How to write a hotel receptionist job description: hotel receptionist job description template included.

Step 1: Define Your Hotel Environment

When writing a hotel receptionist job description, start by painting a clear picture of your hotel's service environment and guest interaction expectations. The hotel receptionist role varies dramatically between properties, so candidates must understand the specific service context they'll be entering.

The hotel receptionist serves as the first point of contact for guests, managing arrivals, departures, and ongoing guest needs throughout their stay. Without understanding your hotel's atmosphere, service philosophy, and guest expectations, candidates can't assess whether their service approach matches your needs.

Your goal is to help candidates understand:

• •Your hotel's service standards and guest demographic
• •The type of guest interactions and service complexity required
• •The operational demands and administrative responsibilities
• •The property characteristics and working environment

Use this 3-part approach:

1. Define Your Hotel Type and Guest Profile

Be specific about your property: "We operate a 85-room business hotel serving corporate travellers with efficient, professional service / run a boutique hotel with 35 rooms focusing on personalised experiences / manage a 150-room conference hotel with diverse guest mix..."

Give candidates concrete details about your service model:

• •Do you focus on business efficiency or personalised leisure experiences?
• •Are you managing high-volume check-ins or intimate guest relationships?
• •Do you operate with formal service protocols or relaxed, friendly approaches?
• •What's your average occupancy and daily guest interaction volume?

2. Describe Your Service Philosophy and Standards

Explain the service approach and guest relations philosophy that drives your hotel. The receptionist's role changes significantly based on service expectations:

• •

  "Our service philosophy emphasises professional efficiency combined with warm hospitality that ensures seamless experiences for busy business travellers."

• •

  "We focus on personalised, attentive service that creates memorable experiences for leisure guests through detailed attention and local knowledge."

• •

  "Our reception team delivers consistent, reliable service that balances efficiency with personal attention for diverse guest demographics."

• •

  "We operate with luxury service standards that require sophisticated guest relations and discretionary service delivery."

Detail the specific service elements your receptionist will manage:

• •How many check-ins and check-outs occur during peak periods?
• •Do you offer concierge services, local recommendations, or special guest programmes?
• •Are there VIP protocols, corporate rates, or group booking procedures?
• •What makes your guest experience unique in your market segment?

3. Highlight Your Property Characteristics and Working Environment

Showcase the reception environment and operational characteristics:

• •

  "Our hotel reception operates 24/7 with structured shifts, managing both walk-in guests and advance reservations in professional, fast-paced environment."

• •

  "We operate boutique reception with hands-on approach where receptionists build personal relationships with guests whilst handling diverse administrative duties."

• •

  "Our reception team coordinates with housekeeping, maintenance, and restaurant staff to ensure seamless guest experiences across all hotel services."

• •

  "The reception area manages multiple functions including guest services, administrative duties, and coordination with conference facilities and event spaces."

Tips if you're unsure

To get started, answer these questions comprehensively:

• •How many guests do you typically check in and out daily?
• •How many reception staff work during different shifts and seasons?
• •Do you operate formal or casual service approaches with guests?
• •What's the complexity level of your booking systems and guest requirements?
• •How does guest information flow between reception and other departments?
• •What makes your guest service challenging or unique compared to other hotels?
• •Do you have special protocols for VIP guests, groups, or corporate accounts?
• •How does your reception coordinate with other hotel departments and services?

Additional considerations for your environment description:

• •Guest demographics: Are you serving business travellers, leisure tourists, or conference attendees?
• •Service timing: Are you operating peak seasons, year-round consistency, or event-driven demand?
• •Technology integration: Do you use modern PMS systems, mobile check-in, or traditional service approaches?
• •Property layout: How many floors, room types, or facility areas require guest coordination?
• •Market position: Are you competing on luxury service, value efficiency, or specialised experiences?

