I work as a Front Desk Receptionist at a hotel at nighttime. It is a nice hotel, but not very big (50 rooms), and privately owned. As a result, my job description is all over the place, in addition to doing reception, I also do some housekeeping, laundry, bellhop (porter) and, even the occasional maintenance work. When working with the general public there is rarely a dull moment. I figured it would be a little informative and hopefully somewhat entertaining to share some of these moments/situations with you.
Confessions from the Front Desk
1. We (the staff) have found some of the strangest things
Some of the housekeepers found cocaine in a room once, luckily it was only a small amount, who leaves illegal drugs in a hotel room?!?!
I once found seven used disposable razors and, a brush you might scrub a car with in a trash can in the locker room. I was instantly perplexed and I am still not sure what was going on there. I am not entirely convinced that some sort of crime did not take place.
Our lost and found is full of things that are likely important that are never retrieved (safety deposit keys, keepsakes, and even a wallet), also a ridiculous amount of phone chargers.
Unfortunately, some of this is body fluids in places you would not expect
(I won't elaborate here)
2. Just stop doing this, Thanks in advance
If you request a wake up call, do not ignore it. I have to come check on you if you do not answer, neither of us want me to knock on your door at 4am. You have an alarm clock in there, or just be like a normal human and set an alarm on your phone.
Do not send tiny humans downstairs to get breakfast alone, hello, stranger danger. Also they could easily walk right out the front door.
No, I am not giving you the key to somebody else's room. Stop asking.
Stop lying (Yes...you are). I often wonder if guests think I do not talk to my co-workers/boss, No one told you that, stop lying.
I am only still providing you with an audience, because it is part of my job.
I do not want to......
Date you.
Join your religion.
Sign up under you for any type of pyramid scheme (yes, it is).
Discuss politics with you
See naked pictures of your wife (or you or your best friend, in case that needed to be clarified)
Listen to you monologue about anything.
Be your facebook friend.
*So there it is, a little glimpse inside the mind of a receptionist. All of these scenarios have actually occurred in the year and a half I have worked here. A couple quick tips: Booking direct will almost always save you money, ask about discounts (AARP, AAA, Military, Funeral, Wedding, Gov. Rate), I'm not suppose to offer them up).
