Celebrating housekeepers week 2025: A guide for hotel leaders

Introduction.
Every September, hotels around the world take time to celebrate International Housekeepers Week. In 2025, the celebration runs from September 14 to 20, offering boutique hotel leaders an opportunity to recognize the team members who keep operations running smoothly. For many boutique properties, housekeeping staff are at the heart of the guest experience. A spotless room sets the tone for a stay, and cleanliness continues to be one of the most mentioned factors in online reviews. Recognizing housekeeping teams is not only good for morale, it also ties directly to guest satisfaction and operational success.

Why this week matters.
Housekeeping is one of the most physically demanding and high-pressure roles in the hotel. A survey of executive housekeepers found that more than 75% reported experiencing high stress in their daily work. The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) established International Housekeepers Week in 1981 to spotlight the contributions of these teams and to encourage hotels to show meaningful appreciation. For boutique hotels, where service and ambiance carry exceptional weight, recognizing the people who maintain high standards of cleanliness and comfort has a direct link to reviews, repeat visits, and overall performance.

Daily themes and recognition ideas.
Hotels that plan creative celebrations often see stronger engagement from their housekeeping teams. One popular approach is to assign daily themes throughout the week. For example:

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Monday: Welcome & appreciation day.

Kick off the week with a celebratory breakfast and a recognition board where staff can write notes of gratitude to one another. Provide small “welcome gifts” like reusable water bottles, tote bags, or hotel-branded gear to set the tone.

Tuesday: Creativity day.

Encourage staff to showcase their talents with a towel art competition or themed room design challenge. Guests can even vote on their favorites, adding a layer of engagement. Prizes could include gift cards, extra time off, or fun experiences.

Wednesday: Taste of the city day.

Highlight local food culture with a catered lunch or invite a popular food truck to the property. Add a cultural element, like music from the area or mini cooking demos, to make the day immersive.

Thursday: Team connection day.

Give housekeeping staff the chance to swap roles with the front desk or sales for a few hours. This builds empathy and understanding across departments. Follow it with a team-building event like trivia, charades, or skits that showcase humor and creativity.

Friday: Celebration & recognition day

Close out the week with an awards ceremony honoring service milestones, years of dedication, and standout contributions. Create fun award categories like “Best Bed Maker,” “Most Creative Towel Artist,” or “Team Spirit Champion.”

Creative activities like “cleaning Olympics” or floral arrangement contests have become popular in some hotels. These events not only lighten the workload with moments of fun, they also help team members bond and build a stronger sense of pride in their work.

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Recognition and wellness perks
Appreciation goes further when it feels personal. Many hotels use Housekeepers Week as a chance to offer thoughtful perks. Options include:

• Wellness vouchers, such as massages or spa treatments
• Gift cards to local restaurants or shops
• Personalized items like mugs, pens, or plaques that honor years of service
• Additional paid time off or flexible scheduling for the week

These gestures signal to employees that their well-being is as important as their performance. Some properties have even surprised staff with home cleaning services to ease their workload outside of the hotel, a gesture that staff often find deeply meaningful.

Team-building and celebrations
Shared meals and celebrations help build community. Catered breakfasts, ice cream socials, or themed lunches are simple yet effective ways to make housekeeping teams feel seen. Taco trucks, coffee carts, or dessert buffets can also add variety and excitement throughout the week.

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Friendly contests are another way to bring energy into the week. Competitions can be both lighthearted and team-focused, reinforcing that recognition is not just about individual achievements but also about collective success.

Long-term impact beyond one week
Recognition should not stop at the end of Housekeepers Week. Consistent appreciation throughout the year has been shown to reduce turnover and strengthen team morale. Research shows that more than 90% of employees would recommend their workplace to others if they feel valued and recognized. For boutique hotels, where staffing stability directly affects service quality, appreciation practices can become a competitive advantage.

• Implement cashless tipping, so staff can easily receive extra income through digital payments, which is important now that many guests no longer carry cash.

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Leaders should view Housekeepers Week as a starting point for building a recognition culture. Regular check-ins, monthly shout-outs, and cross-department appreciation can sustain the momentum long after the official week has ended.

Action plan: Housekeepers' week checklist
For leaders planning the celebration, here is a sample week-of checklist:

• Plan ahead: Assign a budget, choose vendors, and coordinate with department heads.
• Communicate: Share the schedule with the team in advance so they can anticipate events.
• Host daily activities: Blend recognition, fun competitions, and meals across the week.
• Celebrate milestones: Recognize tenure, promotions, and unique contributions.
• Gather feedback: Ask staff what they enjoyed most and how future events could improve.

This structure helps ensure the week is both organized and memorable.

Conclusion
International Housekeepers Week is a valuable opportunity for boutique hotel leaders to highlight the vital role of housekeeping staff in shaping the guest journey. By planning thoughtful celebrations, offering meaningful recognition, and carrying the spirit of appreciation into daily operations, hotels can strengthen team morale and guest satisfaction at the same time. A culture of recognition pays dividends long after the week concludes, leaving both staff and guests with lasting positive impressions.

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