At a Glance
- Tasks: Support guest services and events, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment.
- Company: Join the unique Odney Hotel, set in beautiful grounds by the River Thames.
- Benefits: Earn £13.00 per hour, with night premium pay and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work culture as part of the UK's largest employee-owned business.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic hotel and create memorable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, fit, flexible, and a great communicator.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 28650 £ per year.
If you are looking for a hotel with something different and some history to work in, then The Odney Hotel, our Place by the River could be for you. This is a beautiful and unique John Lewis Partnership owned hotel, set in 130 acres by the River Thames in Cookham, Berkshire. It offers both character and charm to our guests. The guests can stay in one of 5 beautiful houses on the site, each maintaining the period look of its time with access to the picturesque grounds including a private stretch of river, water gardens, a pool and sports facilities. The main building Lullebrook Manor and its grounds are thought to have been the inspiration for the classic novel The Wind in The Willows bringing history along with relaxation where you can enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace, a drink in the bar or a meal overlooking the river.
We are currently recruiting for a Hotel and Events Porter to work as part of the Hotel team to deliver and maintain the required standard of events set-up, cleanliness, hygiene and presentation across all areas of the hotel both guest-facing and back of house.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £3.75 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Salary: £13.00 per hour
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: This is a full time role working 37.5 hours per week working various shifts across 7 days. Earliest start time 06:00am and latest finish 22:00pm. Flexibility is required to cover occasional night shifts 19:30pm - 07:30am in the event of holidays.
Location: Odney, Cookham
Due to working time regulations, applicants must be 18 years or over to apply.
Key responsibilities:
- This role is to support the guest service team and the events team in all areas of the estate.
- Flexibility is needed to work in all areas of the Estate.
- Day Porter Duties will include:
- Events set up and clear down
- Cleaning and maintaining all areas across the estate
- Supporting the housekeeping and guest service team
- Laundry runs across the estate
- Assisting all areas of the hotel, including Events, Housekeeping, maintenance, grounds and catering departments.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need:
- The role can be both physically and mentally demanding and requires an appropriate level of fitness and practical dexterity.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Flexible
- PC Literate
- Excellent communicator
- Full Drivers Licence
Closing Date: May 10, 2026
Pay: £13.00 (£13.25 After 90 days)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Varied hours of full time work across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends between the hours of 06:00 - 22:00.
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham, Berkshire, SL6 9SR
Important points to note:
- It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays.
- Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
- We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.
- We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Hotel Porter employer: John Lewis
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hotel Porter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hotel inside out! Familiarise yourself with the layout, services, and history of The Odney Hotel. This will not only impress during your interview but also help you feel more confident when chatting with guests.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your flexibility! Highlight your willingness to work various shifts, including nights and weekends. This is key for a role like Hotel Porter where adaptability is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! Think about how you'd handle busy periods or challenging situations. Being calm under pressure is essential, so have some examples ready to share during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Hotel Porter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond just your skills. A bit of charm and character can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the Hotel Porter role specifically. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we're looking for, like your ability to stay calm under pressure or your flexibility in working hours.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role at The Odney Hotel.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at The Odney Hotel. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨Know the Hotel's History
Before your interview, take some time to learn about The Odney Hotel and its unique history. Understanding its charm and character will not only impress the interviewers but also help you connect with the hotel's ethos, making it easier to discuss how you can contribute to its guest experience.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
As a Hotel Porter, flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss your availability for various shifts, including early mornings and late nights. Highlight any previous experience where you've had to adapt to changing circumstances, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the demands of the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
This role involves working closely with different teams across the estate. During the interview, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in delivering excellent service and maintaining the hotel's standards.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Having thoughtful questions ready shows your genuine interest in the position. Ask about the specific duties of a Hotel Porter or how the team collaborates during events. This not only gives you valuable insights but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for being part of the hotel’s operations.