Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk

What is a Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerk?

If you’ve ever stayed in vacation or temporary lodging of any kind, you’ve interacted with the front desk clerk. This individual performs an essential duty, handling the everyday needs of the guests. Here, desk clerks are responsible for greeting guests, checking them in and out of the hotel, and addressing other questions or needs in regard to hotel services.

A friendly demeanor and strong problem-solving skills are important in this position, as hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks may handle a wide range of requests. Some guests are very particular about their room placement, and may require specific accommodations in a particular area of the hotel. Others may inquire about the amenities available and request arrangements for extra towels and soap or special items like a toothbrush or razor.

Though some hotels have a separate concierge position, others roll the responsibilities of a concierge into the desk clerk’s duties. In this type of establishment, the desk clerk would also be responsible for helping guests make dinner reservations, secure tickets to nearby shows and attractions, and arrange for transportation. He or she may suggest the best shopping in the area, recommend a reliable taxi service, or help visitors find their destination and the proper bus route on a map.

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks perform many routine duties, but they’re also responsible for responding promptly to any request the guest may have, which can present them with an ever-changing set of challenges that keep things interesting.

Job Responsibilities

• Answer calls from prospective guests
• Book and register rooms over the phone, in person, or online
• Keep records of room availability and guests’ accounts
• Assign guests’ rooms
• Make room adjustments as needed
• Contact housekeeping to deliver requested amenities
• Communicate with housekeeping to determine when rooms are ready
• Inspect rooms post-checkout
• Process check-outs
• Receive and hold mail or packages for guests
• Bill for accommodations and additional charges
• Answer inquiries in regard to travel directions and make dining and entertainment recommendations
• Assist guests with vacation planning
• Stock snacks, beverages, and other items available for purchase
• Assist with setting up and cleaning up continental breakfast offerings
• Arrange maintenance repairs
• Gather and respond to requests or complaints from guests

Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerk: Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 154,100 openings for information clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Some of the slow growth is attributable to the rise in technology. Many people now book hotel rooms online rather than calling a desk clerk to make reservations. Some hotels offer self-service check-in kiosks, and many offer easy in-room check-out services that allow visitors to bypass the front desk on their way out. These advancements have eased the duties of the desk clerk, but they’ve also made it possible for hotels, motels, and resorts to function efficiently with a smaller staff at the front desk.

What Education is Required to Become a Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerk?

Job seekers may qualify for a position as a hospitality desk clerk with as little as a high school diploma. However, as job growth is minimal in this area, you can expect competition to increase. You can improve your employability by furthering your education. The Hospitality Assistant Diploma from Bryant & Stratton College covers business and marketing principles, computing skills, hospitality management principles, and more to help you increase your chances of getting a rewarding job in this field.

Additional Training / Requirements

In addition to your business associate degree, you may also consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which is required by many employers. Your business associate degree can be applied toward several bachelor’s degree programs at Bryant & Stratton College to further your education and push you forward on your career track.