A hotel desk clerk is someone who works at the front desk of a business like an inn, a hotel, a motel, or a resort. Checking guests in and out of the facility, as well as providing excellent customer service, are the main responsibilities of the clerk. The desk clerk is often one of the first people guests see when they arrive at a hotel, so they must represent the company well.
A hotel desk clerk will need to collect information from guests such as a reservation number, names and phone numbers, and payment information when checking them in. He or she may be in charge of keeping track of and maintaining a cash drawer. Guests will also need to receive their room keys, as well as any pertinent information about the hotel, when they check in. They’ll be informed about check-in and check-out times, as well as any included meals or restaurants on the property.
A hotel desk clerk will most likely be on call throughout the day, answering questions and taking new reservations. Guests may approach the front desk with questions, so the clerk must keep his or her work area clean and tidy. If the hotel offers any additional services, such as a spa or room service, guests can ask the desk clerk for assistance in scheduling them. In addition, a desk clerk must be able to resolve any issues that arise during a guest’s stay.
Should a guest inquire about local attractions, hotel desk clerks should have extensive knowledge of the area in which the hotel is located. When guests check out, a hotel desk clerk will need to settle any unpaid room balances and ask questions to ensure that the guests had a pleasant stay. A desk clerk must be personable, respectful, and polite because this job requires constant interaction with people, including guests and other hotel staff members.
Hotel desk clerks typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. Depending on the needs of the company, they may work full or part time. Successful desk clerks who perform their duties well and arrive on time may be able to advance and find more employment opportunities in a supervisory or managerial position within the hotel.