Sweeping Stories: A Day in the Life of Romania's Unsung Hotel Heroes

Engaging introduction

Open the guestroom door of a busy hotel in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi at 2:00 p.m., and you will step into a carefully orchestrated scene: a crisply made bed, mirrors without a single streak, a faint clean scent, tea cups lined up to perfection, and a welcome card angled just so. This moment of calm is no accident. Behind it stands a hotel cleaner - also called a room attendant or housekeeping attendant - who has blended speed, technique, and a deep sense of pride to meet the day’s demanding checklist.

In Romania’s dynamic hospitality market, where city breaks, business travel, medical tourism, and festival seasons fill rooms across the country, hotel cleaners are the unsung heroes who protect brand reputations one room at a time. They do it with stamina, technique, and an eye for details that guests never notice - unless those details go wrong. Today, we step into their world and see what a typical day looks like, why their role is central to guest satisfaction, and how both workers and hotel managers can improve outcomes through better tools, training, and planning.

Whether you are a candidate considering a housekeeping job or an employer aiming to elevate standards and retention, this comprehensive guide from ELEC will give you a front-row view into the rhythms, challenges, and rewards of keeping Romanian hotels spotless.

Who is a hotel cleaner in Romania?

Titles, contracts, and typical employers

In Romania, hotel cleaners usually carry one of several titles:

• Room attendant or housekeeping attendant (primary room cleaning role)
• Public area attendant (lobbies, corridors, elevators, restrooms, spa areas)
• Linen porter or laundry aide (back-of-house handling of linens)

They may be employed directly by the hotel or through a facility management provider. Typical employers include international chains and reputable local brands, such as:

• Global hotel brands: Marriott (e.g., JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel), Hilton (e.g., Athenee Palace Hilton), Radisson Blu (e.g., Radisson Blu Bucharest), Accor (Ibis, Novotel, Mercure, Pullman), Wyndham (Ramada)
• Local and regional players: Continental Hotels, Ana Hotels, and well-known independents in major cities
• Facility management companies that staff housekeeping teams for hotels

Employment contracts are commonly full-time, but part-time, seasonal (especially on the Black Sea coast), and agency-based roles also exist. Hotels in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca often hire for year-round city and business demand, while Timisoara and Iasi balance business travel with conference and regional tourism.

Core mission and daily outcomes

• Prepare check-out rooms for new arrivals to chain standards
• Service stayover rooms while respecting guest privacy
• Maintain public areas that reflect the hotel’s brand promise
• Protect guest safety and comfort through proper chemical use and infection control
• Report maintenance problems promptly to minimize guest disruption

Romania’s hotel landscape: what shapes a cleaner’s day

City rhythms and seasonality

• Bucharest: Strong business and conference demand, steady all year with peaks around major events. High occupancy often means quick turnarounds and early check-ins.
• Cluj-Napoca: Academic calendar, IT sector travel, and festivals (e.g., UNTOLD) create pronounced peaks. Teams flex to handle event-driven surges.
• Timisoara: Industrial and tech growth fuel business stays; cultural events add weekend spikes.
• Iasi: Medical tourism, academic conferences, and regional travel keep occupancy diverse.
• Black Sea coast (seasonal): Summer surges demand large, fast-paced teams, often with on-site accommodation and meals.

Shift patterns and staffing

• Early shift: 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. start; main room turnaround
• Mid shift: 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. to cover late check-outs and VIP arrivals
• Afternoon/evening: 2:00 to 10:00 p.m., handling late arrivals, public areas, and turndown in luxury hotels

Room quotas vary by property and day type:

• 3-star: 18-25 rooms per shift (mix of check-outs and stayovers)
• 4-star: 15-22 rooms per shift
• 5-star: 10-18 rooms per shift (deeper standards, amenities, turndown)

Technology and tools in use

Many Romanian hotels now integrate housekeeping modules with their property management systems. Common platforms:

• Opera PMS, Cloudbeds, Mews, Protel, and similar systems
• Mobile housekeeping apps to receive room assignments, update room status, report maintenance, and request supplies

This means a cleaner’s day involves not just mops and microfibers but also radios, smartphones, and quick in-app notes with photos.

