Guest Services Agent

About the role

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, Highgate provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. The company develops a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen, and utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.

Location: Fairfield Inn Scranton, 949 Viewmont Drive, Dickson City, PA 18519.

The Guest Service Agent is responsible for providing attentive, courteous, and efficient service to all guests during check-in, throughout their stay, and at checkout, while maximizing room revenue and occupancy.

Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome all guests approaching the Front Desk in accordance with Highgate Hotel standards.
• Maintain proper operation of the PBX console and ensure that all hotel standards are met (if applicable).
• Answer guest inquiries about hotel services, facilities, and hours of operation in a timely manner.
• Ensure logging and delivery of packages, mail, and messages to guests and meeting rooms.
• Review Front Office log and Trace File daily.
• Answer inquiries from guests regarding restaurants, transportation, entertainment, etc.
• Follow all cash handling and credit policies.
• Be aware of all rates, packages, and special promotions as listed in the Red Book.
• Be familiar with all in-house groups.
• Be aware of closed out and restricted dates.
• Obtain all necessary information when taking room reservations and follow the rate-quoting scenario.
• Be familiar with hospitality terminology.
• Have knowledge of emergency procedures and assist as needed.
• Handle check-ins and checkouts in a friendly, efficient, and courteous manner.
• Use proper two-way radio etiquette at all times when communicating with other employees.
• Fully comprehend and be able to operate all relevant aspects of the Front Desk computer system.
• Perform and complete all tasks and duties on the shift checklist in a timely and efficient manner.
• Complete a bucket check, room rate verification report, and housekeeping report.
• Balance and prepare individual paperwork for closing of shift according to hotel standards.
• Maintain and market promotions and guest programs.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Assist guests with safe deposit boxes.

Qualifications

• College course work in related field helpful.
• Experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Computer experience required.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Light work — exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to stand during entire shift.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service-oriented manner.
• Effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service-oriented manner.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas, and assist in implementing solutions.
• Effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
• Ability to understand and apply complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Ability to cross-train in other hotel related areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Show initiative, including anticipating guest or operational needs.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.

Benefits

Highgate offers full-time associates a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support health, well-being, and financial future:

• Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contributions
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave (provided in accordance with applicable law)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Educational opportunities / Tuition reimbursement
• Paid jury duty leave, personal leave, medical leave, and military leave in accordance with applicable law

For Employees Based In Washington:

• 8 paid holidays per year
• Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service
• Paid Sick & Safe Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with up to 72 hours of unused time carried over from one anniversary year to the next

For Employees Based In Colorado:

• 8 paid holidays per year; employees working in the City of Denver receive 64 hours of designated holiday time per calendar year
• Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service
• 6 days or 48 hours of Paid Sick Leave per year, accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked

For Employees Based In California:

• 8 paid holidays per year
• Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service, capped at 1.5x annual accrual rate; non-supervisory employees working in the City of Los Angeles accrue up to 22 days of Compensated Time Off, based on length of service capped at 192 hours of combined PST and CTO
• Paid Sick Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, unused time carried over from one anniversary year to the next up to a maximum of 80 hours; employees working in the City of Los Angeles are provided 40 hours of Paid Sick Time annually on their anniversary, unused time is not carried over

Certain benefits described above for associates in Washington, Colorado, and California may vary for associates covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). For such associates, eligibility and terms are governed by the applicable CBA and plan documents. The above-referenced benefits do not apply to part-time positions.