white ahs hospitality logo

The Psychology Behind Cleanliness and Guest Satisfaction in the Hotel Industry

Lucia Fong • December 13, 2023

​In the world of hotel hospitality, first impressions are everything. From a seamless online booking experience, a warm welcome from the receptionist at the hotel lobby, and clean, tidy rooms presented neatly by friendly housekeepers, these are some of the touch points of a hotel that play a key role in shaping the overall positive guest experience.

In a recent ahs hospitality poll, we reached out to our LinkedIn followers to gauge their thoughts on the various elements of hotel housekeeping that contribute to a memorable stay. Surprisingly, a whopping 74% of respondents emphasised the importance of all aspects, highlighting the interconnected nature of the guest experience — respectful staff interactions to personalised guest experiences. However, what caught our attention was that, out of the provided options, a significant number of participants also expressed a special appreciation for ‘thorough room cleaning’.


This revelation led us to delve deeper into the psychology of cleanliness and its impact on the guest's perception of their hotel stay. It made us realise that the art of hotel housekeeping extends beyond tidiness – it is about creating an environment that resonates with guests on a psychological level. So, in this blog, we will unravel the intricacies of how thorough room cleaning goes beyond the surface, leaving a lasting impression on guests and enhancing their overall satisfaction.

The Psychological Impact of Cleanliness

Cleanliness is not just about aesthetics – it has a profound impact on our emotions and well-being. A meticulously cleaned room can evoke a sense of comfort, safety, and relaxation, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Studies have shown that a clean and organised environment can reduce stress levels and enhance feelings of control and stability.

When guests enter their hotel room that exudes cleanliness, it sets the tone for their entire stay. It creates a positive expectation, signalling that the property prioritises their well-being and comfort. This initial impression can influence how guests perceive other aspects of their experience, making it a pivotal factor in shaping overall satisfaction.

Beyond the Surface: The Art of Thorough Room Cleaning

Our housekeeping team at ahs hospitality understands that attention to detail is paramount. We go the extra distance to make sure the room is thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next guest, leaving no room for discomfort or dissatisfaction. Our commitment to excellence and compliance in hotel housekeeping is driven by the understanding that the cleanliness of a room can be a defining factor in the guest's perception of their entire hotel experience.

Personalised Guest Experiences: A Natural Extension of Thorough Cleaning

Thorough room cleaning not only addresses the physical aspects but also sets the stage for personalised guest experiences. When guests feel that their space has been thoughtfully and thoroughly attended to, they are more likely to perceive the hotel as a place that values their individual needs and preferences.

Our housekeepers are trained not only in the art of cleaning but also in understanding, respecting, and supporting our diverse clientele. Whether it is arranging the room according to specific preferences, going above and beyond to help a guest who is experiencing an issue during their stay or providing additional amenities, our commitment to personalised service extends seamlessly from the thorough cleaning process.

Elevating the Guest Experience Through Thorough Room Cleaning

Indeed, in the space of hotel housekeeping, the art of thorough room cleaning emerges as a foundation in crafting memorable guest experiences. It goes beyond the surface, delving into the realm of psychology, where a clean and well-maintained environment contributes to a guest's overall sense of well-being and satisfaction.

As we continue to prioritise the importance of cleanliness in our hotels, we invite our guests to appreciate the intricate details that go into making their stay truly exceptional. Thorough room cleaning is not just a task for our housekeeping teams around Australia and New Zealand – it is a commitment to creating a space where guests can unwind, feel at ease, and leave with fond memories of their stay.

Partner with ahs hospitality

If you are looking for a tailored housekeeping model for your hotel or property, please get in contact with us today. We offer multiple servicing models to suit your hotel’s housekeeping needs including our Housekeeping – full model, and Labour Hire Solution.art of all we do.

