Hello everyone!

About a month has passed since my last blog post, so I thought it would be about time to get you updated on my experiences at the front desk.

The past few weeks have been full of new challenges and it was again essential, as it is so often in this industry, to be able to catch on quickly, to deal with stressful situations and to persevere during the hotel’s busy days.

My working space

After a few days of training and shadowing at the front desk, I was let loose on the guests myself, having to try to deal with complaints, queries, check-ins, check-outs and other day to day tasks of the front office. At the beginning, it did take quite an effort to even answer the phone in a calm manner, as I felt that I was just thrown into cold water, not knowing what to expect.

The beautiful lobby

It amazes me how quickly this task became a normal routine for someone like me, who always takes a while to get their constant nervousness and rising panic under control. Now and then, you do get a few calls which are a little awkward or which you might not be able to answer directly, but just as often you get simple ones, of which you definitely do not have to be afraid. The point I am trying to make is that even though you might be a rather timid person and are afraid that front office is not the place for you, this can change, if you just give yourself a little push. If you are ready to try this, working in this department can really give you very good people skills and increased confidence.

I personally really enjoy working in the front office, as it gives you the opportunity to communicate with your guests in person. This way you are made aware of certain aspects of the hotel, which might need some improvement, as well as being the recipient of all the joy and excitement sent out by the guests, when they are anticipating their stay or when they have thoroughly enjoyed it. Furthermore, you can deal with certain requests directly and make sure that they really get the most out of their experience at your property. From time to time, you have guests who just brighten up your day, simply by being the nice people that they are. This is one of the best parts about this industry in my opinion: making sure you create an unforgettable experience for your guests and brightening their life up a little by doing so. Of course, all the departments in the hotel work toward achieving this goal, but in front office you actually get to see the happy faces of your customers or the beaming eyes of their children, which really motivates you to continue working.

Now of course, the work is not fun all of the time, especially if you do not have a lot to do on quiet days, but I suppose that is just a normal part of the work. Another factor that is truly nice about working in this department is the colleagues. Some of my front office colleagues are amazing people who really try to help you and assist you when there is a problem. I already know that the things I will miss most about this internship are the amazing people, amongst the interns as well as among the employees who I’ve met at this hotel.

Welcoming the guest

The work might not always be very easy, but the people just make it all worthwhile.

Now the next step of my journey will take me to the world of night shifts, something I am very curious about, as I can’t imagine what it is like, when your night turns into day time. I certainly hope that the hotel is not haunted….what with Ireland being such a mystical place and all.

On that note I wish everyone a wonderful November and I will inform you about my newest adventures, hopefully without ghostly encounters, in a month’s time.

Lea

Pictures taken from: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Powerscourt/Default.htm