What pay and benefits information should I include in a Hotel Receptionist job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.

Hotel Receptionist Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a welcoming 85-room boutique hotel catering to business travelers, leisure guests, and special occasion visitors who expect personalized service and attention to detail. Our reception team serves as the first point of contact, creating positive impressions through professional hospitality, local knowledge, and efficient service delivery. The front desk environment requires multitasking abilities, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills to handle diverse guest needs while coordinating with housekeeping, maintenance, and management teams. Our service philosophy emphasizes genuine warmth, proactive assistance, and creating memorable experiences that encourage guest loyalty and positive reviews. The role offers exposure to international guests, corporate accounts, and special events requiring discretion, professionalism, and adaptability.
• Welcome arriving guests professionally, conducting efficient check-in procedures while explaining hotel amenities and local attractions • Manage reservation systems including booking modifications, room assignments, and special request coordination • Process guest payments, handle cash transactions, and reconcile daily financial reports with accuracy and attention to detail • Respond to guest inquiries promptly, providing information about hotel services, dining options, and area recommendations • Coordinate with housekeeping department on room readiness, maintenance issues, and guest service requests • Handle telephone communications including call routing, message taking, and wake-up call coordination • Assist guests with luggage, transportation arrangements, and concierge services as needed • Manage guest complaints and concerns professionally, escalating complex issues to management while seeking immediate solutions • Maintain accurate guest records, registration information, and confidentiality of personal data • Support group bookings and corporate accounts through specialized check-in procedures and billing arrangements • Execute night audit procedures including security checks, financial reconciliation, and preparation for following day operations • Coordinate with other departments on special events, conferences, and VIP guest requirements
Essential Skills: Exceptional customer service abilities with natural hospitality instincts and professional communication style; proficiency with hotel property management systems (PMS) and reservation software; strong organizational skills for managing multiple tasks simultaneously during busy periods; cultural sensitivity and patience when working with diverse international guests; basic mathematics and cash handling abilities for payment processing and financial transactions; problem-solving capabilities for addressing guest concerns and operational challenges promptly; professional presentation and grooming standards representing hotel brand image. Preferred Qualifications: Previous hotel or hospitality experience demonstrating guest relations expertise; additional language skills for international guest communication; knowledge of local attractions, restaurants, and transportation options; experience with corporate travel arrangements and group booking coordination; familiarity with safety and security protocols in hospitality environments; computer proficiency including Microsoft Office and property management systems; understanding of travel industry practices and accommodation standards.
We're looking for both experienced hospitality professionals and newcomers who are excited about starting a career in hotels. While previous front desk or customer service experience is great to have, we care more about your attitude, professionalism, and genuine commitment to making guests feel welcome than how many years you've worked in hotels. We'll provide comprehensive training covering our booking systems, service standards, local area knowledge, and how to handle all guest interactions. New team members get plenty of support from experienced reception staff and opportunities to learn about other hotel departments too. There are real career advancement opportunities including moving up to senior receptionist, guest relations coordinator, and front office management roles within our hotel group.
We're looking for someone who genuinely loves helping people and creating great experiences for our guests while staying professional and composed in all situations. You should be naturally empathetic and patient, especially when helping guests with special needs or sorting out any issues they might have. We want people who take pride in representing our hotel, keep positive energy throughout different shifts, and contribute to our supportive team culture. The right person will pay attention to details in guest interactions, be reliable in following our procedures, and be flexible when priorities change. Strong people skills, cultural awareness, and staying calm during challenging situations are really important for front desk success.
Competitive hourly rate of £10.00-£12.50 based on experience and shift patterns, with additional premiums for night audit and weekend responsibilities. Comprehensive benefits package includes: nutritious staff meals and refreshment facilities; 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays; health and wellness benefits including employee assistance programs; ongoing professional development including hospitality certification support; flexible scheduling accommodating work-life balance where operationally possible; staff accommodation options for suitable candidates; discounted rates at partner hotels for personal travel; career progression opportunities with clear advancement pathways; supportive team environment with regular recognition programs; uniform provision and professional appearance allowances.

When writing a job description for a Hotel Receptionist, it's important to clearly include the salary range or pay rate, and any additional benefits. This transparency helps attract the right candidates and sets clear expectations. For example, you might list a pay range of £10.50–£12.00 per hour, depending on experience, and highlight any bonuses or incentives.

Common misunderstanding: It's better to discuss pay during the interview rather than in the job description.

Actually, including pay details upfront can prevent misunderstandings and attract candidates who are genuinely interested in the role at the offered pay rate. It saves time for both parties by filtering out those whose salary expectations don't align.

Common misunderstanding: A simple salary figure is enough without explaining what it includes.

Detailing what the salary covers and any extra benefits (like bonuses or health benefits) helps candidates understand the total compensation package, making the position more attractive and competitive.

How can I explain our approach to tips and shift benefits?

Clearly outline how tips are handled, whether they are pooled, kept by the individual, or included as part of a structured incentive program. For shift benefits, explain any policies like split shift breaks or early finishes. For instance, you might mention that tips are shared equally among all staff on shift, and that there are paid breaks for shifts longer than six hours.

Common misunderstanding: Tips are automatically expected to be kept by the individual.

Not all hospitality roles handle tips the same way. Clarifying your hotel’s policy helps manage expectations and prevents potential conflicts among staff.

Common misunderstanding: Shift benefits are standard across all hotels.

Shift benefits can vary greatly between establishments. Detailing your specific benefits, like paid breaks or flexible scheduling, can be a major draw for potential applicants looking for a supportive work environment.

What staff perks or team culture details are worth mentioning in the listing?

Highlight unique staff perks such as free meals during shifts, discounted stays, or professional development opportunities. Also, describe your team culture, perhaps noting a collaborative environment, support for career progression, or special team events. These details can make your hotel stand out as an appealing place to work.

Common misunderstanding: Generic perks are appealing to all candidates.

While common perks like free meals are attractive, specifying unique or tailored perks related to your hotel’s specific environment or culture can significantly increase interest from candidates who are a good fit for your team.

Common misunderstanding: Team culture is the same as work environment.

Team culture goes beyond the physical work environment and includes values, the way staff interact, and the overall team dynamics. Be specific about what makes working at your hotel special to attract candidates who will thrive in and contribute to your workplace.