Accommodation notes

1. Introduction to accommodation

INTRODUCTION TO  
ACCOMMODATION  
16.2.01T  
Specific Objectives  
By the end of this module unit, the trainee 
should be able to: 
a) define terms  
b) explain the scope of the 
accommodation department  
c) discuss the importance of 
accommodation 
UNIT TASKS  
Unit Task 1: Definition of terms 
Accommodation means- 
housing; residence; lodging; arrangement; 
adjustment  
Unit Task 2: Scope of accommodation department 
 Front Office Department  
Is headed by the Front office Manager and 
is in charge of the reception where       
guests may check in and out. Reservation 
is part of this section and handles 
individuals reservations and also fields 
inquires about room rates, room 
availability, and service  
 Sales and Marketing Department.  
Headed by the Sales Director, who 
analyzes the property’s market base, 
devises a marketing plan for reaching the 
potential customers, and sells to and books 
reservations and functions for group 
business and key cooperate clients. 
 Accounting Department  
Headed by the controller or the Chief 
Financial officer. He tracks all incoming 
revenue and outgoing cash. In large hotels, 
accounting may be a division that 
incorporates the purchasing department. 
 Engineering and Maintenance Department  
Maintains most of the equipment and 
machinery on the property and keeps the in 
good working condition. This department 
may also clean and maintain the swimming 
pool and pool deck area as well as some or 
all parts of the ground. 
 Security Department.  
Addresses concern ranging from handling 
hazardous waste to securing the building 
against bomb threats and protecting the 
privacy of celebrity guests. This 
department is also responsible for the 
safety of guests, staff and their belongings. 
Lost and found may be handled by 
housekeeping or security, or may a shared 
responsibility. 
 Human Resource Department.  
 Is headed by the Human Resource Director 
and is in charge of personnel matters 
ranging from staff recruitment and hiring 
to setting salary ranges to benefits. This 
department also develops policies for 
dismissal or retirement.  
 
 
Unit Task 3: Importance of accommodation 
 Housekeeping, Domestic administration 
or Accommodation services is essential in 
all types of establishment, whether hotels, 
clubs, hospitals or hostels in order that 
there shall be comfort, cleanliness and 
service. 
 Housekeeping is also a business function in 
the lodging industry and the professional 
housekeeper is a true business manager. His or 
her decisions are executive decisions 
regarding staffing, scheduling purchasing, 
daily operations and cost control.  
 Apart from providing clean interiors in order 
to increase sales, and protecting the owner’s 
investment in the property’s interiors, it is also 
the responsibility of the executive 
housekeeper’s to make sure these goals are 
met on time, on budget, and at the highest 
possible levels of quality sales directly as do 
the f&b dept, and the sales dept. yet its 
performance is one of the most critical factors 
in driving sales for rooms and other services 
the property offers.  
 Housekeeper protects the owner’s investment- 
it is the executive housekeeper’s job to protect 
the investment and maximize the life 
expectancy of all interior design elements by 
developing effective cleaning practices and 
training staff to carry out these practices 
efficiently. Working with the maintenance and 
engineering, the housekeeping dept. ensures 
that the property’s interior continue to look 
and operate like new as long as possible. 
Effective housekeeping practices combined 
with a sound renovation program enables a 
property to evolve to meet guest demand 
without unnecessary spending.