The hospitality industry too, has many triangles, but the three departments which constitute the accommodation operations and services are perhaps the most important of all - the front office, engineering and housekeeping. The ultimate aim of this trio is to provide the guest with a comfortable room, with a friendly and courteous service. This must be provided economically and efficiently, and it must also be taken into consideration that a room that is not sold for a day is a loss of revenue that cannot be retrieved. In a world where, sales and marketing can conjure up a perfect image to prospective clientele, the ability to 'deliver the goods' has become increasingly difficult. The product therefore in question is not only the guestrooms but usually extended to incorporate the entire hotel space.
Rooms are the chief concern of front-office and housekeeping.
It is important for the departments to continuouly exchange information on room status. Front office must provide expected arrival and departure lists for the day in advance, and notify actual arrival and departures as and when they occur. Group rooming lists must also be provided to the housekeeping department,prior to their arrival. Such lists enable the department to organise their work and have their rooms ready on time. It is important to intimate room changes, so that items left behind may be handed over, 'extras' retrieved and laundry delivered.