A day in the life: from clock-in to clock-out

1) Pre-shift routine: uniform, briefing, and trolley setup (30-45 minutes)

• Commute and sign-in: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to change into uniform and safety footwear, tie back hair, and store personal items.
• Morning briefing (10-15 minutes): Led by the housekeeping supervisor. Agenda includes forecasted occupancy, early check-ins, VIPs, special instructions (e.g., crib requests), and safety reminders.
• Key, radio, and device pickup: Issue room keys, handheld device or app login, and radio channel. Perform a quick radio check: "Housekeeping to Front Desk, radio check, over."
• Trolley preparation (15-20 minutes):
  • Linens: Sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, mattress protectors, towels (bath, hand, bathmat), spare duvets and blankets
  • Guest supplies: Soaps, shampoos, body wash, toilet paper, tissues, vanity sets, slippers, shoeshine pads, tea/coffee sachets, stirrers, sugar, creamer, water bottles
  • Cleaning tools: Microfiber cloths (color-coded), sponges, brushes, grout brushes, squeegee, feather duster, magic eraser pads, vacuum, mop and bucket with wringer, spray bottles with labeled solutions, bin liners
  • PPE: Nitrile gloves, apron, mask (as required by SOP), goggles if using strong chemicals, cut-resistant glove for broken glass cleanup
  • Chemicals (properly diluted and labeled): Bathroom cleaner/descaler, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant for high-touch points, floor cleaner, stainless steel polish, wood-safe cleaner
• Trolley 5S check: Sort, set in order, shine, standardize, sustain. Everything has a place, bottles face labels out, heavy items at lower shelves, fragile items secured.

2) Hitting the floors: understanding the list (5-10 minutes)

• Assignment types: Mix of check-outs (CO), stayovers (SO), vacant clean (VC), vacant ready (VR), out-of-order (OOO) rooms.
• Prioritization:
  1. CO rooms for early arrivals
  2. VIP rooms
  3. SO rooms with DND (do-not-disturb) check timing
  4. Public areas in between room blocks or when waiting for DND windows

3) Room cleaning workflow: the standard operating sequence (20-35 minutes per check-out)

A typical 4-star check-out room in Bucharest might take 25-30 minutes to turn, less if the room is small and spotless, more if extra beds, glass balconies, or heavy soiling are present. A proven flow:

1. Safety and prep (1 minute):
   • Knock three times: "Housekeeping!" Pause between knocks.
   • Announce entry again, wedge door open for ventilation and visibility, switch on lights.
   • Scan for hazards: broken glass, needles, food waste, or liquids on floor.
2. Strip and sort (2-4 minutes):
   • Remove linen and towels into separate bags (keep stained items aside for treatment).
   • Empty bins with gloved hands, check for sharps cautiously.
3. Bathroom first pass (3-5 minutes):
   • Spray descaler on shower walls, faucets, toilet. Let dwell for chemistry to work.
   • Collect used amenities and wipe down surfaces.
4. Room reset and dusting (5-7 minutes):
   • High-to-low dusting: vents, frames, headboards, lampshades, furniture.
   • Wipe all high-touch points with disinfectant: handles, switches, remotes, thermostats, desk surfaces.
   • Check and clean balcony if present.
5. Bed making (4-6 minutes):
   • Inspect mattress protector, rotate if required by schedule.
   • Use hospital corners for crispness; align duvet seam to head of bed; fluff pillows.
   • Place decorative items and runner per brand standard.
6. Bathroom detail clean (5-8 minutes):
   • Return to bathroom: scrub and rinse shower area, polish glass with squeegee, clean grout lines.
   • Clean toilet inside and out, hinge area included.
   • Polish mirrors with glass cleaner; ensure zero lint.
   • Replenish amenities and hang towels per folding standard.
7. Floor care (3-5 minutes):
   • Vacuum carpets slowly, two-direction passes.
   • Mop hard floors with figure-8 motion, leaving a dry, non-slip finish.
8. Final touches and checks (2-3 minutes):
   • Set temperature, close windows, set curtains, verify minibar or amenities as required.
   • Photograph and report maintenance issues via app: e.g., "Room 514 - sink drain slow, photo attached." Update status to "Inspected" if self-inspection is part of SOP or call supervisor for QA check.

