What is a hotel receptionist?
A hotel receptionist takes all incoming calls at a hotel. They handle phone reservations, confirm previously-made reservations, give directions to the hotel and answer any questions customers have about the lodgings. They are responsible for checking guests in and out of the hotel, as well as performing administrative tasks such as managing bookings.
How to become a hotel receptionist?
To become a hotel receptionist, you could do a college course to give you some of the knowledge and skills needed for this job.
Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Customer Service
You can also start work as an admin assistant or general staff in a hotel and do further training and qualifications on the job. You can apply directly for this job if you’ve got good administration and customer service skills. IT skills will also be useful to work with computerised booking and payment systems.
Many employers will want you to have a good standard of general education, including GCSE grades at 9 to 4 (A* to C) in maths and English.
Hotel receptionist duties
Hotel receptionist duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Answer and direct incoming calls
- Make and confirm reservations for guests
- Inform guests of hotel rates and services
- Welcome and greet guests
- Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access via the reception desk (monitor logbook, issue visitor badges)
- Complete basic cashier and bookkeeping responsibilities
- Update calendars and schedule meetings
- Perform other clerical receptionist duties such as filing, photocopying, transcribing and faxing
- Contact necessary staff to solve problems when challenges arise, ensuring guest comfort
- Serving as a host at conferences, and ensuring that all relevant preparations are made for the event
Hotel receptionist skills
To be an effective hotel receptionist, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Competency with Microsoft Office
- Ability to multitask
- Highly organized
- Excellent customer Administration skills skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
How to find a hotel receptionist job
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the hotel receptionist jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for hotel receptionist jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
Hotel Receptionist Job Titles
When you search for hotel receptionist jobs online, be aware that the jobs might be advertised using a different job title. Popular job titles for hotel receptionist jobs include;
- Front desk agent
- Guest relations associate
- Front office agent
- Front desk receptionist
What does a hotel receptionist do?
The job of a hotel receptionist varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of hotel receptionist job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of a hotel receptionist include;
- Create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for guests
- Deal with bookings
- Choose rooms and hand over keys
- Prepare bills and take payments
- Answer and pass on calls and email messages
- Give advice to guests on services or the local area
- Deal with complaints or problems
- Complete procedures when guests arrive and leave
- Handle requests from guests, like booking trips or storing valuables