Example 1: Business Hotel

We operate a modern 95-room business hotel in Birmingham city centre, serving corporate travellers who value efficient, professional service and reliable amenities. Our reception team manages up to 60 check-ins daily, coordinating seamlessly with conference facilities and restaurant services to ensure smooth experiences for busy professionals. The role demands excellent organisational skills and the ability to handle multiple guest requests whilst maintaining professional presentation and efficient service delivery.

Example 2: Boutique Leisure Hotel

We run a charming 42-room boutique hotel in the Cotswolds, focusing on personalised experiences for leisure guests seeking authentic local hospitality. Our reception team builds personal relationships with guests, providing detailed local recommendations whilst managing intimate service delivery and special occasion coordination. The environment requires genuine warmth and local knowledge, with ability to create memorable experiences through attentive, personalised service.

Example 3: Conference and Events Hotel

We're a 180-room conference hotel managing diverse guest mix including business conferences, weddings, and group events alongside individual travellers. Our reception team coordinates complex arrivals including group check-ins, event coordination, and varying service requirements whilst maintaining consistent hospitality standards. The role requires adaptability and excellent communication skills given our diverse clientele and complex operational coordination requirements.

Step 2: Outline Key Responsibilities for the Hotel Receptionist

The hotel receptionist role encompasses guest services, administrative duties, and operational coordination, but the specific tasks vary significantly between properties. Focus on the actual service duties your receptionist performs daily, from guest interaction to system management and interdepartmental communication.

Avoid generic descriptions like "handle guest services" and create detailed responsibilities that reflect your hotel's specific operational demands and service standards.

Your goal is to outline tasks that reflect your hotel's actual reception needs and service delivery requirements.

Write 10–15 bullet points covering the receptionist's responsibilities throughout operations. Segment the role into three clear service areas:

1. Guest Services and Front Desk Operations

These responsibilities focus on direct guest interaction and service delivery:

Consider who handles what in guest services:

• •Who manages guest arrivals, departures, and ongoing service requests?
• •How are guest preferences, special requirements, and service recovery handled?
• •What guest communication and relationship building is expected throughout stays?

Common guest service tasks include:

• •Managing guest check-in and check-out procedures including registration, payment processing, and key distribution
• •Handling guest inquiries including local recommendations, hotel services, and facility information
• •Coordinating guest requests including room changes, late check-outs, wake-up calls, and special arrangements
• •Processing guest feedback and complaints with professionalism whilst escalating complex issues to management
• •Managing telephone enquiries including reservations, information requests, and message taking for guests
• •Providing concierge-style services including directions, recommendations, and local area knowledge
• •Coordinating with housekeeping on room readiness, special requests, and guest preference accommodation
• •Handling VIP guest services, special occasions, and repeat guest recognition programmes

2. Reservations and Administrative Management

The core responsibilities for booking systems and operational administration:

Ask yourself what administrative oversight your property demands:

• •How complex are your reservation systems and booking coordination requirements?
• •What financial transactions and payment processing do receptionists handle?
• •How do you manage guest data, preferences, and administrative documentation?
• •What reporting and system maintenance is expected during shifts?

Essential administrative tasks include:

• •Managing reservation systems including availability updates, booking modifications, and cancellation processing
• •Processing payments including cash handling, credit card transactions, and invoice preparation
• •Maintaining guest records including preferences, special requirements, and service notes
• •Coordinating room assignments with housekeeping including availability updates and maintenance requests
• •Preparing daily reports including occupancy statistics, revenue summaries, and guest feedback documentation
• •Managing mail and package handling for guests including delivery coordination and secure storage
• •Updating hotel information systems including room status, guest preferences, and service requirements
• •Coordinating with sales and marketing teams on group bookings, corporate rates, and promotional programmes

3. Interdepartmental Coordination and Operational Support

Tasks that support hotel operations and team communication:

Consider your coordination and support requirements:

• •What communication is needed between reception and other departments?
• •How do you handle operational issues, maintenance requests, and service coordination?
• •What support duties help maintain smooth hotel operations throughout shifts?

