The Dirty Truth: Hotel Industry's Filthy Rooms and Angry Guests Threaten Comeback

Business traveler Abhishek Singh has become frustrated with hotels that have moved to a housekeeping-optional model during the pandemic, charging high rates but not providing daily cleaning services. Singh has resorted to booking consecutive one-night stays and checking out during the day to attend his conference, in order to ensure his room is cleaned. He argues that he is paying the same rate as guests staying for one night, but not receiving the same level of cleanliness. Hotel workers also express concerns about reduced cleaning, stating that it creates more work and a harder job for them. Some cities, like Washington, D.C., have passed laws requiring daily cleaning, and industry experts believe hotels will eventually return to daily housekeeping as consumer demand decreases for hotels without this service.