A room service server may be responsible for a variety of tasks. During their shifts, the servers usually report to a room service manager. They are responsible for restocking items, taking orders, and delivering those orders to each hotel or lodge room. When room service orders are slow, the server may be called upon to assist in other areas of the hotel.
When the room service servers start their shifts, they will almost certainly have to check in with the manager before beginning to prepare for the day. Restocking the kitchen with food, condiments, and eating utensils could be part of the preparation. Most hotel servers have a cart that they use to transport food from room to room, and this cart may need to be restocked.
To place an order, hotel guests will dial the room service number. The food order will be taken by the server and passed on to the kitchen. The server will place the food on the cart and deliver the order to the correct room after the kitchen staff has finished preparing it.
The room service server will review the order with the hotel guest once it has been delivered to the room to ensure that it is correct. The server will also remove items from the cart and place them neatly on the table in the dining room. He is expected to be courteous and establish a positive rapport with hotel guests. The server is responsible for picking up the dirty dishes and returning them to the kitchen when guests have finished with their food trays.
Employees in charge of room service are also responsible for keeping hotel minibars and snack items stocked. If a guest has a special request, the server may be required to accommodate it. When the hotel restaurant or bar is particularly busy, the room service server can assist in the serving of food.
Because the room service server has so many responsibilities, getting a job in a hotel often necessitates prior experience. Employers in the hotel industry seek people with customer service skills or who have worked in the food industry serving customers. Servers should also be well-dressed and have a pleasant demeanor when dealing with customers and other hotel employees.
Employees who work in room service are typically paid an hourly wage or a yearly salary, with tips from hotel guests. A full-time server may be eligible for the employer’s medical and other benefits. If servers work hard and please their customers, they can usually make a decent living.