At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage hotel reception, bookings, and deliver a first-class guest experience.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK with a focus on kindness and respect.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, night premium, flexible working hours, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to thrive and make a difference.
- Why this job: Work in a unique hotel by the River Thames and be part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience, good numeracy, and organisational skills required.
As a Hotel Receptionist at one of our stunning Partnership hotels, you'll have the important job of looking after its reception, working as part of the hotel team to deliver a first-class guest experience while also managing administration tasks for the hotel and its Partners.
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.
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing bookings for hotel stays, spa treatments, and activities (location dependent).
- Being a key point of contact for guests and facilitating check in/check out procedures and any customer queries/complaints.
- Be a brand ambassador and look for opportunities to upsell memberships/events.
- Delivering a first-rate guest experience.
Essential skills/experience you'll need
- Proven experience in a customer facing/customer service role.
- Good numeracy and computer literacy skills.
- Good organisational skills and able to communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- Knowledge of a hotel operation.
Closing Date: July 14, 2026
Pay: £13.00 (£13.25 After 90 days)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Varied hours of part time work (30 hours a week) across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends between the hours of 07:00 - 20:00.
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham, Berkshire, SL6 9SR
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.
Receptionist employer: John Lewis
As a Hotel Receptionist at The Odney Hotel, you will be part of a unique and historic establishment set in the picturesque grounds by the River Thames. The John Lewis Partnership fosters a supportive work culture that values employee ownership, offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal growth, all while ensuring a first-class guest experience in a beautiful setting. Join us to thrive in an environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at John Lewis and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at John Lewis that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at John Lewis.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at John Lewis get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at John Lewis and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