Operational coordination responsibilities include:

• •Coordinating with housekeeping on room status, maintenance issues, and guest service requirements
• •Communicating with restaurant and bar teams on guest dining preferences, special occasions, and service coordination
• •Managing maintenance requests including room repairs, facility issues, and safety concern reporting
• •Coordinating with security on guest safety, access control, and emergency procedure implementation
• •Supporting management with operational reporting, guest feedback analysis, and service improvement suggestions
• •Handling emergency procedures including evacuation coordination, incident reporting, and guest safety management
• •Managing shift handovers including guest information, operational updates, and priority task communication
• •Coordinating with conference and events teams on group arrivals, meeting requirements, and special service coordination

If you have a receptionist but no documented duties, you can:

• •Shadow your current receptionist: Observe their guest interaction, system usage, and interdepartmental communication throughout an entire shift.
• •Document their service approach: Note specific techniques they use with different guest types, situations, and service challenges.
• •Consult your hotel manager: Understand expectations for service standards, guest satisfaction, and operational contribution.
• •Review guest feedback: Analyse how reception service impacts guest experience during different operational scenarios.

Key questions to ask your current receptionist might be:

• •How do you prioritise competing guest demands during busy check-in periods?
• •What communication techniques work best with different guest personalities and service needs?
• •How do you handle difficult guest situations whilst maintaining professional service standards?
• •What systems do you use to track guest preferences and service requirements?
• •How do you coordinate with other departments during complex service challenges?
• •What approaches do you take to create positive first impressions and lasting guest relationships?
• •How do you balance efficiency with personal attention during varying operational demands?
• •What methods do you use to maintain accuracy and attention to detail during busy periods?

Tips if you're unsure

To develop comprehensive responsibility lists:

• •Ask existing hotel staff to describe what they need from reception support during operations
• •Use your guest feedback and service reviews to identify areas requiring reception coordination
• •Consider what breaks down when reception service is absent or ineffective
• •Think about seasonal variations or special events that affect reception responsibilities
• •Review guest complaints and compliments to understand reception service impact

Example for business hotel

As our hotel receptionist, your responsibilities include:

• •Managing efficient check-in and check-out procedures for up to 60 business guests daily whilst maintaining professional service standards
• •Handling guest inquiries including local business services, transportation, and conference facility coordination
• •Processing reservations, modifications, and cancellations using our property management system whilst maintaining accurate availability
• •Coordinating with housekeeping and maintenance teams on room readiness, corporate guest preferences, and facility requirements
• •Managing business traveller services including wake-up calls, late check-outs, and express checkout procedures
• •Processing payments, corporate billing, and invoice preparation for individual and group business accounts
• •Providing professional telephone service including message taking, reservation processing, and information coordination
• •Supporting conference and meeting coordination including group arrivals, billing, and special service requirements

Example for boutique leisure hotel

As hotel receptionist, you will:

• •Provide personalised check-in experiences for leisure guests including local recommendations and special occasion coordination
• •Building personal relationships with repeat guests whilst maintaining detailed preference records and service notes
• •Managing intimate service delivery including dining reservations, activity coordination, and local area expertise
• •Coordinating with housekeeping on room presentation, special requests, and guest comfort enhancements
• •Handling leisure guest services including extended stays, flexible arrangements, and personalised itinerary assistance
• •Processing boutique hotel services including spa coordination, special dining arrangements, and celebration management
• •Providing detailed local knowledge including attractions, dining, shopping, and cultural activity recommendations
• •Supporting small hotel operations including administrative duties, guest communication, and operational coordination

Example for conference and events hotel

As hotel receptionist, your duties include:

• •Managing complex arrivals including group check-ins, conference attendees, and individual guests with varying service requirements
• •Coordinating with conference and events teams on group logistics, meeting room access, and special service coordination
• •Handling diverse guest services including business travellers, event attendees, wedding guests, and leisure visitors
• •Processing group reservations, individual bookings, and event-related accommodation with attention to special requirements
• •Managing conference guest services including extended hours, meeting support, and group coordination
• •Coordinating with restaurant and catering teams on group dining, special events, and dietary requirement accommodation
• •Providing event support including guest information, facility directions, and coordination with event management teams
• •Supporting large hotel operations including administrative duties, interdepartmental communication, and guest service excellence

Step 3: Specify Required Skills for the Hotel Receptionist

A hotel receptionist requires strong communication skills, administrative competence, and excellent customer service abilities. Focus on the specific capabilities your hotel demands rather than generic service requirements.

