Housekeeping is often regarded as the backbone of hotel operations, ensuring comfort, hygiene, and an unparalleled guest experience. For Akshay Virkud, what started as an interest during his hotel management studies has evolved into a fulfilling career spanning two decades. Inspired by an exceptional professor and his hands-on experience during industrial training at Trident Hotel Mumbai, Virkud found his calling in housekeeping early on. Since then, he has never looked back, moving through various leadership roles, mastering pre-opening projects, and mentoring future hospitality professionals.

In this exclusive interview, Virkud takes us through the key milestones of his journey, sharing the experiences that have shaped his approach to hotel housekeeping operations, team management, and guest satisfaction. His pre-opening leadership at Melia Doha and Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection are standout achievements, but what truly fuels his passion is mentoring his colleagues and witnessing their career success.

From post-pandemic deep-cleaning strategies to integrating technology like HOTSOS for cleanliness tracking, Virkud has continuously adapted to evolving hospitality trends. He highlights how new technologies, such as digital audits, microfiber dusting gloves, and cold wash laundry systems, are reshaping housekeeping efficiency and sustainability.

Beyond operations, Virkud emphasizes the human aspect of housekeeping—how team motivation, leadership, and engagement play a vital role in maintaining high service standards. As he looks ahead, he advises aspiring professionals to embrace technology, understand financial management, and stay committed to excellence as housekeeping continues to evolve into a dynamic and rewarding career path.

Join us as we delve into his journey, exploring the challenges, innovations, and future of housekeeping in the hospitality industry.

Can you share the story of how you began your career in housekeeping and what inspired you to pursue this field?

During my first year of hotel management studies, I developed a strong interest in housekeeping, largely influenced by an inspiring professor. This interest deepened into a clear career goal during my six-month industrial training at Trident Hotel Mumbai. While I was initially meant to rotate through all operational departments, I found myself drawn entirely to housekeeping, eventually managing a guest floor independently.

The high standards of Oberoi Hotels, coupled with the encouragement I received from my mentors, solidified my decision to pursue a career in housekeeping. Upon graduating in 2004, I was selected through a campus interview for the Oberoi Hotels’ OCER program, starting my professional journey at Trident Jaipur in the housekeeping department. Since then, I have never looked back.

What continues to inspire me in this field is the attention to detail, commitment to excellence despite the routine nature of the job, and the passion to serve—qualities that challenge and push me to improve every day.

What are the key milestones or achievements in your journey as a housekeeping professional that you are most proud of?

In housekeeping, every day brings its own set of challenges and accomplishments, but some achievements stand out as defining moments in my career.

My journey in Qatar began in 2014 with the pre-opening of Melia Doha, my first experience leading a pre-opening as an Executive Housekeeper. Despite tight timelines, we achieved the remarkable feat of opening the hotel to guests within just 90 days. Adding to this success, we scored a perfect 100% in cleanliness during our first LQA audit, just months after opening.

Another proud milestone came in 2019 with the successful pre-opening of Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection, my second major pre-opening project in Qatar.

Beyond these professional milestones, what gives me immense pride is seeing the success of colleagues I have mentored. Witnessing their career growth and achievements over the past decade has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey.

What are some of the best housekeeping practices you’ve implemented or adhered to that have significantly improved operations or guest satisfaction?

In the post-pandemic era, with heightened guest expectations around hygiene and cleanliness, we introduced rigorous deep-cleaning schedules monitored digitally through HOTSOS planning. This ensures target cleanliness levels are met even on the busiest operational days.

Additionally, we implemented microfiber dusting gloves, which significantly improved efficiency by allowing staff to reach even the most intricate areas effortlessly, thereby reducing dust accumulation in guest rooms as well disinfecting the maximum areas effortlessly. These small yet impactful changes have helped elevate both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

How do you ensure consistent quality and attention to detail across your housekeeping team?

Consistent training and regular audits form the foundation of maintaining high housekeeping standards. We utilize digital auditing tools within our PMS system to compile performance data, which helps us identify areas for improvement and tailor our monthly training programs accordingly.

Beyond formal training, regular spot checks and coaching sessions play a crucial role in ensuring quality is always maintained. By combining structured monitoring with hands-on mentorship, we create a culture of continuous improvement.

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of hotel housekeeping, especially in high-occupancy situations or during special events?

During high-occupancy periods, when the turnaround time between check-outs and new arrivals is significantly reduced, the biggest challenge is maintaining a balance between speed and quality. Proper rostering, precise task allocation, and proactive planning are key to ensuring that rooms are delivered on time without compromising on cleanliness and guest expectations.

How do you manage and motivate your team to overcome challenges while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction?

A motivated team is the backbone of a successful housekeeping operation. I believe that providing genuine support—not just professionally but also on a personal level—helps foster a sense of belonging and keeps morale high, even in challenging situations.

Creating a strong team environment where individuals understand that their success is interconnected allows them to tackle stress collectively. Additionally, with Gen Z becoming a significant part of the workforce, it is more important than ever to engage them actively, keep them informed, and involve them in discussions during briefings. Regular team-building activities and interactive sessions also go a long way in keeping motivation levels high.

In what ways have you adapted to new technologies or trends in housekeeping, and how have they impacted your operations?

Technology has transformed housekeeping operations, making them more efficient and sustainable. By integrating our PMS system, we have eliminated the need for printed reports, task sheets, and audit forms, enabling real-time communication while also being environmentally responsible.

We have also adopted cold wash technology in our laundry operations, reducing washing times and extending linen lifespan while minimizing the environmental impact of chemical usage. Additionally, the introduction of electronic mopping devices in public areas has not only improved efficiency but also enhanced the overall guest perception of cleanliness.

What advice would you give to aspiring housekeeping professionals who want to excel in the hospitality industry, and how do you see the role of housekeeping evolving in the future?

For aspiring professionals, staying technologically updated is crucial in today’s evolving hospitality landscape. Understanding the financial aspects of housekeeping is equally important, as the industry is becoming increasingly cost-conscious.

Above all, there is no substitute for hard work and dedication. Being observant, staying curious, and making the most of every learning opportunity are key to success in this field. The role of housekeeping is continuously evolving, not just in terms of cleanliness but also in enhancing guest experiences and ensuring sustainability, making it an exciting and rewarding career path.