Front Desk Agent - Chicago, IL

TITLE: Front Desk Agent · DEPARTMENT: Front Office · REPORTS TO: Front Desk Supervisor/Front Desk Manager · Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. Our team takes pride in combining a passion for hospitality with pract ...

Job description

TITLE: Front Desk Agent

DEPARTMENT: Front Office

REPORTS TO: Front Desk Supervisor/Front Desk Manager

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. Our team takes pride in combining a passion for hospitality with practical hotel management. By collaborating with renowned brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, we efficiently manage 12 properties across diverse locations. Committed to ongoing growth, we actively seek opportunities and are dedicated to helping both our team and hotels thrive. We remain responsive and proactive in our strategies for sales, marketing, and revenue, ensuring swift adaptability to market changes. Beyond Management, we cultivate strong partnerships with major industry players, showcasing our dedication to success in the ever-evolving world of hospitality

Join the team at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago — a landmark downtown hotel where elevated comfort meets iconic luxury. At The Westin, you'll be part of a culture that champions well-being, innovation and extraordinary experiences for both guests and associates. Nestled on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, you'll work in a dynamic setting offering inspiring views, modern amenities and a commitment to "doing well, and doing good." If you're passionate about hospitality and ready to elevate your career in a role where your purpose matters, let's create unforgettable moments together.

We are seeking a Full-time Front Desk Agent to join our team in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

JOB SUMMARY

Attend to guests needs providing intuitive service throughout guest journey, including but not limited to pre arrival communication, registration, in-house requests and departure process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provide a warm greeting to all guests upon arrival and assist them with registration by confirming reservation details recorded in the operating system, including address and payment information. Promote the hotel's rewards program and highlight its benefits, offering special recognition to current members.

• Process payments for the reservations and complete accurate billing patterns. Handle cash payments maintaining accurate bank count and report cash intake at the end of each shift.
• Issue key to and control entrance of safety deposit boxes. Post miscellaneous charges as requested.
• Arrive at workplace on time in full uniform prepared with tools and all equipment needed for service. Review current day's expected arrivals and check all VIP and special request reservations to ensure that they are pre-registered, blocked properly and other departments are notified of room assignment. Review the daily room availability and inform staff. Check status of departures on a daily basis. Relay all pertinent information to front desk agents, telecommunications, the following shift supervisor, and the Front Office Manager.
• Complete daily checklist provided for each shift with accuracy and proficiency. All daily tasks must be completed and reported to the leader on duty before the end of the shift.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the requirements of the hotel.

• Assist concierge in handling mail and facilities and providing guests with information regarding hotel facilities and local attractions.
• Book reservations for those guests who approach the Front Desk.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Extensive knowledge of the hotel, its services and facilities.
• Must have excellent customer relations skills and leadership capability.
• Must be detail oriented with outstanding organizational and communication skills.
• Must have excellent leadership capability and customer relations skills.
• Most work tasks are performed indoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. occasionally.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and talking ability and visual acuity.
• Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

AVAILABILITY

This company operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. We are looking for associates with open availability including weekends and holidays as the business demands might change. In addition, it should be understood that business needs determine the amount of hours that you work.