Building on responsibilities, identify the skills essential for effective hotel receptionist performance. This ensures candidates can accurately assess their capability and development needs for your specific service environment.

Focus on skills that match your property's service demands and avoid generic lists. Each hotel requires different approaches based on guest demographics, service complexity, and operational expectations.

Your goal is to create a list that separates essential service skills from skills that enhance performance.

1. Review your task list

Connect each responsibility with the skill needed to excel:

Example:

• •If they manage check-ins → they need organisational skills and attention to detail
• •If they handle guest complaints → they need diplomatic communication and problem-solving abilities
• •If they coordinate with departments → they need teamwork and operational awareness
• •If they process payments → they need accuracy and financial handling competency
• •If they provide local recommendations → they need knowledge and research abilities

2. Divide your skills list

• •Essential Skills: Non-negotiable capabilities needed from day one
• •Preferred Skills: Additional skills that enhance performance but can be developed

Key Skill Areas for Hotel Receptionist Roles

Consider these fundamental skill categories:

• •Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• •Strong customer service and hospitality instincts
• •Administrative competency and attention to detail
• •Technology proficiency including hotel systems and software
• •Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• •Time management and multitasking abilities
• •Cultural awareness and language capabilities
• •Professional presentation and reliability

Tailor this based on your hotel's exact requirements and service complexity.

Example for business hotel

Essential Skills:

• •Professional communication abilities with focus on efficient, courteous service for corporate clientele
• •Strong administrative skills including accuracy with bookings, payments, and business account management
• •Technology proficiency including property management systems, payment processing, and business communication tools
• •Excellent organisational abilities for managing multiple guest requests and corporate service requirements
• •Problem-solving skills for handling business traveller needs and time-sensitive service requests
• •Professional presentation suitable for corporate environment and business guest expectations

Preferred Skills:

• •Business administration background or hospitality qualification with relevant coursework
• •Experience with corporate hospitality including group bookings, business rates, and conference coordination
• •Additional language capabilities for international business travellers and corporate accounts
• •Knowledge of local business services, transportation, and corporate amenities
• •Understanding of corporate travel requirements and business hospitality expectations

Example for boutique leisure hotel

Essential Skills:

• •Warm, personable communication style with ability to build genuine relationships with leisure guests
• •Strong local knowledge and research abilities for providing detailed recommendations and personalised service
• •Excellent attention to detail for remembering guest preferences and creating customised experiences
• •Customer service expertise with focus on creating memorable experiences and exceeding expectations
• •Flexibility and adaptability for handling diverse guest needs and special occasion coordination
• •Cultural sensitivity for working with diverse leisure travellers and international guests

Preferred Skills:

• •Tourism or hospitality background with understanding of leisure travel and guest experience enhancement
• •Event coordination experience for special occasions, celebrations, and personalised service delivery
• •Additional language skills for international leisure travellers and cultural diversity management
• •Local tourism knowledge including attractions, dining, activities, and cultural experiences
• •Creative problem-solving abilities for unique guest requests and experience enhancement

Example for conference and events hotel

Essential Skills:

• •Adaptable communication abilities for managing diverse guest types including business, leisure, and event attendees
• •Strong organisational skills for coordinating group arrivals, individual guests, and complex service requirements
• •Multitasking competency for managing high-volume operations and varying guest service demands
• •Professional flexibility for handling business conferences, social events, and individual guest needs
• •Team coordination abilities for working with conference, restaurant, and housekeeping teams
• •Stress management skills for maintaining service quality during peak periods and complex events

Preferred Skills:

• •Event management or conference experience with understanding of group coordination and special requirements
• •Hotel operations knowledge including conference facilities, group services, and event support
• •Advanced communication skills for managing complex guest situations and interdepartmental coordination
• •Technology proficiency including conference booking systems, group management, and event coordination tools
• •Cultural awareness for managing international conferences, diverse events, and multicultural guest groups

Step 4: Determine Experience Requirements

The hotel receptionist role demands specific customer service experience in professional environments. Be clear about whether you're seeking an experienced hospitality professional or someone with transferable skills who can learn hotel-specific procedures.

