Keep it clean

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Priyanthi Jayawardena, executive housekeeper, Flora Creek Hotel Apartments.

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Miah Ramzan, executive housekeeper, Sheraton Abu Dhabi.

The housekeeping department is integral to the smooth running of any hotel - but what really goes on in the world of a hotel housekeeper? HME persuaded a handful of the region's executive housekeepers to dish the dirt on the highs, the lows and messy guests.

How long have you been in your role at the hotel and what previous experience do you have?

Priyanthi Jayawardena: I have been working here since May 2008 as the executive housekeeper. I have experience in various properties across Asia and the Middle East, in five-star properties including several leading small luxury hotels.

Miah Ramzan: I've been in housekeeping for 23 years. I started my career with service staff training and worked through various positions in laundry and housekeeping departments until I was promoted to the position of executive housekeeper in 1994 at Starwood. I was also awarded with the President's Award in 1996 - an award given to the best element in the company. It was the best award I've ever received.

I've been the executive housekeeper at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resorts for three years now.

Asif Khatri: I've been working in housekeeping for nearly 20 years. I started my career as a room attendant in Saudi Arabia, where I worked my way up the ladder for the next 11 years working in five-star deluxe properties. I then came to Dubai in 2000 where I have worked for Hilton ever since.

In July 2007 I was promoted to executive housekeeper at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah.

Lorna Ventura: I've been at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa for a year, but I've been with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company for 10 years. My previous assignment was at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha.

Rudy Evangelista: I have been the executive housekepeer of Al Diar Siji Hotel Fujairah since it opened in 1999. I started as a room attendant at Hyatt Regency in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, then I joined Hyatt Regency in Jeddah afterwhich I moved to the Sheraton Oman Hotel.

Then I was lucky enough to be part of the opening team for Al Diar Siji Hotel in 1999 and I have been here since then.

K P Chandran: I joined this hotel way back in 1982 so have served close to 26 years now. I have always worked in housekeeping - learning my trade and progressing until I reached the position of executive housekeeper in 2003.

Did you always want to work in the housekeeping field?

Jayawardena: Yes, I believe that housekeeping is one of the vital functions of a hotel and major share of earnings is generated from the rooms. So my role as head of housekeeping contributes immensely towards the hotel's success and reputation.

Ramzan: Yes; I chose this industry and prepared myself to work in housekeeping as I have a great passion for it. Nothing sends a stronger message than cleanliness in a hospitality operation. No level of service, friendliness, or glamour can equal the sensation a guest has upon entering a spotless, tidy and conveniently arranged room. It shows the care that the property puts into creating a clean, safe, and pleasant environment for its guests.

Khatri: When I finished school I worked with my brother in a hotel in India to gain some experience of the industry. I started in housekeeping and enjoyed it so much I decided to continue my career along this path.

After a few months of training at the hotel in India I was given the chance to move to Saudi, where the salary was better and the opportunities greater. This is when my career began.

I am passionate about my work. Housekeeping is one of the most important departments in the hotel.

Ventura: Yes, because here I can really demonstrate and utilise my talents and abilities.

Chandran: I didn't really have much idea of what housekeeping involved when I first arrived in Bahrain from my native India, but I quickly grew to like the variety of experiences working in this department brings - no two days are ever the same.

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