DVC housekeeping problems.....

[goofy4dvc]

Studios do not even come equipped with a broom or vacuum. We stayed a week in a studio at VWL and I wanted to sweep the hair that had accumulated on the bathroom floor, but there was no broom or even vacuum in the studio. I asked at the front desk if there was one I could borrow and they said no. So...next time I stay in a studio I will pack a dust pan and handbroom. (The studio we stayed in at VWL was a handicapped room and had no closet only an armoire. Maybe that was the reason it had no vacuum or broom.) The CM at the front desk made it sound like it was because it was a studio, not a HC studio.

We keep the place picked up and clean up any messes or spills as they are made, just like at home. All the trash is in the trash bag, not on the floor or cabinets. I do not do housekeeping's job nor do I want to be expected to. There are standards in place for the way a room is to be cleaned when the guests leave. I've never had a problem, but haven't been back "home" in almost a year. With all the posts though, it seems it has become a problem. I can't understand why the problem is in the DVC and not the resorts. Just because they don't clean daily doesn't mean that things should be so bad to clean after we check out. I can't believe people are trashing the DVC rooms any more than they would a regular hotel room.

 

[lenshanem]

Studios do not even come equipped with a broom or vacuum.

Actually, we had a vacuum in the closet in our studio at BCv last november. Maybe it wasn't suppossed to be there, but i thought it was included in a studio.

I even wonder if DVC is aware of all the complainst regarding housekeeping from these boards? If they were aware you wodul think they woudl be trying to atek care of the situation.

Maybe these types of threads shoudl start being forwarded to DVC.

Perosnally, I'm sick of reading it. We haven't even stayed on our points yet and this really upsets me, although I try to blow it off. But, they keep coming!!!

 

[Cruelladeville]

I have stayed in DVC resorts more than 30 times, never had a dirty unit yet! Now, having said that, I have to say that I have had mildew in the grout that I called and had housekeeping come to clean last summer. I expect to have a clean unit upon check in, and I am not going to clean on check out. That's why I pay nearly $3000 per year in maintenance fees. If you all want to pay $4.10 per point, and clean too, go for it--but don't include me! I keep it clean while I am staying there, but check-in and check-out are the responsibility of housekeeping.

 

[crisi]

shan,

Our room was as clean as any Disney hotel we've ever stayed in. I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure there are exceptions - and I'm sure there are people that are pickier than I am (they show up over on the resort board as well - people who bring their own Dow bathroom cleaner to give the bathroom a once over because all hotel rooms are filthy regardless of how clean they appear).

I get concerned when I see reports of rooms that have undergone more than normal wear and tear - although the occational crayon mark on the wall I'd consider normal wear and tear for a resort that caters to families (not works of art - parents should hopefully catch that before it gets that far and DVC should clean or paint over promptly). But the admonision for members should be "please make sure you and any guests/renters you have don't scratch up the tub when they put the keg in it, and don't let your four year old practice his alphabet with permanent markers on the wall. And if you spill something, wipe it up before it stains." - not "Please do housekeepings job."

It can't take that long to clean a vacated room. Its either trash, laundry, or dishes - with the exception of the few "room items" like the Bible or phone pads or TV channel list. Oh, and I suppose there is the category that has to be logged with a room number and sent to lost and found. Once the trash is removed, the laundry tossed onto the laundry cart, and the dishwasher loaded, its just cleaning, mopping, dusting. If it weren't for the hour long toy pickup, or the two hours it takes to pick up after the pack of cheerleaders who apparently use my bathroom, cleaning my house would be a breeze.

Helene4 - don't worry about it. You didn't get yourself into anything except a great vacation. Sometimes this board goes a little overboard. Part of it is in fun.

 

[crisi]

shan,

Our room was as clean as any Disney hotel we've ever stayed in. I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure there are exceptions - and I'm sure there are people that are pickier than I am (they show up over on the resort board as well - people who bring their own Dow bathroom cleaner to give the bathroom a once over because all hotel rooms are filthy regardless of how clean they appear).

I get concerned when I see reports of rooms that have undergone more than normal wear and tear - although the occational crayon mark on the wall I'd consider normal wear and tear for a resort that caters to families (not works of art - parents should hopefully catch that before it gets that far and DVC should clean or paint over promptly). But the admonision for members should be "please make sure you and any guests/renters you have don't scratch up the tub when they put the keg in it, and don't let your four year old practice his alphabet with permanent markers on the wall. And if you spill something, wipe it up before it stains." - not "Please do housekeepings job."

It can't take that long to clean a vacated room. Its either trash, laundry, or dishes - with the exception of the few "room items" like the Bible or phone pads or TV channel list. Oh, and I suppose there is the category that has to be logged with a room number and sent to lost and found. Once the trash is removed, the laundry tossed onto the laundry cart, and the dishwasher loaded, its just cleaning, mopping, dusting. If it weren't for the hour long toy pickup, or the two hours it takes to pick up after the pack of cheerleaders who apparently use my bathroom, cleaning my house would be a breeze.

