As New Zealand transitions from the bustling summer months into autumn’s shoulder season, the hospitality industry faces fluctuating occupancy rates that directly impact housekeeping operations. With fewer guests checking in, but an ongoing need to maintain high cleanliness standards, hotels need to adjust staffing levels and workflows to match demand while keeping efficiency high. Here are a range of tips to help you resolve the cleaning staff fluctuations. Understanding the Shoulder Season Shift The shoulder season is the transition between peak and off-peak travel, presenting both challenges and opportunities for hotels. With lower occupancy rates, this period offers the perfect chance to shift focus toward deep cleaning and facility maintenance in preparation for the next busy season. Staffing adjustments also become essential, ensuring a balance between operational efficiency and labour costs. Instead of seeing this time as a slowdown, hotels can leverage it as a strategic window to refine operations and optimise workforce management, ultimately setting the stage for long-term success.

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!

As New Zealand’s leading provider of outsourced housekeeping, we have the pleasure of working with some of the top hotels across the stunning North and South Islands, all placed near the country’s most iconic tourist destinations. Whether you're gearing up for a quick business trip and want to maximise your downtime or planning a well-deserved weekend getaway, we’ve gathered the best places to stay in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown - along with must-see attractions and experiences that are guaranteed to provide the ultimate New Zealand adventure.

Whether you manage a hotel, student accommodation site, or commercial property, our goal is to provide professional cleaning services that complement your business operations and ensure your property looks its very best.

As the New Zealand 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. Whether your hotel is dealing with staff shortages, cost efficiencies, difficulty finding skilled workers, or the growing demand from guests for sustainable practices, outsourcing your housekeeping department could be the solution you need. Here are five signs that your hotel should consider outsourcing housekeeping services. 1. Your housekeeping department is experiencing staff shortages or high turn over If your internal housekeeping department regularly faces staff shortages or a high turnover, consider partnering with an outsourced housekeeping company that offers a labour hire solution . As a hotelier, not only does this alleviate your need to recruit and train new housekeepers, but it also means that you have access to trained and experienced hotel housekeepers when you require them. This flexibility is also beneficial when your hotel is experiencing an unexpected high occupancy period, or when your housekeeping staff call sick. With experienced hotel housekeepers only a phone call away, engaging with an outsourced housekeeping company who offers a labour hire service will help your hotel maintains its consistent service standards. At ahs hospitality, hoteliers can engage our trained housekeeping workforce at an hourly rate for minimum 4-hour shift. 2. Your hotel is experiencing cost pressures and rising operational costs With inflation and rising commodity prices driving up the costs of operations for many hotels, it is important to review and manage operational costs without compromising the quality of your hotel’s hospitality service. Outsourcing areas of a hotel’s operations like the housekeeping department is often a cost-effective solution as it means you can budget for the service delivery, with the outsourced housekeeping company taking ownership of the recruitment, labour, equipment and other housekeeping operational costs, as well as management of operational performance. At ahs hospitality, we have the expertise to manage hotel housekeeping teams effectively and efficiently so hotels can concentrate on their other business operations. 3. Your hotel is finding is difficult to find skilled workers Finding skilled and experienced hotel housekeepers is often a difficult task. By engaging with an outsourced housekeeping company, who specialise in recruiting, training and developing housekeepers to work in hotels, you no longer need to worry about searching for skilled housekeepers yourself! At ahs hospitality, we have dedicated quality and training managers who will support our housekeepers in striving for continuous improvement in delivering quality cleaning services for your hotel. 4. Your hotel guests are demanding sustainable hotel practices Today’s hotel guests expect hotels to adopt sustainable practices and to partner with outsourced housekeeping companies that prioritise environmental responsibility. At ahs hospitality we have reviewed our supply chain and as part of our housekeeping practices, we now use sustainable equipment and chemicals . We encourage hoteliers to contact us to learn more about how we are continuing to take the more environmentally friendly approach to housekeeping that does not compromise on the delivery of service. 5. Your hotel is experiencing inconsistent housekeeping services If you are noticing inconsistencies in the cleaning services of your current housekeeping department, it may be an indication that your internal housekeeping processes are not working effectively. By partnering with an outsourced housekeeping company, you are working with a team with specialised knowledge and experience in managing housekeeping for hotels. At ahs hospitality we have strong standard operating procedures (SOPs) designed to ensure consistent service delivery for our clients so you can expect high cleanliness results every time.

ahs hospitality is pleased to announce its Teal Sponsorship and attendance at AHICE Aotearoa, hosted by HM Magazine.

