What is Turndown Service?

Whether you own a hotel or frequent hotels, you may or may not have heard of turndown services. It is not something offered at every hotel, but it leaves a lasting impression on those who do receive it. Keep reading to learn about this luxury service, what it entails, and why it might be time for your hotel to implement it. 

Turndown service is a nightly service provided by some hotels, intended to create a cozy environment to help guests wind down in the evening. It is not the same as housekeeping (more on that later). It typically takes place in the late afternoon, when guests are away from their rooms. Additionally, this service is most often associated with luxury and boutique hotels.

What Do Turndown Services Include?

Turndown services will look a little different at every hotel, but here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the things it might include.

• Closing curtains
• Turning down bed sheets
• Turning on lamps or dimming overhead lights for cozy lighting
• Leaving a complementary treat like chocolate or a mint
• Refilling fruit basket
• Refilling ice bucket
• Restocking toilet paper or other toiletries
• Replacing bottle of water and glass
• Freshening bath towels
• Tidying up

Every hotel is different, and so will be their turndown service. As long as the service creates a warm environment for guests to return to, there is no right or wrong way to provide it.

Want to learn more about our professional turndown services in San Francisco? Contact us today!

Is Turndown the Same as Housekeeping?

No, turndown isn’t the same as housekeeping, and it doesn’t replace housekeeping. It is an additional service. While housekeeping is the expected bare minimum for most hotels, turndown services add a professional, luxurious touch to elevate a guest’s stay.

Housekeeping focuses on maintaining a high standard of cleanliness. It typically happens every day, unless guests request otherwise. Housekeeping happens whether or not turndown is offered. Turndown centers around creating a comfortable, cozy environment to help guests wind down each evening. Some elements, such as replenishing fresh towels, might overlap, but turndown is a much simpler task than housekeeping. An efficient turndown service will only take a few minutes, with professional companies servicing up to 20 rooms in an hour.

Benefits of Turndown Services

For hotel owners, providing turndown services for guests can reap a lot of benefits. 

Elevates Service
Turndown is a simple way to elevate your service. It only takes a few minutes each day, but the thoughtful gesture can be the difference between an average experience and a great experience. It may not seem like much to you, but a little chocolate can go a long way!

Increases Guest Satisfaction
Perhaps most importantly, most guests love turndown services. When done well, it makes them feel pampered and taken care of. And for guests who would rather not receive the service, it is easy to decline. 

Creates Loyal Customers
Satisfaction breeds loyalty. Satisfied guests are likely to tell friends and family about their wonderful experience at your hotel; they might even leave an online review with pictures of the turndown service they received. 

Should Your Hotel Offer a Turndown Service?

While turndown services certainly aren’t a requirement for hotels, they are a classy touch that can go a long way in increasing guest satisfaction and, therefore, the likelihood of repeat business. If you are considering adding a turndown service to your boutique hotel, know that there is more than one way to implement one, and you can always change your approach down the road. 

Some hotels include turndown services in every reservation, so that every guest receives the same experience. Other hotels provide turndown services to select guests, such as VIPs or honeymooners. Other hotels provide turndown services upon request, so that guests who value such services can enjoy them. Still other hotels offer turndown services to all guests but at an additional cost. As you can see, there are many options when it comes to this service. If you are unsure whether you want to go all in with offering it to every guest at this moment, start by offering it upon request or to special guests. Depending on the feedback you receive, in the form of verbal appreciation, online reviews, or repeat business, you may decide to add it to your standard operating procedure.

Is your boutique hotel short staffed? Are you tired of navigating the constant turnover in your housekeeping department? Look no further than Nor Cal Green Works. We provide hotel turndown services to boutique hotels in the San Francisco area, and we’d love to serve your business. Our same-day hotel turndown service is reliable, fast, and cost-effective. Contact us today to learn more about our turndown services and request a quote.