At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, manage reservations, and ensure a smooth check-in/check-out experience.
- Company: Join the Old Swan Hotel, part of Classic Lodges, known for genuine hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, wellbeing support, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive team and clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the face of hospitality and create memorable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Customer-facing experience is a plus, but full training is provided.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate
Department: Front of House
Employment Type: Full‑Time
About Us
We’re proud to be part of Classic Lodges – a collection of characterful hotels across the UK. Each hotel has its own personality, but we’re united by one shared purpose: to create meaningful experiences that connect people, places and memory. If you take pride in your work, value genuine hospitality and enjoy being part of a welcoming team, you’ll feel right at home with us.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a friendly and professional Hotel Receptionist to join our Front of House team. In this role you will be the first point of contact for our guests, providing a warm welcome, managing reservations and check‑in/check‑out, and ensuring every guest receives attentive, efficient service. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people and is keen to develop a career in hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome guests on arrival and ensure a smooth, efficient check‑in and check‑out process.
- Manage reservations, room allocations and payments using the property management system and point‑of‑sale terminals.
- Respond promptly and courteously to guest enquiries, requests and complaints, resolving issues or escalating to management where appropriate.
- Provide accurate information about hotel facilities, local attractions and transport links.
- Support telephone and email enquiries, taking and relaying messages as required.
- Maintain reception area presentation and ensure paperwork and records are kept up to date.
- Liaise with housekeeping, maintenance and other departments to ensure rooms are ready and guest needs are met.
- Handle card and account transactions with integrity and attention to detail.
- Follow health & safety, data protection and hospitality procedures at all times.
Person Specification
- Previous experience in a customer‑facing role, preferably within hospitality, is desirable but not essential; full training will be provided.
- Confident and friendly communicator with excellent telephone manner.
- Organised, reliable and able to prioritise tasks in a busy environment.
- Good numerical skills and confidence handling cash and electronic payments.
- Proactive, calm under pressure and able to resolve problems with a positive attitude.
- Flexible availability including evenings, weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota.
- Commitment to delivering high standards of presentation and guest service.
What We Offer
- Generous employee discounts on accommodation, food and drink, plus friends and family benefits.
- Access to wellbeing support through Hospitality Action.
- Monthly gratuities and recognition schemes including Employee of the Quarter.
- Opportunities for learning and development, structured training and clear career progression within Classic Lodges.
- Company pension and long service awards.
- Meals on Shift.
- Uniforms.
How to Apply
If you’re enthusiastic about delivering excellent service and being part of a supportive team, please apply with your CV and a short covering note outlining your relevant experience, availability and preferred hours. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process.
Hotel Receptionist in Harrogate employer: Classic Lodges Limited
Classic Lodges Limited offers an exceptional work environment in the picturesque setting of Ambleside, where aspiring chefs can thrive in a fast-paced kitchen. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, our culinary team fosters collaboration and creativity, providing opportunities for skill development alongside attractive benefits such as gym memberships and discounts. Join us to embark on a rewarding culinary journey in a supportive and dynamic atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hotel Receptionist in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hotel! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The Old Swan Hotel and Classic Lodges. Familiarise yourself with their values and what makes them unique. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their welcoming atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Hotel Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for guests. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family, like handling check-ins or responding to guest enquiries. This will boost your confidence and help you shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! First impressions matter, especially in hospitality. Make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. It shows that you take pride in your appearance and are serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Classic Lodges site. This way, you can ensure your CV gets into the right hands and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace Hotel Receptionist in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your CV and cover letter, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for hospitality and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight any relevant experience in customer service or hospitality, and mention specific skills that align with what we’re looking for in a Hotel Receptionist.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured CV and a cover letter that gets straight to the heart of why you’d be a fantastic addition to our Front of House team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Old Swan Hotel!
How to prepare for a job interview at Classic Lodges Limited
✨Know the Hotel Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research The Old Swan Hotel and its unique offerings. Familiarise yourself with the hotel’s facilities, local attractions, and any recent news. This will not only impress the interviewers but also help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Hotel Receptionist, your ability to connect with guests is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service or resolved issues effectively. This will demonstrate your friendly and professional approach, which is key for this role.
✨Practice Common Interview Questions
Anticipate questions related to handling guest complaints, managing reservations, and working under pressure. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview, showcasing your organisational skills and calmness in busy situations.
✨Dress the Part
First impressions matter, especially in hospitality. Dress smartly and professionally for your interview to reflect the high standards of presentation expected at The Old Swan Hotel. This shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent the hotel well.