In today’s highly competitive hotel accommodation industry, reducing operational costs whilst maintaining a clean and inviting environment is crucial to maintain a healthy stream of return guests. For hotels in Australia and New Zealand, 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. 1. Access to Specialised Expertise Professional housekeeping companies like ahs hospitality have specialised knowledge , experience and expertise in how to run a housekeeping department effectively and efficiently. As an outsourced housekeeping company, we know how to maintain high standards of cleanliness in hotels of all sizes. We train our housekeepers in the best cleaning techniques, provide them with safe and eco-friendly products, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. 2. Cost Efficiency Outsourcing housekeeping services through professional housekeeping companies can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team. Hotels can save on expenses related to recruitment, training, salaries, benefits, and equipment. At ahs hospitality, we will take care of recruitment, training, insurance, work cover, salaries, and housekeeping equipment. We have our own dedicated Human Resources, Marketing, Legal, Safety and Performance teams ready to provide a comprehensive support network for each of our hotel partners. Additionally, hotels can opt for hybrid or labour hire solutions during peak seasons, or high occupancy periods, ensuring flexibility and efficient resource management. 3. Flexibility and Scalability To Suit Demand One of the significant advantages of partnering with a professional housekeeping company like ahs hospitality is the flexibility in services we offer. By working with an outsourced housekeeping company, hotels can scale their housekeeping services up or down based on occupancy rates and seasonal demand. For instance, during peak seasons or special events, hotels can hire additional staff through labour hire solutions . Conversely, during quieter periods, they can reduce the number of housekeeping staff, optimising operational efficiency. 4. Improved Staff Management Managing an in-house housekeeping team can be challenging and time-consuming. Outsourcing this function allows hotel management to focus on core activities such as guest relations and strategic planning. Professional housekeeping companies handle all aspects of staff management, pay roll and administration that involves their housekeepers. This ensures a consistently high standard of service that will have a positive flow on effect to high guest satisfaction. 5. Consistency and Reliability Professional housekeeping companies are committed to providing a consistent and reliable professional cleaning service. They have established protocols and quality control measures to ensure that every cleaning task meets the highest cleanliness standards. This reliability is crucial for ensuring that guests have a consistently pleasant experience during their stay. Hotels can count on these companies like ahs hospitality to deliver the same level of service every time. Remember outsourced housekeeping companies are single handedly experts in keeping your hotel clean and tidy! 6. Access to Advanced Cleaning Equipment Professional housekeeping companies invest in the right cleaning equipment and products. By partnering with these companies, hotels can benefit from advanced cleaning technologies without the need for sourcing these themselves. This includes specialised equipment for deep cleaning, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Access to such resources ensures that the hotel is thoroughly cleaned and maintained to the highest standards. 7. Risk Management and Compliance Compliance with health and safety regulations is critical in the hospitality industry. Professional housekeeping companies are well-versed in these regulations and ensure that all cleaning practices adhere to the required standards. This reduces the risk of non-compliance and potential legal issues. Additionally, these companies often carry insurance to cover any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur, providing an added layer of protection for hotel owners and managers. 8. Enhanced Guest Experience A clean, inviting and well-maintained hotel directly impacts guest satisfaction. Professional housekeeping companies like ahs hospitality bring expertise and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every room and public area is looking its very best. This high standard of cleanliness can significantly enhance the guest experience , leading to positive reviews, higher ratings, and increased bookings. In a region where tourism is a vital industry, such as Australia or New Zealand, maintaining positive guest reviews is essential for success. Indeed, partnering with a professional housekeeping company like ahs hospitality offers numerous benefits for hotels in Australia and New Zealand. From enhancing guest experience and cost efficiency, to providing flexibility and specialised expertise, these partnerships can significantly improve the overall operation and reputation of a hotel. In a competitive industry outsourcing housekeeping services is a strategic move that can provide substantial operational and financial rewards. Explore all of ahs hospitality’s housekeeping services here . Looking to partner your hotel with ahs hospitality, get in touch with us here .

In today's fiercely competitive hotel industry, minimising operational costs while ensuring a clean and welcoming environment is essential to securing a steady flow of returning guests. For hotels in New Zealand, collaborating with a professional outsourced housekeeping service offers numerous financial and operational benefits, along with significant peace of mind. Here, we delve into the five major advantages of outsourcing your hotel housekeeping. 1. Flexibility and Scalability To Suit Demand One of the significant advantages of partnering with an outsourced housekeeping company like ahs hospitality is the flexibility of our service offering to compliment the demand of your hotel in real time. For example, during peak seasons or special events your hotel is hosting, you can hire additional housekeeping staff on demand through our labour hire solution . On the other hand, during the quieter periods, we can support with adjusting the number of housekeeping staff you need on shift, optimising operational efficiency. 2. Fantastic Cost Savings Outsourcing housekeeping services can be more cost-effective than your hotel trying to maintain an in-house team yourself. This also means that you can focus on your core business operations. With ahs hospitality offices in both Auckland and Christchurch, we will happily take care of recruitment, training, insurance, salaries, and housekeeping equipment and most importantly, productivity and quality outcomes for hotel guests. We also have our own dedicated Human Resources, Marketing, Legal, Safety and Performance teams ready to provide comprehensive support. 3. Consistency and Reliability As an outsourced housekeeping company that has been operating in New Zealand for over 10 years, we are committed to providing a consistent and reliable professional cleaning service to all our hotel partners. With established protocols, quality control measures and cleanliness standards that our housekeepers adhere to, it is this reliability that you can trust that ensures your guests will have a consistently pleasant experience during their stay. 4. Access to Specialised Expertise At ahs hospitality, our New Zealand team have the specialised knowledge, experience and expertise in how to run a housekeeping department effectively and efficiently for large hotel chains. We train our housekeepers in the best cleaning techniques and processes, provide them with safe and eco-friendly products, and most importantly ensure compliance with New Zealand Health and Safety at Work regulations. 5. Enhanced Guest Experience and Satisfaction We all know that a clean, inviting and well-maintained hotel room directly impacts guest satisfaction. At ahs hospitality we take pride in bringing our cleaning expertise and meticulous attention to detail to our hotel clients, ensuring that every room and public area we clean is looking its very best. This high standard of cleanliness can significantly increase the guest experience, leading to positive reviews, higher ratings, and increased bookings across hotel booking sites. In conclusion, partnering with New Zealand’s top outsourced housekeeping company ahs hospitality, your hotel can gain from numerous financial and operational benefits that outsourced housekeeping offers. If you are interested in exploring how we can best support your hotel in achieving its housekeeping goals, get in touch today !

Winter in New Zealand can be chilly, but keeping your home warm during the cooler months doesn’t have to be a challenge. Our professional housekeepers from across the country have compiled their top tips to help you stay cosy and comfortable all season long. 1. Keep the Draught Out Around Doors and Windows One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your house warm in Winter is by preventing cold air from sneaking in through gaps around your doors and windows. Use draught stoppers or door snakes to seal these gaps. These handy items are easy to place along the bottom of your doors and can significantly reduce heat loss, keeping your home warmer and your heating bills lower. 2. Change Your Bedding to Flannelette Sheets Switching to flannelette sheets is a small change that can make a big difference. Flannelette, known for its softness and warmth, provides excellent insulation, ensuring a cosy and comfortable night’s sleep. These breathable sheets trap body heat more effectively than regular cotton sheets, making them a perfect choice for those cold winter nights in addition to adding a new level of cozy to your bed! 3. Put Rugs on Hard Surfaces Hardwood and tile floors can become quite cold in winter. Adding rugs to these surfaces not only can improve the aesthetic appeal of your home but also traps heat, making the floors feel warmer underfoot. Rugs act as an additional layer of insulation, helping to maintain a higher overall temperature in your rooms and around the house. 4. Swap Out Your Curtains with Heavier Drapes Curtains do more than just offer privacy and style – they also play a crucial role in insulating your home. During the winter months, consider replacing your light summer curtains with heavier drapes. These thicker fabrics help to block out the cold air and retain the heat inside, creating a warmer and more inviting environment. 5. Cover Your Walls Bare walls can make a room feel colder. Adding artwork, photo frames, or even bookshelves against the walls can provide an extra layer of insulation. These elements not only contribute to a cosier atmosphere but also help to trap heat within the room, making your living spaces warmer and more comfortable. 6. Let the Sunshine Through Even in the middle of winter, New Zealand often enjoys sunny days. Make the most of the natural warmth by opening your curtains and windows to let the sunlight in. Sunlight can naturally heat up your home, reducing the need for artificial heating during the day that just make the electricity bills skyrocket! Just remember to close the curtains as soon as the sun sets to keep the warmth inside. 7. Get Baking in the Kitchen! Winter is the perfect time to indulge in some baking. Using your oven not only fills your home with delicious aromas but also adds warmth. The heat generated from baking can help to raise the temperature in your kitchen and adjoining rooms. So, go ahead and bake your favourite cookies, pies, or casseroles and enjoy the added benefit of a warmer home. By following these practical tips from our experienced housekeepers, you can keep your house warm and cosy throughout the chilly New Zealand winter. Implementing even a few of these strategies can make a significant difference, ensuring that you and your family stay comfortable no matter how cold it gets outside. Interested in reading more blogs like this? Click here to see all our blogs To learn more about our New Zealand Housekeeping Services, click here