Helene4 - don't worry about it. You didn't get yourself into anything except a great vacation. Sometimes this board goes a little overboard. Part of it is in fun.

 

[Krissalee]

My only complaint:

On Trash and Towel day they replaced the towels in our studio at BWV. They emptied the trash in the bathroom and under the bathroom sink, but they never took out the trash in the kitchenette (the primary trash area).

Otherwise, I found the room to be exceptionally clean and tidy.

 

[sandieb]

Hello - I am really concerned about all the posts concerning housekeeping. Last May our 2 BR unit needed tables and counters wiped down when we moved in...also, the furniture was nicked and the carpet had a couple stains. I didn't like it, but we had our 3 grandkids with us and it was confusing on check-in. So I wiped up the place and went on and had a great vacation.

However, this Dec. we are bringing friends who are visiting the World for the first time. Both they and I are really good housekeepers. I am so afraid of coming into a dirty or damaged unit and being embarrassed, that I have asked for a supervisor to inspect our unit prior to check-in.

I emailed DVC to ask for an inspection by the supervisor. They gave me a return call last Friday, but I was out - they left a message...I plan to contact them tomorrow.

Frankly, I think there is enough concern from members to warrent DVC taking another look at Housekeeping, and I have no qualms about asking them to do just that. Sandie

 

[lisareniff]

Originally posted by sandieb
I emailed DVC to ask for an inspection by the supervisor. They gave me a return call last Friday, but I was out - they left a message...I plan to contact them tomorrow.

Please let us know what DVC has to say!!

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[ROZENBOB]

What do I need to pack for my vacation??
Lysol, scrub and bubbles, dishwasher detergent!!!
I am sure there is a sane answer!!!
Seriously, should I bring supplies such as plastic garbage bags, toilet paper, dish detergent? What is and what is NOT provided..
Bob

 

[disneycrazed139]

Sounds like there are some LAZY vacationers out there!

Haven't made that first visit yet, but I know I fall into the category of those that disagree with the original poster. Some of the comments here remind me of a previous thread on housekeeping where people began "boasting" about how well they kept their unit. DVC loves you guys.

I am a neat person, but I also work 2 jobs and run a household. When I am on vacation, I won't buy that if I am not in the mood to mop the floor, I am being lazy.

And, yes, while it is true that condo association dues generally don't pay for a housekeeper, condo association dues generally are for a single unit with a single owner and usually cost less than DVC dues. I don't believe I would be mistaken in saying that DVC has hundreds of owners for a unit, not just one--do the multiplication of dues. Should be more than sufficient to cover housekeeping completeley. In fact, I think the weekly thing is skimpy.

 

[slc224]

In our 20+ trips over the last 9 years we have always had a clean room. We have had a few minor problems with non-functioning lights or missing items, but were always remedied by making a call to the front desk.

I remember at our initial tour at OKW our guide said that it took 4 hours to clean a grand villa. I can't imagine it taking 4 full hours to clean a two-bedroom, unless the would have to shampoo carpets, wash down walls, etc. (Any idea how long the dishwasher cycle is?)

 

[Lisa F]

We paid a premium (a very LARGE one) for DVC vs other timeshare units in the Orlando area. For that, I expect a more luxury experience, and that includes housekeeping as described when we purchased the unit. If it makes you feel superior to clean your unit, go for it. I'd rather spend my time in the parks or enjoying myself on vacation. We do put our dirty dishes in the dishwasher because it's just as easy to put them there as it is to put them in the sink or on the counter, and we also put our trash in the garbage pails because that's what they're there for, but as far as actually cleaning the unit? Forget about it. I'm not lazy, I just prefer to spend my hard earned and VERY EXPENSIVE vacation time doing fun things.

 

[Mickey527]

I am not a neat freak, when I am on vacation I don't make my bed, I pull the spread up and leave it at that. I don't have time to tuck in the pillows and fix the sheets.
I would expect when I check in to find the rooms spotless. I understand the housekeeping has alot to do but that is their job.
If I cook I clean the kitchen, and I would expect anyone to. I put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher as I do my final check on everything.
If I creat spills I clean them up, I am not a neat freak, but I don't feel comfortable knowing that something I left sat on the counter and dried out and housekeeping had to scrub for 1/2 hour to get it up. Clean it as you make the mess and it is less work for everyone.
I take my own trash out. I walk down the hall with it and put it in the garbage room. I got a great CM pin one time when I ran into a CM in the hopper room as a thank you for taking the garbage there. I bring some clear bags for the recycling and some some 13 gallon kitchen bags for the kitchen garbage. I know I could call down and get more, but it is just as easy to pack some bags in my suitcase.
I do my own laundry but when I pack up to check out I leave the beds I used unmade. I am a nurse and have seen some terrible allergic reactions to different soaps. I don't want to clean the sheets and know that I could have caused an allergic reaction in someone allergic to my Tide.
If I find hair on the floor or in the tub I would expect housekeeping to come in and clean. But during my stay I wipe down the toilet seats with the Mr Clean wipes. They don't take much space in the suitcase, they are about the same size as travel size baby wipes. Just make sure you don't use them on the baby!
I personally get very angry when I walk by a room where housekeeping is supposed to be working and hear the TV on volume blasting. They should NOT be allowed to touch the TV. They are there to clean, not watch Jerry Springer or Television Mundo. I am sorry if that sounds racist or judgemental, but those are the two shows I hear on all the time. I never hear "Zip A Dee Doo Dah, Tip For the Day" blasting out.
I definately think it is our job to keep our mess clean, but we should come into a clean room. I will be the first to complain if I find a mess in Jan, but for the past 3 years I have never checked into a room where I had to clean after the cleaning crew. Peggie