Defining experience requirements helps candidates understand the service expectations and prevents mismatched applications. However, overestimating requirements is a common mistake that can eliminate capable candidates with potential.

Your goal is to specify the type of customer service experience necessary, focusing on relevant environments rather than just years served.

1. Identify if the role suits a new, experienced, or specialist receptionist

• •New to hospitality: Someone with strong customer service background ready to learn hotel procedures with training and support
• •Experienced receptionist: Requires proven hotel or similar customer service experience in professional environments
• •Specialist receptionist: Looking for hospitality professional with specific expertise in your market segment or service style

Be honest about your needs; a supportive hotel shouldn't demand extensive experience if they can provide appropriate training and development.

2. Specify the type of experience rather than just duration

Instead of simply stating "1 year customer service experience," outline important service environments and capabilities:

• •Do they need experience in hotels, professional services, or customer-facing roles?
• •Must they understand technology systems, payment processing, or administrative procedures?
• •Is experience with specific demographics like business travellers, tourists, or event guests beneficial?
• •Do they need experience with multitasking, problem-solving, or high-pressure environments?

Be precise — someone with 2 years in retail customer service differs significantly from 6 months in hotel reception.

3. Indicate whether training and development will be provided

If you're willing to invest in hospitality development, highlight it clearly. Conversely, if you need someone ready to handle complex guest situations immediately, specify that expectation.

Consider what support you can realistically provide:

• •Will you offer mentoring from experienced reception staff or management?
• •Do you have structured training programmes for hotel systems and service procedures?
• •Can you provide shadowing periods with successful receptionists in similar properties?
• •What timeline do you expect for full competency and independent service delivery?

Example for new hospitality candidate

"We welcome candidates with strong customer service background ready to begin their hotel career. You should demonstrate excellent communication skills, professional presentation, and genuine interest in hospitality service. Hotel-specific training will be provided including property management systems, service procedures, and guest relations techniques. We seek candidates with positive attitude, attention to detail, and commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences."

Example for experienced receptionist

"We seek candidates with minimum 12 months' hotel reception or equivalent customer service experience in professional environments. You should demonstrate proven ability to handle guest services, manage booking systems, and coordinate with team members. Experience with hotel procedures, payment processing, and guest relations is preferred. We provide ongoing support for professional development but expect immediate competency with core reception duties."

Example for specialist reception role

"Candidates should bring minimum 18 months' hotel reception experience in similar property types or market segments. You must demonstrate exceptional guest service abilities, advanced system competency, and track record of creating positive guest experiences. Experience with our specific guest demographic, service challenges, and operational complexity is essential for immediate impact and service excellence."

Example for business hotel reception

"We require candidates with customer service experience in professional environments including business services, corporate hospitality, or similar client-facing roles. Previous experience managing professional clientele, handling time-sensitive requests, and maintaining service efficiency is essential. Understanding of business travel requirements, corporate service expectations, and professional communication necessary. Minimum 8 months in similar professional service capacity required."

Step 5: Describe the Ideal Personality Fit

The hotel receptionist role demands specific personality traits for successful guest relations and service delivery. This position requires someone who can create positive first impressions whilst handling diverse guest needs and maintaining professional standards.

While technical skills matter, long-term success depends on cultural fit and service personality. This section helps you attract candidates whose natural traits align with your hotel's service philosophy and guest expectations.

Avoid generic phrases like "people person" or "friendly attitude" which don't convey meaningful information to potential candidates.

Instead, describe specific personality traits and behavioural characteristics that succeed in your service environment.