4) Stayover service: respect, refresh, reassure (8-15 minutes)

• Timing: Coordinate with Front Desk to avoid guest presence when possible. If guest is inside, offer choices: "May I service your room now or return later?"
• Core tasks:
  • Trash removal and quick tidy
  • Bathroom refresh: sink, mirror, toilet spot clean, replace towels as needed
  • Bed refresh: straighten or full linen change if requested or scheduled
  • Amenities and water top-up
  • Quick vacuum or sweep of visible debris
• Privacy and security: Never move personal items unnecessarily; lock balcony doors if guest forgot; leave a courteous card if DND persists beyond cutoff time per policy.

5) Coordination sprints: midday realities (throughout the day)

• Early check-in and VIP pushes: A cluster of CO rooms may need to be ready by noon. The supervisor redistributes rooms, floaters assist, and attendants swap tasks.
• Maintenance triage: Quick fixes like a loose shower head may be handled by the team if permitted; otherwise, log a work order with a photo and priority tag.
• Amenities runs: When minibar, extra pillows, or baby cribs are needed, attendants communicate on radio: "Housekeeping to Runner: Room 904 needs a crib and extra blanket, over."

6) Public areas: the never-ending stage (15-30 minutes per round)

Between room blocks or in the afternoon, attendants may rotate through public areas:

• Lobby and front desk zones: Fingerprint-prone glass, door handles, elevator buttons
• Corridors and stairwells: Vacuum, edge cleaning, scuff removal on walls
• Restrooms: Frequent disinfection cycles, consumable checks, odor control
• Spa/fitness areas: Equipment wipe-down, towel stations, locker rooms per hygiene SOP

7) End-of-shift closure (20-30 minutes)

• Trolley restock: Count linens, check chemical levels, discard damaged cloths.
• Lost and found: Log items with room number, description, date, and storage location.
• KPI update: Record rooms cleaned, stayovers serviced, and any incidents in the app.
• Debrief with supervisor: Note any pending rooms or handover to evening team.
• Turn in keys, radio, device; change, hydrate, stretch - tomorrow starts early.

Tools, techniques, and standards that define excellence

The color-coded cleaning system

• Red: Toilets and urinals
• Yellow: Bathroom sinks and surfaces
• Blue: Glass and mirrors
• Green: General surfaces in the room and non-bath areas

This simple visual code reduces cross-contamination and training time for new hires.

Chemical control and eco-consciousness

• Dilution control: Use measured dosing caps or color-coded concentrate stations to avoid overuse and protect surfaces.
• Labeling: Every spray bottle labeled with chemical name, dilution, and safety pictograms.
• Eco products: Many Romanian hotels, especially in Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara, are adopting EU Ecolabel or Nordic Swan certified cleaners and refillable dispensers to reduce plastic waste.

Microfiber mastery

• Cloth count: 12-16 cloths per attendant per shift avoids cross-use and ensures fresh surfaces.
• Laundry care: Wash separately from cotton at 60 C (or per spec), no fabric softener to maintain static charge.
• Mops: Flat mop systems with removable heads allow quick room-to-room changes and better hygiene.

Quality assurance and metrics

• Room credits: A standardized unit (e.g., 1 credit = a standard room CO; SO might be 0.5) helps balance workload.
• Inspection checklist (sample):
  • No hair on bathroom floor or tub
  • No streaks on glass or mirrors
  • Bed aligned and wrinkle-free
  • Amenities replenished and neatly presented
  • High-touch points sanitized
  • Smell: neutral and fresh, never overpowering
• Target times: Check-out 25-30 minutes; stayover 10-15 minutes; suite add-on +10-20 minutes.
• Audits: Surprise inspections by supervisors; guest feedback monitored in real time for recovery actions.

Health, safety, and ergonomics: protecting the backbone of hospitality

Common risks and how to mitigate

• Musculoskeletal strain: Use this sequence for bed-making - raise bed corners with a bed-jack or forearm technique, avoid deep bending, alternate knee positions.
• Chemical exposure: Always wear gloves, ventilate bathrooms, never mix chemicals (especially bleach and acids), and follow dwell times instead of scrubbing harder.
• Slips and trips: Use wet floor signs, work with dry mopping techniques when guests are nearby, manage vacuum cords.
• Sharps and broken glass: Use a dustpan and brush, never bare hands; dispose of sharps in a designated container; report incidents immediately.
• Biological hazards: For bodily fluids, switch to biohazard protocol with approved disinfectant and PPE; isolate the area.

