“I take pride in leading and managing my team, recognizing that building a strong, efficient, and motivated team is not only personally fulfilling but also crucial for the seamless functioning of the hotel.”

Logu Kuppusamy's journey in the housekeeping realm is a testament to dedication, growth, and remarkable achievements. Beginning as a Room Attendant at Savera Hotel in Chennai, India, back in 1995, Logu embarked on a journey marked by relentless commitment and continuous advancement within the hospitality industry. Over the years, he took on various roles within the housekeeping department, honing his skills and mastering the intricacies of maintaining impeccable standards.

His unwavering dedication and exceptional performance led him to ascend the ranks, ultimately landing him in the prestigious position of Director of Housekeeping at Rotana Hotels. Notably, his experience includes spearheading the opening of the luxurious Salalah Rotana Resort with its 422 opulent rooms. Furthermore, Logu played a pivotal role in the successful renovation of the flagship property, Amwaj Rotana, located in JBR, demonstrating his adeptness at managing diverse and significant projects.

Undeterred by challenges, Logu embraced the task of rebranding Al Reem Village Hotel to Rotana, showcasing his leadership acumen and strategic vision. This endeavor undoubtedly posed both challenges and rewards, yet Logu approaches it with enthusiasm and determination. His current project reflects his unwavering passion for excellence and his commitment to elevating every aspect of the hospitality experience.

About you

My name is Logu Kuppusamy, and I bring a wealth of experience from my tenure in the hospitality industry, having worked with esteemed brands like Le Méridien, Sheraton, Grand Hyatt, and Rotana Hotels. Across seven countries, I've gained a breadth of experiences and deep insights into the world of hospitality. Presently, I am employed at Al Reem Village Hotel in Al Jubail.

How did you begin your career and how have you grown since then?

I started as a Room Attendant at Savera Hotel in Chennai, India, in 1995 taking on various roles in the housekeeping department and eventually reaching the position of Director of Housekeeping at Rotana Hotels. My experience in opening the Salalah Rotana Resort with 422 luxurious rooms and successfully renovating the flagship property, Amwaj Rotana, in JBR showcases managing diverse and significant projects.

Rebranding Al Reem Village Hotel to Rotana is undoubtedly another challenging and rewarding task and I am enjoying the current project pretty much.

What is the best part about your job?

As the Director of Housekeeping, my role is pivotal in upholding the highest standards of cleanliness, comfort, and overall guest satisfaction within the hotel.

I take pride in leading and managing my team, recognizing that building a strong, efficient, and motivated team is not only personally fulfilling but also crucial for the seamless functioning of the hotel.

My commitment extends to ensuring that our cleanliness and hygiene standards surpass guest expectations, thereby contributing to the highest levels of guest satisfaction and positively impacting the hotel’s reputation. This involves close collaboration with other departments such as front office, maintenance, and food and beverage to ensure a holistic understanding of hotel operations and a seamless guest experience.

In addition to overseeing daily operations, I am actively involved in major projects such as renovations, facelifts, new openings, or rebranding efforts. Successfully executing these projects is both challenging and immensely rewarding.

I firmly believe in the importance of training and developing my team, as well as recognizing and rewarding their efforts. Investing in my team's skills and professional growth yields numerous benefits for both the individuals and the overall success of the team.

As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." I take this to heart by proactively strategizing for my department, including training plans, deep cleaning schedules, and planned preventive maintenance, ensuring systematic operations and continuous improvement.

What is the most challenging part about your job?

Ensuring colleagues are informed about the latest cleaning techniques and products, and using them appropriately, is essential. Managing the rapid turnover of rooms during busy periods presents a challenge, requiring meticulous attention to maintain the highest cleaning standards and minimize guest wait times in the lobby. We implement an efficient house tour and planned preventive maintenance plan to address any product improvement challenges. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also crucial for staying physically fit and active.

“Having a genuine passion for hospitality can be a driving force for success. It often translates into better customer service, innovation, and a positive work environment.”

What drives your career?

Passion is the driving force behind my career. I find joy in the day-to-day operations and am motivated by seeing results on the floors, receiving guest feedback, and earning positive points during management walkthroughs. I also take pride in developing individuals to reach their next levels. Working together to achieve the hotel's financial goals is a priority for both personal and professional growth.

The best housekeeping practices you follow

Leading environmental initiatives, conducting routine house tours and implementing preventive maintenance plans to uphold product standards, creating detailed cleaning plans and inspection schedules, monitoring pest control programs to ensure the hotel remains pest-free, conducting regular bed bug inspections by room attendants upon room departure or weekly checks for long-stay guest rooms, implementing proper mattress and feather item cleaning plans, measuring daily productivity, implementing effective inventory and store management systems, providing colleagues with training and personal development plans, and regularly recognizing and rewarding top performers.

Cleaning technologies you use and what you would like to implement in the future

Since I began in Housekeeping, there has been ongoing progress, including the adoption of the latest cleaning chemicals, green cleaning products, and energy-efficient machines to minimize power consumption and equipment noise. We've also introduced robotic vacuums. However, we need more suppliers to manufacture robotic cleaning equipment to obtain competitive quotes. I recommend replacing manual high-rise window glass cleaning with robotic cleaning and utilizing solar-powered equipment where possible.

Sustainable cleaning practices you implement

We have implemented garbage recycling and a garbage compactor to reduce landfill waste. Additionally, we use a low-temperature laundry washing system. To minimize waste, we replaced 35 ml bathroom amenities with 300 ml dispensers. For efficient cleaning, we utilize high steam cleaners for shower rooms and corners, reducing the need for excess chemical usage.

Furthermore, we have introduced sustainable glass water bottles throughout the hotel. These eco-friendly water bottles are intended to replace plastic bottles in all hotel rooms and suites, as well as in the All-Day Dining and banqueting facilities at Amwaj Rotana.

Your take on training the cleaning workforce

Training is crucial for the success of a hotel. When colleagues are well-trained, they can perform effectively with minimal supervision. Proper onboarding of colleagues is essential for the success of their department. It's imperative to provide comprehensive training from the outset, ensuring colleagues understand hotel operations, standard operating procedures, policies, and procedures before they begin their duties.

Cleaning products that you currently use

Currently we are using Ecolab products for our Housekeeping and laundry.

Your advice to youngsters who are starting their journey in housekeeping
Having a genuine passion for hospitality can be a driving force for success. It often translates into better customer service, innovation, and a positive work environment.

Emphasizing the development of individuals as future leaders suggests a focus on leadership skills. This could involve honing communication, decision-making, and team management skills.

Cultivating a leadership mindset early in one's career can lead to more opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility.