THE ROLE (READ CAREFULLY)
We are hiring a full-time Housekeeper for a small independent hotel.
This role involves constant movement throughout the entire shift, including:
- Going up and down five floors continuously for several hours per day (high ceilings and long staircases — this is physically demanding and unavoidable)
- Carrying linen, towels, supplies, and cleaning equipment while using stairs
- Moving between rooms and external areas (including laundry access)
You will be going up and down stairs dozens of times per shift.
If you are not physically prepared for this level of activity, this role will not be suitable.
You must be comfortable with:
- Sustained physical work without frequent breaks
- Cleaning all areas, including bathrooms, toilets, and heavily used rooms
- Handling unpleasant situations when necessary (e.g. waste, spills, odours)
- Working independently and taking responsibility for the standard of your work
One of the most important qualities we are looking for is pride in your work.
If you notice something that is dirty, untidy, damaged, or simply not right, we expect you to deal with it rather than walk past it. Whether it is a hair on the bed or bedding, a stain on a sheet, a bed that has not been made perfectly, litter in a corridor, or any other issue that affects the presentation of the hotel, we expect you to take ownership and correct it.
We are looking for people who naturally clean as they go, pay attention to detail, and genuinely care about the condition of the hotel and the quality of their work.
TYPICAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The hotel has 34 rooms across five floors.
Workload varies depending on occupancy:
- On quieter days, you may work independently.
- On busier days, you may work as part of a small team (2–3 housekeepers) to complete all rooms.
A typical shift involves:
- Cleaning multiple rooms to a consistently high standard
- Moving continuously between floors
- Managing your time efficiently to complete all assigned rooms
The pace of work will vary, but consistency, attention to detail, and completing your work to a high standard are essential.
SHIFT PATTERNS (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
- Typical shift: 10:00–16:00
- Monday to Friday (30 hours per week)
- Occasional weekend work may be required to cover holidays or busy periods.
PAY
- £12.71 per hour
- Approx. £76–£78 per shift (6 hours)
WHAT MATTERS (MORE THAN EXPERIENCE)
- Physical fitness and stamina (essential)
- Ability to carry loads, move quickly, and sustain effort throughout the shift
- Pride in your work and consistently high cleaning standards
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to notice and correct problems without being told
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Ability to work independently without constant supervision
- Basic English communication (to report issues clearly)
- Trustworthiness and integrity (handling guest belongings properly)
PREFERRED
We are looking for candidates with at least six months’ housekeeping experience, together with an understanding of:
- Bed making standards
- Bathroom and toilet cleaning
- Safe use of cleaning chemicals
- Basic health & safety
- Lost property procedures
WHAT THIS ROLE IS NOT
- Not a light cleaning job
- Not suitable if you struggle with physical work
- Not suitable if you are uncomfortable cleaning bathrooms or waste
- Not suitable if you need frequent breaks or low activity work
- Not suitable if you cannot maintain a consistent pace
- Not suitable if you are happy to walk past something that needs cleaning or attention
WHAT WE OFFER AT HOTEL 261
- Straightforward, honest work
You know exactly what is expected — no ambiguity.
The work is repetitive but predictable, allowing you to build speed over time.
- Independence once trained
After training, you are trusted to complete tasks without constant supervision.
- Small, practical team environment
No corporate structure — just getting the job done properly.
- Stable Monday to Friday working pattern
A consistent daytime schedule with occasional weekend cover when required.
An annual team event with food, drinks, and activities in a relaxed setting.
HIRING PROCESS
1. Apply through Indeed with your CV.
2. Include a short cover letter (minimum 250–300 words).
Your cover letter is more important to us than your CV. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
This is not a standard cover letter. We are interested in understanding how you think and how you approach your work. Please answer the points below directly using clear, practical examples from your own experience.
Explain:
- Your housekeeping or cleaning experience
- How you take pride in your work and maintain consistently high cleaning standards
- How you work independently without supervision
- How you deal with something that is dirty, untidy, damaged, or needs attention (for example, noticing a hair on freshly made bedding, a stain on a sheet, litter in a corridor, or something that has not been cleaned properly, and correcting it without being asked)
- How you manage speed while maintaining excellent attention to detail
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and practical trial.
If you do not hear from us within 14 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Work Location: In person