While many consider it a chore, the art of daily spring-cleaning, dusting and polishing is something of a passion for Patricia Morris, meticulous and cheerful housekeeping expert at Hilton Lake Taupo.

The most satisfying and uplifting part of Patricia’s job reveals itself just as she is about to close the door of each room; when all the hard work of washing and buffing the bathroom to a soft gleam, vacuuming the carpet, making up a pristine bed, laying out fresh towels, face cloths, and carefully putting in place the finishing touches is complete and ready to welcome guests.

“I love a perfectly presented room,” says Patricia who scrutinises every detail. “It’s the moment when you stop and stand back to see that everything looks good and is exactly as it should be.”

Patricia has honed her skill, expertise and well-trained eye for the pleasing room over decades in housekeeping. Prior to Hilton Lake Taupo, where she has been employed for seven years, she set the scene for a comfortable stay for guests at Waiheke Island Resort.

A guest spends more time in their room than any other area in the hotel, so making sure the room is as clean and impressive as it should be at the Hilton Lake Taupo, all comes down to a skilled team of committed housekeepers.

Each housekeeper trains according to the famous luxury hotel chain’s brand service standards – learning formal skills and know-how with online courses provided by Hilton University.

“In most of my previous roles, you just learned as you did the job,” says Patricia. “It’s great to have the Hilton knowledge.”

This year, Patricia was one of four in the housekeeping team to complete a ServiceIQ on-job hospitality training programme. This led to her gaining a national qualification that recognises high level expertise.

It’s nice to get the kudos, says Patricia, and “it’s also helpful to refresh important health and safety skills, including working with chemicals”.

Not that it’s all work and no play. What makes her work so enjoyable is being part of a tight knit team who are not shy about a bit of friendly competition.

“You can work in a really nice environment but it’s the people who make it special,” says Patricia. “We have a lot of fun. Especially the bed making competition during our special housekeeping week in September when we race each other to make the tidiest, most perfect bed in the fastest time.”

Making guests happy is good for business and satisfying for Patricia. She says: “The fact that visitors have an enjoyable stay is very rewarding.”

For more information, please contact ServiceIQ on 0800 863 693 or email intel@ServiceIQ.org.nz