What does a Hotel Receptionist do?
Hotel Receptionists are the public face of a hotel and contribute to the guests’ enjoyment of their hotel stay experience. They book in guests as they arrive, provide information about the hotel facilities and keep accurate records of bookings. They also deal with additional requests from guests and manage incoming phone calls and emails, post and deliveries. In larger hotels, there may be a team of Receptionists that are responsible for maintaining uninterrupted services to guests. Smaller hotels typically have one or two Hotel Receptionists.
Hotel Receptionist skills and qualifications
A successful Hotel Receptionist candidate needs to be able to deal with a range of different situations calmly and practically. They will also have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that include:
- Problem-solving abilities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Flexibility and the ability to respond appropriately to changing situations
- Discretion and sensitivity
- The ability to maintain professional standards under pressure
- Strong IT skills and knowledge of booking systems and software
- Excellent administration and organisational skills
Hotel Receptionist experience requirements
There are no specific experience requirements for Hotel Receptionists, but some employers prefer candidates with at least one year of experience working in a similar role. Previous jobs in retail or other similar positions are helpful, especially those that require the ability to handle difficult situations and manage customer expectations effectively. Experience of administration and data handling is an advantage, as is any previous experience of providing personal services to clients or customers.
Hotel Receptionist education and training requirements
Hotel Receptionists do not need specific educational achievements, although most employers expect candidates to have some GCSE passes, or equivalent, particularly in maths and English. Customer service or administrative training is an advantage, as is any certification in hospitality or hotel management. Most roles offer training on the job, but some courses specifically target the skills needed to be a Hotel Receptionist such as the City and Guilds Diploma in Reception and Front Office Services or a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Diploma in Front of House Reception. Training in conflict resolution, computer skills or time management is also a bonus.
Hotel Receptionist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Hotel Receptionist in the UK is £15,147 per year. However, this salary depends on the size of the hotel, the responsibilities and the locality.
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