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by jimh13432
The trash bags outside the door really infuriate me. My last stay I took the bags I found in the hall and tied them to the doorknobs of the units they were sitting in front of.

This way the trash flew back into their room when the door opened in the morning.

A not so subtle hint to the guests in the room that they needed to do something with their trash.

Just for your info I saw someone come out of a room and start toward the trash bin and suddenly decide it was too far to walk. They just sat the trash down in front of the nearest room and said, "They will carry it out with theirs".

 

[lenshanem]

Sandie, more power to you! Wow, I wodul just never think to ask for that! (A supervisor inscpecting your room proir to check in.)
Please post back and let su know how everything goes, especially your call back to DVC.

I'm liek you, I ahve two trips planned thsi use year with my parents and i'm nervous about checking in and the room being dirty. I just stayed with them at AKL thsi past summer and the room was spotless. My dad works in the hotle industry so I really think i'd get the guilt trip if the room was dirty about us throwing our money to the wind. As it was i kinda fudged a little when I told them how much our dues were compared to my cousin's timeshare.

 

[wilderness01]

Well posted Mickey 527. I couldn't have said it any better and I fully agree with everything you wrote and do the same, except I do make the beds in the am because it makes me sleep better at night going into a made bed!

Thanks for the post.

 

[disneyokw]

During my mother and my stay at OKW this past May I vacuum the floor, cleaned the inside and outside of the micowave, cleaned and tide up the inside of the fridge, cleaned the two pillowcases, make the beds every morning. While walking through Port Orleans we could see with the blinds wide open the mess some people have their rooms in.

 

[lenshanem]

While walking through Port Orleans we could see with the blinds wide open the mess some people have their rooms in.

Every night I try to tidy up a bit cause with two little kids they can really strewn thinsg aroudn and my hubby ain't too neat, either!
But, back for 1999/2000 New years both sides of our afmily wnet and stayed at CSR. I coudln't believe it when i walked into my BIL and his girlfriend's (now wife) room. I've never seen anything quite like it. I didn't even realize they packed thta much stuff! True, we were there for awhiel but anything they touched ended up on the floor. Of course, they ended up leaving several things. It si amazing to me they even got that stuff back into their suitcase! YIKES!!!

 

[crisi]

Originally posted by ROZENBOB
What do I need to pack for my vacation??
Lysol, scrub and bubbles, dishwasher detergent!!!
I am sure there is a sane answer!!!
Seriously, should I bring supplies such as plastic garbage bags, toilet paper, dish detergent? What is and what is NOT provided..
Bob

They provide plastic garbage bags for the trash, several packs of dishwasher detergent (and I think they'd be happy to bring more). A small bottle of liquid dish detergent (Dawn or something). Paper towels. A sponge. I think a dish scrubby thing of some sort. A vaccuum cleaner and a broom and a mop. If you need more garbage bags call.

A small container of Tide (a single load - two if you are like me and stingy with detergent). But if you want to do more laundry, you'll need to bring more detergent, they won't bring your more (but they do sell it in the store). And they don't provide dryer sheets or softener.

Toilet paper is in the bathrooms (usually extra as well), and a small thing of shampoo and some soap. Although not nearly enough shampoo and a lot of people bring an extra bar of soap for the kitchen. They will bring more TP, but no more soap or shampoo.

They don't provide **** and span for the floors or scrubbing bubbles for the bathroom. No ammonia or bleach or Ajax cleanser. No Lysol - so if you are the type that wants the bathroom coated in an antibacterial spray, bring your own. In other words - heavy cleaning is right out unless you pack your own supplies - but it is possible to mop up the floor with a little dish soap. (It would be nice if they could put a sample sized "Resolve" or some other stain lifter in the units - that might take care of some of the wear and tear. Although I can tell the couches have been "Scotchguarded" to the point where they are barely fabric).

There is also a prepackaged filter of coffee (well, two - one regular one decaf) and usually creamer packets and sugar and sugar sub packets). No salt or pepper, unless some previous occupant raided the condiment bar at Cosmic Ray's for you. These are replaced on Trash and Towel day, so if you want daily coffee, you are going to need to bring it or buy it.

 

[crisi]

Funny, the name of a popular floor cleaner is also a racial slur. Never thought of that before. Apologies. Wonder if Proctor and Gamble has thought of that.