Romanian labor context (general guidance, confirm locally)

• Work hours: Typically 8-hour shifts with legal breaks; overtime compensated per labor law or collective agreements.
• Night and weekend pay: Premiums often apply; confirm with employer policies.
• Medical checks and training: Pre-employment medical clearance and periodic check-ups are common; safety training and chemical handling instruction are mandatory for new hires.

Pay, benefits, and career progression in Romania

Note: Pay varies by brand, city, and experience. The ranges below reflect market observations as of 2025. Approximate conversion used: 1 EUR ~ 5 RON for easy reading. Always check current job ads and hotel HR for precise figures.

Typical monthly net pay ranges

• Bucharest: 2,800 - 3,800 RON net (approx. 560 - 760 EUR). Premium 5-star properties may offer 3,500 - 4,500 RON net with bonuses.
• Cluj-Napoca: 2,700 - 3,600 RON net (approx. 540 - 720 EUR).
• Timisoara: 2,500 - 3,300 RON net (approx. 500 - 660 EUR).
• Iasi: 2,400 - 3,200 RON net (approx. 480 - 640 EUR).
• Black Sea coast seasonal roles: 2,200 - 2,800 RON net (approx. 440 - 560 EUR), often with accommodation and meals.

Add-ons and benefits commonly seen

• Meal vouchers: 400 - 600 RON/month
• Performance bonus: 5% - 15% of base, tied to QA scores and productivity
• Overtime, night, and holiday premiums per policy
• Uniforms and laundry provided
• Transport allowance or shuttle (especially for suburban hotels)
• Training and internal promotion pathways

Career pathways

• Senior room attendant or trainer: Mentors new staff, handles VIPs and complex suites
• Housekeeping coordinator: Manages communications, room status, and runner tasks
• Floor supervisor: Quality checks, coaching, incident resolution
• Assistant executive housekeeper: Rostering, inventory, SOP updates
• Executive housekeeper: Department leadership, budgets, supplier management

Language skills (English and sometimes Italian, Spanish, or German) can accelerate promotions, especially in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. Certifications in housekeeping supervision or hospitality operations also help.

The challenges and the rewards

What makes it tough

• Time pressure: Early check-in waves and event days push teams to their limits.
• Physicality: Repetitive motions and lifting can cause fatigue without proper technique.
• Guest variability: Managing expectations, special requests, and occasional complaints requires patience.
• Invisible success: When you do it right, nobody notices - which can feel thankless.

What makes it meaningful

• Instant impact: You see the tangible results of your work in every room.
• Team spirit: Housekeeping teams build strong bonds under pressure.
• Pride in standards: Cleanliness is the foundation of hotel reputation and reviews.
• Growth potential: Clear pathways to supervisory and management roles.

Practical, actionable advice for cleaners

1) Own your time: the 80/20 of housekeeping speed

• Batch your tasks: Strip linens and start bathroom chemistry first to let dwell time do the heavy lifting.
• Work top-to-bottom, left-to-right: Reduces missed spots and rework.
• Two-cloth technique: One damp for cleaning, one dry for polishing to prevent streaks, especially on mirrors and chrome.
• Use door wedge as a signal: It keeps airflow and security, and alerts colleagues the room is in-service.
• Keep a mini-kit: A pouch with glass cloth, small disinfectant, and a few amenities saves elevator trips.

2) The 7-step bed-making method for crisp results

1. Inspect and rotate mattress per schedule.
2. Align fitted sheet snugly, smoothing corners.
3. Place flat sheet evenly; create hospital corners.
4. Insert duvet into cover using the inside-out roll method to save time.
5. Fluff and align pillows; check for matching pillowcases.
6. Add runner and cushions per brand standard.
7. Final smooth: palm-sweep surfaces to catch crumbs or lint.

3) Stain triage you can trust

• Makeup on towels: Pre-treat with a mild enzyme or makeup remover; avoid hot water at first.
• Coffee on carpet: Blot, never rub; use a neutralizer then a low-foam carpet spotter.
• Rust on bathroom surfaces: Use a specialty rust remover; rinse well; never scratch with metal.
• Hard water spots on glass: White vinegar solution can help between deep cleans.

