Front Desk Associate

About Us

Residence Inn Gulfport-Biloxi is located 4 miles from Gulfport beaches and next to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. In 2023, the hotel earned the Marriott Gold Circle Award.

Why This Role

This part-time position offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of delivering exceptional service, ensuring guests have a seamless experience from check-in to check-out. The airport-adjacent location provides interaction with a diverse range of travelers, from business professionals to vacationing families.

What's In It For You

• Exclusive discounts on hotel, food, and beverage for personal travel
• Professional growth through online training courses
• Employee Assistance Program, jury duty leave, holidays, bereavement leave, and additional support

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Check-In and Check-Out: Assisting guests with the check-in and check-out process efficiently, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience.
• Reservations Management: Handling room reservations, cancellations, and modifications accurately while maintaining up-to-date records.
• Customer Service: Responding promptly and professionally to guest inquiries, complaints, and special requests, aiming to exceed guest expectations.
• Payment Processing: Handling payment transactions, including room charges, deposits, and refunds, while ensuring accuracy and compliance with hotel policies.
• Communication Hub: Coordinating with other hotel departments, such as housekeeping and maintenance, to address guest needs and resolve issues promptly.
• Providing Information: Offering information about hotel services, amenities, local attractions, and transportation options to assist guests with their plans.
• Problem-Solving: Resolving guest concerns or complaints effectively, escalating issues when necessary to maintain satisfaction.
• Maintaining Records: Keeping accurate and organized records of guest stays, payments, and interactions in the hotel's property management system (PMS).
• Promoting Hotel Services: Upselling rooms and promoting hotel amenities, such as dining options or event spaces, to enhance the guest experience.
• Ensuring Security: Following safety and security protocols to safeguard guests, staff, and property, including verifying guest identification and monitoring for suspicious activity.

What We Are Looking For

• Previous experience in customer-facing roles, such as in hospitality, retail, or food service, is often required or preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a focus on delivering exceptional service are essential.
• Familiarity with using computers and software systems, especially reservation or property management systems (PMS).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for interacting with guests and team members professionally and clearly.
• Experience handling guest complaints or resolving conflicts in a calm and effective manner is an asset.
• Previous roles that required managing multiple tasks, such as answering phones, handling reservations, and assisting guests simultaneously, prepare candidates for the demands of the job.
• Knowledge of upselling techniques or prior experience in sales is beneficial, as many hotels encourage promoting upgrades or additional services.
• Familiarity with front desk operations, check-in/check-out procedures, or reservation systems is a plus.
• A high school diploma.
• Experience in jobs with irregular hours, such as evening, weekend, or holiday shifts.
• Applicants should have the flexibility to work weekends and holidays.