When you start your career in the hotel industry, you don’t really know what to expect. You suppose your job will be a little bit different each day and you know your mission is to make sure your guests are having the best possible experience. After a while though, you realize, as in most jobs, there are things you love about your job… and then there are things that you “love a little less” about it. Here are some actual “reveals” about the day-to-day working life of a hotel staffer from employees who chose to remain anonymous in their interviews with Hcareers.
From a hotel housekeeping manager:
“I didn’t realize how many ‘hats’ I would be wearing to juggle all my job duties. In the hospitality industry, it just doesn’t work to say ‘that’s not my job.’ Sometimes it’s hard to keep switching back and forth.”
“I also didn’t know that I would walk approximately 10 miles a day, every day! The hotel is a small city or island and you’re dashing around trying to provide for any and all requests from your guests. My advice: get good shoes and get in shape.”
“The BEST thing about my job is meeting all the great guests. The WORST thing is how some of them can be so difficult to please. The fun ones are so entertaining and kind, and the ones that are challenging make me feel like a class in Psychology is a pre-requisite!”
From a front desk agent at a boutique inn:
“The BEST part about working in the hotel business is the opportunity to meet new people every day, especially those from other countries. I absolutely love that and enjoy conversations where I learn about other cultures, locations, and ways of life.”
“I also enjoy having a flexible schedule so that I can take classes, go out with friends or just have some downtime during the week. Of course, the flip side (WORST) of that is working the weekends or evenings.”
“The perks can be amazing: all the great food, learning about wine, the opportunity to bring home gorgeous bouquets of fresh flowers after a wedding reception, etc.”
“The BEST thing is: I’m able to take advantage of discounted room rates (or a free night) at other hotels on a trade basis.”
“It’s also great fun to give site tours, plan special events, talk with walk-ins and share information about the hotel’s history. I honestly can’t think of anything I don’t really enjoy.”
Overall, these staffers are very happy working in the hotel industry and have been doing so for a long time. If you have the kind of personality where you can be flexible, genuinely enjoy people, love variety in your daily tasks, and are resourceful, this job may be the perfect fit for you.