What does a receptionist in a hotel do regularly?

I've heard that being a hotel receptionist might be a good part-time job while in college. What tasks are usually expected of a receptionist, and are there particular skills or experiences that might be important for this role?

A hotel receptionist, also known as a front desk agent, has a range of responsibilities that focus on ensuring guests have a positive experience.

Firstly, hotel receptionists handle reservations, whether they're booking through a phone, an email, or in-person. They confirm reservations, assign rooms, and may prepare and issue room keys. Usually, they are the first point of contact for guests when they arrive at the hotel, and they're usually tasked with providing a warm and helpful welcome.

They also handle check-ins and check-outs, dealing with all administrative tasks, which include collecting payment details, registering guests, and providing receipts/invoices upon the guest's departure.

Another key part of the role is guest services. This includes handling complaints, assisting with needs or requests like room service, restaurant recommendations, or travel guidance, and ensuring all interactions are polite and professional.

The receptionist will maintain communication with housekeeping and maintenance departments to ensure the rooms are in perfect condition and any issues are immediately addressed.

They also handle the hotel's phone calls, either transferring them as necessary or taking messages for guests.

In terms of skills, customer service is a key one. Receptionists should be approachable, polite, helpful, and good at dealing with a variety of people. Composure and problem-solving skills are also crucial, as they'll often deal with unexpected issues or difficult guests. Basic math skills, attention to detail, and a degree of familiarity with computer systems are also valuable, to handle the administrative side of the role.

Work experience in a service or hospitality environment can certainly be beneficial and sometimes preferred, but not always required. As long as you can demonstrate excellent customer service skills, ability to multitask, and a keen willingness to learn, this can be a good fit for a part-time job while in college.