Hotel Checklists and Formats

What makes a hotel checklist actually work

A checklist is only useful if staff use it every time. Many properties have checklists that sit in a drawer because they are too long, too vague or written for a different hotel. The free checklists and formats on this page are written for real daily work at small hotels, resorts and homestays. Here is how to get the most from them.

Five signs of a good checklist

• Short. One page per task. If it needs more, split it into two checklists.
• Specific. “Check under the bed for items left behind” works. “Clean the room properly” does not.
• In order. Steps follow the way staff move through the room or the process, so nothing is skipped.
• Signed. A name and time on each completed list builds accountability without extra supervision.
• Reviewed. Update the checklist when a guest complaint shows a gap.

How to roll out a new checklist

1. Pick one area first, such as room turnover or the front desk opening routine.
2. Adapt the format to your property: add your room types, amenities and any local rules.
3. Walk through it once with the staff who will use it and let them suggest changes.
4. Use it every day for two weeks and check a few completed lists yourself.
5. Fix what does not work, then move on to the next area.

If you want a complete set of standard operating procedures for every department, see the Hotel SOP Master Kit in our shop.