The basic procedures for doing so are fairly simple, but the process can become more complex when someone wishes to change his or her departure date, have luggage brought to the room, or make dinner reservations, all while other people wait to register. At top resorts, desk staff members must remain friendly and polite under the most trying circumstances, responding to customer needs immediately and attentively. If a hotel or resort can be said to have a body, then the front desk is the face, and it must always wear a pleasant, unruffled expression.

Front Desk Duties

Other front desk job responsibilities include answering questions about the local community and recommending restaurants or activities in the area. Although a concierge is on staff to assist in needs of this sort, guests commonly turn to the front desk for questions. Front desk staff will also need to report problems to maintenance staff or hotel managers and solve problems for guests. Working the phone system to transfer calls to the restaurant or spa will also be involved, as will keeping room records and explaining transactions to guests while checking out.

Some smaller resorts and hotels require that front desk staff to take on a larger number of responsibilities. For example, some will drop off fresh linens or deliver room service. At most resort hotels the desk is occupied 24-7, meaning some staff will be required to work the night shift. Most employees in a front desk position work a 40-hour week.

Application Requirements

Almost all resorts use computerized check-in systems, so computer, typing, or data entry skills are useful.

Desk personnel handle large credit card and cash transactions, so experience with cashiering or any other positions of financial responsibility is also helpful. Although on the job training is provided, new employees will likely work under a more experienced supervisor for a time. Employees are expected to be friendly, outgoing, patient, and helpful therefore, any previous customer service will be helpful during the application process.

Many large resorts and hotels have programs in place that allow employees the chance to move up into management positions. Some even have hotel management training programs. Hospitality and hotel management is considered a highly upwardly mobile career and many people go into the business because of career mobility. Uniforms or business attire will be required.

Salary

Pay for hotel receptionist jobs varies, but is usually around minimum wage. In 2008, the average front desk employee earned $9 an hour.

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