20 week rotation

You’ll be in the front line during your experience in the reception department. Friendly, welcoming front desk staff from receptionists to concierges give guests their first face to face contact with a hotel. Time in this department will show you the importance of being neat and professional in your appearance and will test your problem-solving skills. You’ll have to think on your feet and remain calm under pressure to offer solutions to issues as they arise.  

Working in this department you’ll have the chance to develop your organisational skills and to understand the importance of a detail driven approach. It may often feel like you are spinning plates to greet guests, answer phones and process payments at the same time – while keeping a friendly smile. 

Reception is often the area of a hotel which is most technologically advanced and you’ll develop your systems literacy dealing with property management software and key cutting systems.  

Future Career Opportunities In This Department

For those who enjoy front line interaction with guests the future opportunities in this department include

• Receptionist – helps guest to check in, answers all guest queries, assists with reservations, prepares guest bills and answers the phone
• Porter – delivering luggage to guest rooms and helps to set up different areas of the hotel for events
• Night porter – covers the reception desk at night and is responsible for the hotel during these hours
• Head Receptionist – responsible for reservations and managing the reception team
• Concierge – assisting guests with any bookings for restaurants, theatre, trips etc during their stay

With further experience and qualifications, you may also be able to move in to the events, sales, HR, marketing or accounts departments and eventually to a hotel manager role.