Your goal is to articulate the service style, professional presence, and interpersonal skills that thrive in your guest relations culture.

1. Reflect on your service culture and guest dynamics

Consider the following:

• •What personality traits do your most successful reception staff demonstrate?
• •What characteristics have struggled in previous reception hires?
• •Does your hotel thrive with formal professionalism or warm, casual approaches?
• •Are guest interactions brief and efficient or detailed and relationship-focused?
• •What communication style works best with your typical guest demographic?
• •Do you need someone energetic and proactive or calm and reliable?
• •How does your hotel handle service pressure and challenging guest situations?
• •What personality traits help during busy periods and difficult interactions?

Develop keywords that capture the service presence and approach desired.

2. Be definitive, not general

Avoid vague terms and instead illustrate traits in action:

• •"Maintains warm professionalism during high-volume check-in periods whilst ensuring each guest feels personally welcomed and valued"
• •"Demonstrates natural empathy when handling guest concerns and service recovery situations with patience and discretion"
• •"Adapts communication style to connect with diverse guest personalities whilst maintaining consistent service standards"
• •"Shows genuine interest in creating positive experiences that inspires guest loyalty and enhances hotel reputation"
• •"Exhibits calm composure when managing multiple priorities whilst maintaining attention to detail and service quality"

3. Align personality attributes with service responsibilities

• •In business hotels or corporate environments: Look for professional presence combined with efficiency and systematic thinking
• •In boutique or leisure properties: Seek warmth and personality balanced with attention to detail and local knowledge
• •In conference or events hotels: Value adaptability and positive energy balanced with organisational capabilities and stress management

Example for business hotel

"You'll excel as our hotel receptionist if you possess natural professionalism and efficiency combined with genuine commitment to service excellence. We value team members who create positive first impressions through polished communication and systematic service delivery, ensuring business travellers feel welcomed whilst maintaining operational efficiency. The ability to remain composed during busy periods, handle professional interactions with confidence, and maintain attention to detail whilst managing multiple guest requests is essential."

Example for boutique leisure hotel

"This role suits someone with warm, authentic personality who genuinely enjoys creating memorable experiences for leisure guests whilst maintaining professional service standards. We value reception staff who balance personal engagement with efficient service delivery, ensuring guests feel special whilst building lasting relationships that encourage return visits. Strong interpersonal skills, local enthusiasm, and ability to maintain positive energy whilst handling diverse guest needs and special requests are crucial."

Example for conference and events hotel

"Our ideal hotel receptionist demonstrates adaptable professionalism combined with positive energy and organisational abilities appropriate for diverse guest demographics. You should possess flexibility and communication skills suitable for managing business conferences, social events, and individual travellers whilst maintaining consistent service standards that ensure guest satisfaction. Natural problem-solving abilities, patience with varying guest needs, and ability to coordinate complex service requirements whilst maintaining welcoming atmosphere are essential qualities."

Tips if you're stuck

• •Consult current reception team: "What personality qualities do guests most respond to positively?"
• •Observe successful hotel receptionists during different service situations and guest interactions
• •Consider what guest feedback reveals about preferred service and communication styles
• •Ask your management team what personality traits create the most effective guest relations environment
• •Reflect on previous reception hires - what personalities succeeded or struggled with your guest demographic?
• •Be authentic about your environment - if it's demanding and fast-paced, seek resilient and organised candidates
• •Consider cultural fit with your guest expectations and property positioning

Step 6: Provide Transparency on Compensation

Transparency about compensation is crucial for attracting quality hotel receptionist candidates. This front-line role forms the foundation of guest experience, so be clear about your total compensation package and professional development opportunities.

This section often receives inadequate attention, yet it's fundamental to attracting committed hospitality professionals. Candidates need clarity on compensation and career advancement to make informed decisions about reception opportunities.

While reception roles may not command the highest salaries, transparency about benefits, development opportunities, and working conditions demonstrates professionalism and builds trust with potential team members.

