Opening a new hotel is no small feat, especially in a bustling city like Chicago. The newly opened RIU Plaza Chicago, with its 390 rooms, faced the daunting task of building a housekeeping team from the ground up to ensure high guest satisfaction. This is where Heart of the House stepped in, bringing over a decade of experience managing housekeeping departments for the country’s largest and most prestigious hotels.
A Full-Throttle Effort from Heart of the House
To ensure success, it was all hands on deck for our team. Our Vice President of Operations, Kenia Gonzalez, and Midwest Regional Director, Valentina Martinez, flew to Chicago to personally lead the operation. Their presence underscored our commitment to providing top-notch service and set the tone for a seamless and efficient ramp-up. At Heart of the House, we never just send talent hoping they “stick.” We’re right there overseeing our staffing every step of the way.
Tireless Recruitment and Onboarding
Our recruiting teams, spearheaded by national recruiter,Nestor Fuenmayor, worked around the clock, tapping into Chicago’s local talent pool to find the best housekeeping professionals. From room attendants to public space attendants and house persons, we left no stone unturned. The recruitment process was thorough, ensuring that only the most dedicated and skilled individuals joined the team.
Once hired, the real work began. Johan Benitez, one of Heart of the House’s National Training Team leaders, meticulously trained the new hires on the hotel’s procedures and our high standards of room cleanliness and quality. This hands-on training was crucial in maintaining consistency and excellence from day one.
On-Site Supervision for Smooth Operations
Managing a team of over 50 housekeeping staff members is no easy task. To make day-to-day operations run smoothly, we placed on-site supervisors to oversee the team. These supervisors ensured that everything from room cleaning to public space maintenance was executed flawlessly. Their leadership helped create a cohesive and efficient team that worked together seamlessly to deliver top-tier service.
Stellar Guest Satisfaction Scores
The results speak for themselves. Guest satisfaction scores for the RIU Plaza Chicago are through the roof, with guests rating the property 9.5 in cleanliness, 9.7 in comfort, and 9.7 for facilities. These scores are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the housekeeping team and the comprehensive support provided by Heart of the House.
Beyond Housekeeping: Comprehensive Staffing Solutions
Our involvement didn’t stop at housekeeping. Heart of the House also placed front-of-house staff, including bellmen and doormen, and staffed food service talent, including bartenders, banquet servers, and cooks. This holistic approach ensured that every aspect of the hotel’s operations was covered, contributing to an exceptional guest experience across the board.
Conclusion
The rapid and successful ramp-up of the housekeeping department at RIU Plaza Chicago highlights the expertise and dedication of Heart of the House. By deploying experienced leaders, implementing thorough training programs, and providing comprehensive staffing solutions, we helped the hotel achieve outstanding guest satisfaction scores. If you’re looking to elevate your hotel’s operations and ensure guest happiness, Heart of the House is here to put our experience to work for you. Request talent today to learn more about how we can help your property thrive!