4) Safe and smart chemical use

• Read Safety Data Sheets (SDS) once for each product; keep a photo on your phone.
• Mark dwell times: 1-3 minutes for bathroom descalers is typical; let the product work.
• Color-coded bottles and cloths: Eliminate guesswork and prevent cross-use.

5) Communication that keeps you moving

• Radio etiquette: Short, clear, confirm receipt. Example: "Copy, room 604 needs priority, on my way."
• App photos: One picture can prevent back-and-forth on maintenance issues.
• Guest scripts:
  • Entry: "Good morning, Housekeeping. May I service your room now?"
  • Decline: "No problem, I can return after 2 p.m. Would you like fresh towels now?"
  • Issue: "I have reported the shower drain; maintenance will attend. Is there anything else I can assist with?"

6) Body care for a sustainable career

• Stretch calves, hamstrings, and lower back before and after shift.
• Hydrate every hour; consider a reusable bottle clipped to your trolley.
• Rotate tasks when possible; alternate hands on repetitive motions.
• Use knee pads or a soft mat for low work in bathrooms.

Practical, actionable advice for hotel managers in Romania

1) Staff to occupancy with room credits, not guesses

• Assign credits per room type and status: e.g., CO standard = 1.0, SO = 0.5, suite CO = 1.5.
• Forecast daily workload from PMS data, including groups and late check-outs.
• Cap individual daily credits to protect quality and safety; use floaters to absorb peaks.

2) SOPs people will follow

• Write in plain language with photos or short videos accessible via QR codes.
• Standardize the sequence and tools: The fewer decisions required on the floor, the faster and more consistent the output.
• Train and retrain: 30-60-90 day refreshers improve retention and QA scores.

3) Invest in the right equipment

• Lightweight, quiet vacuums with HEPA filters; backpack models for corridors and large rooms.
• Microfiber at scale with color coding and proper laundry cycles.
• Dilution systems that remove guesswork and reduce chemical cost.

4) Build a culture that recognizes invisible excellence

• Daily shout-outs at briefing for QA wins.
• Measurable goals with small rewards: highest guest cleanliness mention, most maintenance reports caught early.
• Pathways to promotion with transparent criteria and interview coaching.

5) Embrace technology without drowning teams in apps

• One mobile app integrated with PMS for room status, maintenance tickets, and messaging.
• Photo-driven maintenance reporting with SLA timers.
• Digital checklists that supervisors can review in real time.

6) Pay and benefits that reflect market reality

• Benchmark locally:
  • Bucharest 2,800 - 3,800 RON net baseline, up to 4,500 RON in top-tier properties
  • Cluj-Napoca 2,700 - 3,600 RON net
  • Timisoara 2,500 - 3,300 RON net
  • Iasi 2,400 - 3,200 RON net
• Add meal vouchers, predictable schedules, and transport support for early shifts.
• Offer seasonal bonuses around festivals and conferences when workload spikes.

7) Clean, green, and cost-effective

• Linen reuse programs with clear guest communication in both English and Romanian; track actual adoption.
• Refillable amenity dispensers to reduce plastic and housekeeping restock times.
• Energy-efficient equipment and timed corridor lighting to aid cleaning and cut costs.

Real-world snapshots from Romania’s cities

• Bucharest: In a 5-star hotel near the city center, attendants might clean 12-16 rooms daily, including suites with marble bathrooms. Early check-in pressure is high, and VIP standards include turndown and welcome amenities. Communication with Front Desk and butler teams is constant.
• Cluj-Napoca: Festival season can double weekend workloads. Teams shift to public areas during day events and ramp to rooms post-concert. Replenishment trolleys are staged on each floor to save elevator time.
• Timisoara: Business travelers expect speed and reliability. Attendants often prioritize express CO rooms before 11 a.m., with supervisors doing rolling inspections to release rooms faster.
• Iasi: Medical tourists and conference guests require hygienic excellence and flexibility. Extra attention is paid to allergen control (feather-free pillows on request) and quiet hours.

