Do Hotels, Motels, and Airbnbs Clean Rooms Between Guest Stays?

When you've booked a room at a hotel, motel, or a stay through Airbnb, you might wonder: do these providers clean the room between stays, especially if you're planning to extend your stay? The answer can vary depending on the establishment and the type of lodging. In this guide, we break down the cleaning practices at hotels, motels, and Airbnb to help you understand what you can expect.

Hotel Housekeeping Practices

Hotels typically have a standard housekeeping schedule that they follow, but it can vary widely depending on the property and the type of stay. For shorter stays, hotels often perform a daily housekeeping routine, which includes cleaning and restocking the room. However, for guests staying multiple nights, hotels often change their practices. Many hotels no longer provide daily housekeeping unless specifically requested by the guest.

Daily Housekeeping and Extended Stays

At most hotels, the housekeeping team will clean the room and restock it daily for guests who are staying for multiple nights. However, this practice is becoming less common due to budget constraints and operational efficiency. Many hotels now only perform a once-a-day clean upon check-in and only offer additional cleaning services for a fee. Guests can request daily or bi-daily cleaning if they prefer.

Checking Guest Preferences

Hotels are increasingly aware of guest preferences, and many now provide options for guests to specify how frequently they would like the room to be cleaned. This can range from daily to less frequent, with the option to skip housekeeping for all or part of the stay. During longer stays, hotels may also offer the option to keep the room as it is, often called a "hotel on hold" or "continuity of stay" option, where the room is left untouched from check-in to check-out.

Motel Cleaning Practices

Motels, often associated with shorter stays, generally have a different approach to cleaning. Unlike hotels, motels might not have the resources or staffing to provide daily housekeeping, even for guests who stay for multiple nights. Motels usually offer one deep clean when the guest moves in and check-out happens. Some motels may offer additional cleaning services for a fee, but this is not a standard practice.

Alternate Cleaning in Motels

For guests who stay multiple nights in a motel, it's often expected that the room will be left clean upon each check-in. Many motels may perform a light clean or inspection before the next guest moves in, but this can vary greatly depending on the establishment. Some motels might offer more frequent cleaning for a fee, but this is often not the norm.

Airbnb Cleaning Practices

The cleaning practices at Airbnb can significantly differ from hotels and motels due to the different rental style. Guests who stay at Airbnb listings are often expected to take responsibility for cleaning and tidying themselves. Airbnb maintains a comprehensive list of guest guidelines that emphasize the importance of leaving a property in the same condition you found it.

AfterGuest Policies and Expectations

Most Airbnb listings require guests to clean the property before check-out. This can include taking out the garbage, washing dishes, and tidying up the rooms. The expectation is that the property will be left as clean as possible for the next guest. Some hosts also provide cleaning supplies for guests, but this is not a standard offering. Airbnb may offer cleaning services for an additional fee, but it's not a common practice.

Additional Cleaning Services

For guests who prefer additional cleaning services at Airbnb, many hosts offer these as an add-on. These services typically include a thorough cleaning of the entire property, often done before the next guest's arrival. Prices for these services can vary, but they generally range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the property.

Conclusion

The practice of cleaning rooms between stays can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation and the property's specific guidelines. Whether you're staying at a hotel, motel, or an Airbnb, it's essential to check the cleaning policies before booking. Understanding these policies can help you make informed decisions that better suit your needs and preferences.

FAQs

Do hotels clean between guest stays?

In many cases, hotels do provide daily housekeeping for guests who stay multiple nights, but some hotels are moving towards offering this service only upon request. It's always best to check with your hotel and discuss your preferences.

How often do motels clean between guest stays?

Motels typically provide a one-time deep clean upon initial check-in and a light clean before the next guest moves in. Frequent cleaning is often not provided as a standard service.

Do Airbnbs clean the room between stays?

Guests are usually responsible for cleaning the property between stays. However, some Airbnbs offer additional cleaning services for a fee. Always check the listing and guest guidelines for specific details.