At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests with warmth and ensure they have an outstanding stay.
- Company: Join the award-winning Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous service charge, career development, and discounts on stays and spa treatments.
- Other info: Own transport required due to rural location; flexible shifts available.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that creates memorable experiences for guests in a stunning setting.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
The role of Guest Relations Assistant is a key position and the primary focus of the role is to deliver excellent guest service by welcoming our guests in a warm and friendly manner and ensuring they have an outstanding stay. You will contribute to an overall exceptional experience from arrival to departure. As a Guest Relations Assistant, you will deal with all requests at Hotel Reception in a professional and efficient manner. The role also includes cash handling and credit card transactions as well as taking reservations and answering the switchboard. Experience using Opera is desirable but not essential.
Key Responsibilities:
- To undertake front of house duties; to include meeting, greeting and attending to the needs of the guests, ensuring an excellent customer service experience.
- To check all departmental cash outs, ensuring they are all accurate before they are accepted and processed.
- To be responsible for the front desk floats.
- To act in a pro-active and efficient way when handling and storing luggage from arriving guests, as well as those leaving and take responsibility for the safety and retrieval of that luggage.
- To ensure that all internal and external calls are answered promptly and, if necessary, transferred to the relevant department.
- To ensure the smooth running of the front hall and car parking areas / valet services.
- To be aware of the in-house activities, conferences and functions taking place in the hotel.
- To act as a sales person, promoting the Hotel facilities, packages and products in order to convert bookings and upsell.
- To have sufficient local knowledge to be able to provide information about local transport, entertainment and leisure.
- To respond promptly and professionally to guest enquiries, complaints and compliments and liaise with Heads of Department.
Key Attributes:
- Be a team player.
- Excellent time keeper, and able to work a variety of shift patterns (early shift 7am to 3pm, late shift 3pm to 11pm).
- Passionate about delivering service to the highest standards.
- Have a positive attitude.
- Have a pleasant telephone manner.
- Have great personal presentation.
- Have excellent communication and IT skills.
If you feel that you can rise to this challenge, then please submit your application as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close the role early if sufficient applications are received. Due to our rural location, you will need your own transport.
At Elite Hotels we have a single minded and unwavering goal to make every visit to our hotels a positive experience that customers feel compelled to talk about.
About Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club:
Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club is a stunning grade two listed country house set in 186 acres of beautiful grounds on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. With an award winning 4 red star Hotel, fine dining two rosette Anderida Restaurant, 3 lounges, 16 conference & banqueting rooms, Cocktail Bar, Brasserie, fully equipped Country Club and Spa, we offer our guests a complete experience.
Why work at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club:
As an accredited Investor in People, we are dedicated to the development of our staff. Many of the team started out in junior roles, but have been offered training and promotional opportunities as their skills have grown. We are very fortunate to have a large percentage of long-term team members able to offer their experience and expertise to the next generation of hospitality professionals – this could be you!
Benefits:
- Generous share of the monthly Service Charge (*which is dependant upon overall sales performance).
- Career development with accredited training providers.
- Enhanced holiday programme & reward scheme for long service.
- Employee Assistance Programme - Hospitality Action.
- Meals provided by our talented kitchen team.
- Free parking and uniform laundering service.
- Generous 'Refer a Friend' bounty incentive.
- Great recognition awards for exceptional customer service.
- Reduced price stays in all of our hotels (after successful completion of probation period).
- Discounts available for spa treatments and for food and beverage (after successful completion of probation period).
- Smart Pension Scheme linked to Smart Rewards giving colleagues free, unlimited access to over 1200 discounts.
- Access to Stream which helps you keep track of your earnings in real-time, gives you access to the wages you have earned, helps you to save wages and gives you access to a financial health score checker.
Receptionist/Guest Relations Assistant - Forest Row, East Sussex employer: Elite Hotels
At Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and enriching work environment where every team member is valued. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer extensive training opportunities and career progression, alongside a range of benefits including generous service charge shares, enhanced holiday programmes, and discounts on hotel stays and spa treatments. Nestled in the picturesque East Sussex countryside, our stunning location not only provides a beautiful backdrop for work but also fosters a close-knit community among staff, making it an exceptional place to build a rewarding career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/Guest Relations Assistant - Forest Row, East Sussex
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Elite Hotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Elite Hotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to Elite Hotels directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/Guest Relations Assistant - Forest Row, East Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Elite Hotels and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elite Hotels
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