Technology, simplified: how a cleaner uses hotel apps

• Start of shift: Log in, confirm assignment list, and acknowledge safety briefing notes.
• In-room: Change room status from "CO" to "OOI" (out of inventory/cleaning) to prevent accidental check-in. Add notes like "Amenity kit requested."
• Maintenance: Snap a photo of a leaking tap, tag "urgent," and submit. The system notifies engineering and timestamps the ticket.
• End-of-clean: Mark "VR" (vacant ready) or "Inspected" depending on SOP. The Front Desk instantly sees availability.

Sustainability in practice

• Water-saving: Encourage linen reuse and use trigger-spray bottles instead of running taps during cleaning.
• Waste sorting: Separate recyclables where facilities exist; train on local disposal rules.
• Chemical impact: Shift to concentrates with dosing systems; avoid aerosols when pump sprays suffice.
• Guest communication: Signage that is friendly, specific, and honest about benefits: "Help us save 50 liters of water by reusing towels."

Mini glossary: Romanian-English housekeeping terms

• Curatenie - Cleaning
• Lenjerie - Linen
• Prosop - Towel
• Camera - Room
• Predare camera - Check-out
• Ramane cazat - Stayover
• Interzis deranjarea (DND) - Do Not Disturb
• Intretinere/Mentenanta - Maintenance
• Inspectie - Inspection
• Pierdut si gasit - Lost and Found

Conclusion and call-to-action

Behind every smooth check-in in Bucharest, every spotless mirror in Cluj-Napoca, every fresh corridor in Timisoara, and every well-prepared suite in Iasi, there is a hotel cleaner who knows how to combine speed, precision, and care. Their work safeguards guest health, brand reputation, and revenue - and it deserves recognition, training, and fair rewards.

If you are considering a housekeeping role in Romania, you can build a stable career with clear progression into supervision and management. Start by mastering SOPs, protecting your body through sound ergonomics, and building strong communication habits with your team.

If you are a hotel leader, now is the moment to invest in people, tools, and smart scheduling. Treat housekeeping as a strategic function, not just a cost center, and watch your guest satisfaction, reviews, and profitability rise.

ELEC connects skilled housekeeping professionals with reputable hotels and facility partners across Romania and the wider EMEA region. Whether you are hiring a full team for a new opening or seeking your next role on a high-performing housekeeping floor, our consultants can help. Contact ELEC to discuss staffing plans, salary benchmarks, and training frameworks tailored to your market.

FAQ: common questions about hotel cleaning roles in Romania

1) What qualifications do I need to become a hotel cleaner in Romania?

Formal education requirements are minimal. Most employers look for reliability, basic communication skills, and the ability to follow SOPs. English helps in international hotels. Many properties provide on-the-job training in cleaning techniques, chemical safety, and guest interaction.

2) How many rooms will I clean per shift?

It varies by hotel category and day type. As a guide: 3-star 18-25 rooms, 4-star 15-22 rooms, 5-star 10-18 rooms. Mixes of check-outs and stayovers affect timing. Event days or high occupancy can push room counts up, with floaters assisting.

3) What is the typical pay for a hotel cleaner?

As of 2025 estimates: Bucharest 2,800 - 3,800 RON net/month, Cluj-Napoca 2,700 - 3,600 RON, Timisoara 2,500 - 3,300 RON, Iasi 2,400 - 3,200 RON. Seasonal coastal roles are 2,200 - 2,800 RON with accommodations. Benefits such as meal vouchers and performance bonuses are common.

4) Are there part-time or seasonal options?

Yes. Coastal properties hire seasonally in summer. City hotels sometimes offer part-time or weekend shifts, especially during festival seasons or to cover peaks. Facility management providers may offer flexible contracts.

5) What are the biggest challenges in housekeeping?

Time pressure during early check-in waves, physical strain without proper ergonomics, and managing guest expectations. Good training, clear SOPs, and supportive supervision help mitigate these challenges.

6) What career growth can I expect?

With strong performance, you can progress to senior room attendant, supervisor, coordinator, assistant executive housekeeper, and executive housekeeper. Language skills and basic computer literacy (housekeeping apps) speed progression.

7) Which cities in Romania offer the most housekeeping jobs?

Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca typically offer the highest volume due to business travel and events. Timisoara and Iasi have steady demand linked to industry, academia, and medical tourism. Seasonal coastal resorts surge in summer.