By Camilla Yang February 14, 2025
We get it—between back-to-back meetings and endless emails, keeping your workspace clean often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But a tidy office not only boosts productivity but also creates a positive impression for clients and employees. At ahs hospitality, we believe a clean workspace leads to sharper minds and happier teams. Ready to refresh your workspace? Here are some easy and practical cleaning tips to help you maintain a clean workspace (and yes, we’ll help you keep it spotless too!).
By Camilla Yang January 22, 2025
Housekeeping 2025: Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality As we step into 2025, the world of housekeeping is evolving rapidly, driven by new technology, sustainable practices, and innovative workforce solutions. In this blog, we’ll uncover the must-know trends in housekeeping, revealing how they empower businesses to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape. Let’s dive in!
christmas tree with ornaments
By Camilla Yang October 4, 2024
As we quickly approach the festive season, many of us will be looking forward to a much-deserved holiday break and opening our homes to family and friends. If you are still needing to get your home tidy and presentable, we have put together the ultimate 5 step plan you can follow that will help make your home really sparkle. Not only will it help set the tune for a merry and memorable holiday season, but it will impress your guests as well! 1. Declutter your home Decluttering can help create an organised and spacious environment and can transform the look of your home. Our housekeepers recommend you first start clearing out non-essential items that are not needed and put them in storage. If you realise whilst you are decluttering that you no longer have a need for them, consider donating it to charity if it is in a good condition. Start with one room at a time so you do not feel so overwhelmed. By getting rid of items in the home that you no longer need, you will soon create a bigger and more inviting space to comfortably host your guests. 2. Deep clean the bathroom Nothing will impress your guests more than a sparkly clean bathroom, so be sure that you give it a good deep clean! First clear away all items from your sink and floors and then start wiping down all surfaces with disinfectant spray and a reusable microfibre cloth. To get rid of the soap scum more sustainably, a housekeeping hack our housekeepers recommend is using bi carb soda and vinegar mixture. Once that is all completed, add some fresh hand towels and a scented candle to complement your sparkling bathroom. 3. Add festive touches throughout home With your space now clean and organised, it is time to give it some magic with some holiday decorations! Whether it is a wreath on the door, or fairy lights hung along the staircase, adding these Christmas touches throughout your home will add extra excitement and warmth that your guests will appreciate. If you have a guest room , be sure to give it a Christmas upgrade as well! 4. Bring out the Christmas tree Congratulations on making it this far! It is now time to bring out and set up the Christmas tree. As the star of the show, it can be easy to over decorate the Christmas tree, but we recommend that you keep it classy and simple. Stick to a set colour scheme and complement it with a collection of ornaments and Christmas lights. 5. Create the ultimate Christmas playlist Christmas music is one of the easiest ways to get into the holiday mood and sets the tone for your holiday gathering with loved ones. Before your guests arrive, ask them what their favourite Christmas tunes are to create the ultimate Christmas playlist that everyone will enjoy. This personal touch will ensure everyone will get to hear to their favourite holiday song and can also create conversations among your guests as well. By following these 5 simple steps, your home will be Christmas-ready to host your celebrations in no time. Your guests will not only be impressed, but you will also get to enjoy your clean and tidy home as well.
ahs hospitality cleaning bathroom window at a hotel labour hire site
By Camilla Yang September 12, 2024
‘Labour hire’ is where companies engage with a specialised service provider to connect them with experienced people who will deliver the skilled labour they need support with. In this blog, we will delve into the many scenarios where it is beneficial to engage with a housekeeping labour hire service and the kinds of accommodation properties where they can lend an extra set of hands.
ahs hospitality NSCA
By Camilla Yang September 10, 2024
ahs hospitality are proud to share that we have been announced as a finalist at the National Safety Awards of Excellence under the category ‘Best Continuous Improvement of a WHS Management System’.
housekeeper cleaning the windows
By ahs hospitality August 21, 2024
As the Australian hotel industry faces ongoing challenges, many hoteliers across the country are rethinking how they manage their hotel operations. With the housekeeping department a critical component in delivering guest satisfaction, outsourcing your hotel housekeeping services can provide your hotel with significant advantages.
clean hotel room with flowers
By Camilla Yang August 6, 2024
In the fast-paced world of hotel hospitality, hotel housekeeping staff are usually the unsung heroes. The demanding nature of their work can often be overlooked, and their need for mental wellness support. At ahs hospitality, we believe that promoting mental wellness among our housekeeping staff is not just a nice-to-have but essential for their well-being and their success at work.
Housekeeeper cleaning window
By Camilla Yang July 30, 2024
In this blog we take you behind-the-scenes to show you what it is like working as a Hotel Housekeeper, understand what a typical day in the life looks like for a Housekeeping Manager managing a hotel housekeeping team, and the hard work and dedication that goes into keeping hotels clean and tidy.
Hotel housekeeper providing towels to hotel room
By Camilla Yang June 24, 2024
Partnering with a professional outsourced housekeeping company can provide numerous financial and operational benefits, as well as a strong peace of mind. Here, we explore the top eight benefits of partnering with a professional housekeeping company like ahs hospitality.
ahs hospitality environmental commitments
By Camilla Yang May 22, 2024
We all have a role to play in protecting our environment and reducing our carbon footprint – and all of us at ahs hospitality take this role very seriously. For a number of years now we have partnered with eco-conscious suppliers like Bunzl who have the same passion for protecting the planet, and established processes where we can lower our CO2 emissions and track its environmental impact. In this blog, we are pleased to share with you the progress we have made so far as an outsourced hotel housekeeping company.
More Posts
Share by: