Monthly Archives: October 2014

Interview with Lorraine Dale, Head Housekeeper of Windsor Castle, Berkshire UK

 What is your cultural background? Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I am English, I was born in Stevanage in Hertfordshire and I grew up around London as my mother and father ran public houses.

What has been your career path to date?

I started at Carshalton College, with the hope of becoming a Receptionist! .However in my second year at the college, I spent 6 weeks in a Housekeeping Department on placement.

What was your first role as Executive Housekeeper?

My first role was at Frimley Hall Hotel in Camberley, followed by the Copthrone Hotel in Windsor.

My first major role as Executive Housekeeper was working for Arora Hotels, I started as the opening Executive Housekeeper at their first hotel in Heathrow with 351 rooms. I then went on to become the Director of Housekeeping for all 8 properties, opening 5 hotels for Surinder Arora. My biggest accomplishment was opening the Sofitel T5 with over 600 rooms and suites, an amazing property.

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SEQPHA Christmas Party Boat cruise 28th November 2014

The South East Queensland Professional Housekeepers Association will be holding their annual Christmas party on a boat cruise on Friday 28th November from 5-7pm.

Departure point is The Moorings Jetty, River end of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Members and Housekeepers is $49 and $69 for non members. Maximum numbers is 45 so book early. This is a 2 hour scenic Gold Coast Sunset cruise  and includes antipasto platters, cold meat, chicken and salad buffet dinner and champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks. RSVP to Mel by 24th October.melissab@mbdesigns.com.au

Collaboration with Qooco in Bali

Liz was in Bali last week working at the Stones Hotel with a film crew from Qooco. This exciting new project for Qocoo Hotel follows on from the launch of Qooco Hospitality aiming to lift the English and Mandarin skills of hotel staff. The new product is about improving service and delivery standards through simulated lessons using as App on a smartphone. All very exciting so watch this space…

International Housekeeping Appreciation Week at Marriott Sydney

Sydney Marriott in Australia celebrated International Housekeeping Appreciation week with lots of fun activities to show Housekeeping the rest if the Hotel team really Care about them! All week, different Managers gave out certificates to well – deserved associates at the morning briefing. A little something (chocolates) were also distributed. Throughout the week other departments in the hotel wrote quirky notes for all the housekeeping team. And Friday was Ice Cream Day. On the last day,  Sunday, the Managers hosted a BBQ lunch for the team including lucky door prizes. Click Here To Read More

PDQ – Process Delivering Quality – another way of delivering Housekeeping Services

PDQ is a company made up of hotel professionals that specialize in optimizing the overall performance of the housekeeping department in a hotel. This is accomplished by not only training the associates in classroom sessions and practical, on-the-job, demonstrations; but also by changing the cleaning processes, techniques and tools used to maximize efficiency and quality throughout the department. Click Here To Read More