How Much Do Cleaning Services Cost for Hotels and Motels?

Cleanliness is one of the first things guests notice when they step into a hotel or motel room. In fact, studies show that housekeeping is directly tied to guest satisfaction and reviews. That’s why hotel operators pay close attention not only to the quality of cleaning but also to its cost. So, how much do cleaning services really cost for hotels and motels?

What Drives Cleaning Costs in Hotels & Motels

Several factors influence how much a property spends on cleaning services:

• Size of the property: More rooms and bigger common areas mean higher costs.

• Service frequency: Daily turnover vs. periodic deep cleans can change pricing dramatically.

• Labor costs: Wages differ by region, and labor is the largest expense.

• Seasonal occupancy: Busy seasons drive up demand, which can increase costs.

As one general manager put it, “For most hotel managers, it’s not just about cost per room—it’s about consistency and guest trust.”

Average Cost Ranges Hotels Can Expect

On average, hotels and motels can expect the following:

• Per-room cleaning: Between $8 and $20 per room per day, depending on the depth of cleaning required.

• By square footage: Commercial cleaning companies typically charge $0.05–$0.20 per square foot.

• Special services: Deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, or sanitation tasks can add extra costs.

According to the HomeAdvisor commercial cleaning cost guide, prices often vary by region and contract size, but these ranges provide a realistic benchmark.

Outsourcing vs. In-House Cleaning – Which Is Cheaper?

Hotels face a choice between keeping cleaning in-house or outsourcing to specialized providers. While in-house cleaning offers control, it comes with hidden costs—recruitment, training, wages, benefits, and scheduling.

Outsourcing, on the other hand, often proves more cost-effective. Insights from Hospitality Net and ISS World Services suggest outsourcing can save 20–30% compared to maintaining full in-house teams.

As one hotel consultant noted, “Hiring and training staff is expensive. Outsourcing often saves money and ensures consistent quality.”

How Hotels Can Control and Optimize Cleaning Costs

Hotels and motels can take steps to balance cost with quality:

• Schedule deep cleans off-peak: Doing heavy cleaning during quieter times reduces disruption and labor premiums.

• Use scalable contracts: Flexible agreements allow adjustments for seasonal changes in occupancy.

• Leverage new technology: Automated equipment and eco-friendly supplies can lower cleaning times and costs.

Trends from Allied Market Research show that more hotels are adopting tech-driven cleaning solutions to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning services for hotels and motels typically cost between $8–$20 per room per day or $0.05–$0.20 per square foot, depending on property size, services, and location. Outsourcing often provides better cost control and consistency, but the right choice depends on your property’s size and staffing model.

At the end of the day, investing in quality cleaning isn’t just about saving money—it’s about keeping guests happy and coming back.

Looking for trusted and reliable cleaning services to take care of your business? Cameron Facilities provides a wide range of customisable cleaning services for luxury hotels, apartments, and motel chains across Australia! Contact us today and get a quote, and grow your business with us.