed, in drawers, and in the safe for guest belongings. If you find anything, bag it, label it with the room number and date, and deliver it to the lost and found desk before continuing.

Step 2: Strip the Bed and Remove Linens

Remove the duvet cover, sheets, and pillowcases. Check linens for stains or damage and set aside any items that need special treatment. Place all used linens in the laundry bag on your cart. Never place linens on the floor.

Remove used towels, bathrobe, and bath mat from the bathroom. Place them in the separate towel laundry bag. Check behind the bathroom door and on hooks for any items guests may have left behind.

Step 3: Clear Trash and Used Amenities

Empty all waste bins in the room and bathroom. Replace bin liners with fresh ones. Remove used coffee pods, tea bags, and any opened food or beverage items from the minibar tray.

Collect used bathroom amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles that have been opened. Dispose of used dental kits and shower caps. Remove any used glasses, mugs, or cutlery and place them on the cart for the kitchen.

Step 4: Clean the Bathroom

Spray the shower, bathtub, and sink with the approved disinfectant solution. Let it sit for the contact time specified on the product label (typically 3-5 minutes). While waiting, clean the toilet bowl with the toilet brush and disinfectant, including under the rim.

Wipe down all surfaces (countertop, faucets, mirror, shower door, and towel bars) with a clean microfiber cloth. Scrub the shower floor and bathtub. Rinse all surfaces thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots. Mop the bathroom floor starting from the far corner toward the door.

Step 5: Dust and Wipe Room Surfaces

Starting at the door and working clockwise around the room, dust all surfaces: desk, nightstands, headboard, TV, lamps, window sills, and shelving. Use a damp microfiber cloth, never a feather duster, as it spreads allergens.

Wipe down the phone, remote control, light switches, and door handles with disinfectant wipes. These high-touch surfaces must be sanitized between every guest. Clean the inside and outside of the minibar refrigerator. Wipe the coffee maker and kettle.

Step 6: Clean Floors and Upholstery

Vacuum the entire room including under the bed, under the desk, and in closet areas. Use the crevice tool along baseboards and in corners. If the room has hard floors, vacuum first, then mop with the approved floor cleaner.

Inspect upholstered furniture for stains. Spot-clean as needed using the approved upholstery cleaner. Vacuum upholstered chairs and the sofa. Check curtains or drapes for stains and ensure they operate smoothly on the track.

Step 7: Make the Bed

Place the mattress protector, checking for any stains or tears. Layer the fitted sheet, ensuring all corners are snug and wrinkle-free. Add the flat sheet with the finished side facing down, tucking hospital corners at the foot of the bed.

Place the duvet in a fresh cover and spread it evenly across the bed. Arrange pillows according to the hotel's standard presentation, typically two sleeping pillows per guest, plus decorative pillows. Ensure the bed is symmetrical and the duvet hangs evenly on both sides.

Step 8: Restock Amenities and Supplies

Place fresh bathroom amenities in the designated positions: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap in the shower caddy; lotion and dental kit on the vanity. Arrange fresh towels on the towel bar: two bath towels, two hand towels, two washcloths per guest, folded to the hotel's standard.

Restock the room with fresh coffee pods, tea bags, sugar, creamer, and two bottles of water. Place a fresh notepad, pen, and hotel directory on the desk. Ensure the TV remote has working batteries and is positioned on the nightstand.

Step 9: Set the Ambience

Open curtains or blinds to let natural light in. Set the thermostat to the standard arrival temperature (typically 21-22 °C / 70-72 °F). Turn on the bedside lamp and the bathroom vanity light to create a welcoming atmosphere.

If the hotel uses a welcome amenity (such as a chocolate on the pillow or a welcome card), place it according to the property's standard. Ensure the room has a fresh, clean scent without being overpowering. If an air freshener is used, one light spray toward the ceiling is sufficient.

Step 10: Final Inspection and Sign-Off

Stand at the door and scan the room from the guest's perspective. Check that the bed is perfectly made, surfaces are spotless, amenities are complete, and lighting is correct. Open drawers and the closet to confirm they are clean and stocked with hangers.

Enter the bathroom and verify all surfaces are dry and streak-free, amenities are in position, and towels are neatly arranged. Test the flush and run the faucet briefly. Mark the room as clean in the housekeeping management system and record any maintenance issues that need follow-up.

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