Most everyone knows that I have spent the larger part of the last 8 years working in the Hospitality Industry. It has been one of the most interesting, fulfilling, tiring, frustrating, eye-opening, shocking, boring, draining, stressful, rewarding, and cultural experiences I could ever have been a part of. So much so that with all the guests, their complaints and stories, trannies, hookers, fights, coworker drama, corporate on goings, bums, fraud, and all around insanity of human behavior, I could write a pretty damn entertaining book (or series).
With this small bit being said, it was a new manager who has come into the Front Office department that decided to share a little something with the staff. As managers we try to keep the employee morale up, and this was a nice little introduction into his style and sense of humor. I share this with everyone because if you have never worked a front desk, you might finally understand what it's like after reading this. If you have worked the Front Desk in a hotel before, then this will be like music to your ears. After reading it I thought that finally, someone else had put into words how it is. Enjoy!
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I am a Front Desk Agent
I have advanced degrees in Accounting, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, and Swahili. I can also read minds.
Of course I have the reservation that you booked six years ago even though you don't have the confirmation number and you think it was made under a name that starts with "S".
It is completely my fault that the blizzard shut down the airport and you have to sleep in a warm king-size bed while 5000 of your co-travellers are sleeping in benches at the airport. I am sorry.
It is not a problem for me to give you seven connecting, non-smoking, poolside suites with two king beds in each, four rollaways, 3 cribs, and yes, I can install a wet bar. I know it is my fault that we do not have a helicopter landing pad.
I am a Front Desk Agent. I am expected to speak all languages fluently. It is obvious to me that when you booked your reservation for Friday on the weekend we're sold out that you really meant Saturday. My company has entrusted me with all financial information and decisions, and yes, I am lying to you when I say we have no more rooms available. It is not a problem for me to quickly construct several more guest rooms. THIS time I will not forget the helicopter landing pad. And it is my fault that everyone wanted to stay here. I should have known you were coming in, even though you had no reservation. After all, you stay at our brand of hotel all the time, 300 nights a year, and this is only the first time you've ever been to our city.
I am a front desk agent. I am quite capable of checking three people in, two people out, taking five reservations, answering fifteen incoming calls, delivering six bath towels to room 625, plunging the toilet in room 101, and restocking the supply of pool towels, all at the same time. Yes, I will be glad to call the van driver and tell him to drive over all the cars stuck in traffic because you've been waiting at the airport for 15 minutes and you've got jet lag.
I am a front desk agent, an operator, a bellhop, houseman, guest service representative, housekeeper, sales coordinator, information specialist, entertainment critic, restauranteur, stock broker, referee, janitor, computer technician, plumber, ice-breaker, postman, babysitter, dispatcher, laundry cleaner, lifeguard, electrician, ambassador, personal fitness trainer, fax expert, human jukebox, domestic abuse counselor, and verbal punching bag. Yes, I know room 112 is not answering their phone. And of course I have their travel itinerary so I know exactly where they went when they left here 9 hours ago, and what their cell phone number is.
I always know where to find the best vegetarian-kosher-Mongolian-barbecue restaurants. I know exactly what to see and do in this city in fifteen minutes without spending any money and without getting caught in traffic. I take personal blame for airline food, traffic jams, rental car flat tires, and the nation's economy.
I realize that you meant to book your reservation here. People often confuse us with the Galaxy Delight Motel, Antarctica. Of course I can "fit you in" and yes, you may have the special $1 rate because you are affiliated with the Hoboken Accounting and Bagel Club.
I am expected to smile, empathize, sympathize, console, condole, upsell, downsell (and know when to do which), perform, sing, dance, fix the printer, and tell your friends that you're here. And I know exactly where 613 Possum Trot Lane is in the Way Out There subdivision that they just built last week.
After all, I AM a Front Desk Agent!
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http://www.impulsenine.com/homepage/pages/humor/frontdesk.html
So, as it turns out, after a little bit of perseverance, some life changing events, and with a new mindset in 2010... I have joined the SF Spikes. After playing soccer for 8 years in my youth, and wishing that I had never given it up for the past decade, I was determined to get back into the game. And so it has come to fruition that I went to an open practice last weekend, and, well, I'm HOOKED. Welcome back to the days of old. And if you are wondering...yes, it is a gay soccer team in San Francisco... shocking I know! It's a great group of guys, and we are starting a third team within the organization.