Be clear about:

• •The hourly rate or salary structure
• •Reception benefits and professional development opportunities
• •What distinguishes your hotel as an exceptional place to work and develop

1. Make compensation clear — hourly rate and benefits

Specify the definite rate or present a realistic range. Guidance when unsure includes:

• •Research similar hotel receptionist positions in your area using hospitality job boards and industry contacts
• •Consider your expectations — are you seeking new, experienced, or specialist reception professionals?
• •Factor in the complexity and responsibility level of your specific reception role
• •Include performance bonuses, tips, or additional compensation if applicable

Example: £11.50–£13.50 per hour based on experience and performance £12.00 starting rate with performance reviews and merit increases every 6 months £22,000–£26,000 annually for full-time positions with benefits package

Avoiding terms like "competitive salary" is essential as they provide no useful information to candidates.

2. Highlight reception benefits and opportunities

Benefits beyond hourly rate can significantly attract quality candidates. Consider:

• •Professional development funding for hospitality qualifications and customer service training
• •Career advancement opportunities within hotel operations and management pathways
• •Performance bonuses, tip sharing, or guest satisfaction incentive programmes
• •Healthcare benefits, staff accommodation, and personal development support
• •Industry networking opportunities, training courses, and professional recognition
• •Flexible scheduling, holiday entitlement, and work-life balance support
• •Staff dining privileges, hotel discounts, and hospitality industry benefits

Example:

• •Annual training budget of £800 for customer service and hospitality development
• •Performance bonuses based on guest satisfaction scores and service excellence
• •Healthcare benefits including medical coverage and wellness programmes
• •23 days paid holiday plus bank holidays and personal development time
• •Career development support with clear progression to senior reception and supervisory roles
• •Staff hotel discounts and hospitality industry benefits

3. Discuss career progression and development (if available)

Communicate advancement opportunities and professional development support available.

Example:

We invest in reception team development through structured training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and clear progression pathways. Our reception positions often advance to senior reception, guest services coordination, or management roles, with dedicated support for those pursuing hospitality qualifications.

Example section: Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Rate: £12.00–£14.00 per hour based on experience and performance Performance Bonus: Monthly bonuses up to £150 based on guest satisfaction and service excellence metrics Benefits:

• •Healthcare benefits including medical coverage and wellness support programmes
• •Annual professional development budget of £1,000 for hospitality training and customer service qualifications
• •25 days paid holiday annually plus bank holidays and training time
• •Career development support with clear progression to senior reception and guest services roles
• •Staff accommodation assistance and travel allowances where applicable
• •Hotel dining discounts and hospitality industry benefits programme
• •Flexible scheduling with advance planning and work-life balance support
• •Employee recognition programme including service excellence and guest satisfaction rewards

Example for boutique hotel

Hourly Rate: £11.80–£13.80 per hour plus discretionary bonuses Guest Excellence Bonus: Monthly awards for exceptional guest service and memorable experience creation Benefits:

• •Boutique hospitality experiences and local tourism benefits during work and personal time
• •22 days paid holiday plus bank holidays and professional development leave
• •Reception development support including customer service training and local knowledge enhancement
• •Performance-based rate reviews every six months with merit increase opportunities
• •Local networking at hospitality events and boutique hotel development opportunities
• •Team recognition programme with service achievements and guest satisfaction rewards
• •Career progression to guest services coordination with boutique hospitality group opportunities

Tips if you're stuck

• •Ask yourself: "What attracts exceptional customer service professionals to stay and grow with us?"
• •Research what successful hotels in your area offer to similar reception positions
• •Consider what would motivate you to excel in a demanding customer service role long-term
• •Be forthcoming — avoid inflating promises beyond what you can deliver consistently
• •If hourly rate is limited, highlight what makes the reception experience valuable (development opportunities, guest interaction, career progression, etc.)
• •Focus on unique aspects like exceptional guest experiences, team culture, or professional growth
• •Consider benefits that appeal to career-focused hospitality professionals

What's Next

Now you've written your hotel receptionist job description, it's time to advertise your role and start interviewing. Check out our guide to Hotel Receptionist interview questions.