Group Reservations Agent - Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers at Marriott International

POSITION SUMMARY

• Process all reservation requests, changes, and cancellations received by phone, fax, or mail. Identify guest reservation needs and determine appropriate room type. Verify availability of room type and rate. Explain guarantee, special rate, and cancellation policies to callers. Accommodate and document special requests. Answer questions about property facilities/services and room accommodations. Follow sales techniques to maximize revenue. Input and access data in reservation system. Indicate special room reservation types (e.g., complimentary rooms, employee discounts, travel agent inspection rates, and wholesale reservations) by inputting the correct code and rate into the reservation system. Follow proper escalation procedures when addressing guest concerns.
• Follow all company policies and procedures; ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional; maintain confidentiality of proprietary information; protect company assets; protect the privacy and security of guests and coworkers. Welcome and acknowledge all guests according to company standards; anticipate and address guests’ service needs; assist individuals with disabilities; thank guests with genuine appreciation. Speak with others using clear and professional language; answer telephones using appropriate etiquette. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others; support team to reach common goals; listen and respond appropriately to the concerns of other employees. Comply with quality assurance expectations and standards. Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 10 pounds without assistance. Perform other reasonable job duties as requested by Supervisors.

Revenue & Inventory Control

• Monitor group blocks and release unused inventory in line with agreed release dates.
• Ensure group rates and packages are loaded and applied correctly.
• Support revenue optimization by maximizing occupancy while adhering to contracted terms

Documentation & Administration

• Prepare and distribute group reservation sheet / function sheets where applicable.
• Maintain organized records of group confirmations, contracts, and correspondence.
• Ensure accurate billing instructions and follow up on deposits and payment deadlines.

Policies and Procedures

• Protect the privacy and security of guests and coworkers.
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary materials and information.
• Follow company and department policies and procedures.
• Perform other reasonable job duties as requested by Supervisors.

Guest Relations

• Actively listen and respond positively to guest questions, concerns, and requests using brand or property specific process (e.g., LEARN, PLEASED, Guest Response, LEAP) to resolve issues, delight, and build trust.
• Address guests' service needs in a professional, positive, and timely manner.
• Anticipate guests' service needs, including asking guest questions to better understand their needs and watching/listening to guest preferences and acting on them whenever possible.
• Welcome and acknowledge each guest with a smile, eye contact, and a friendly verbal greeting, using the guest's name when possible.
• Thank guests with genuine appreciation and provide a fond farewell.
• Engage guests in conversation regarding their stay, property services, and area attractions/offerings.

Communication

• Speak to guests and co-workers using clear, appropriate and professional language.
• Answer telephones using appropriate etiquette including answering the phone within 3 rings, answering with a smile in one's voice, using the callers' name, transferring calls to appropriate person/department, requesting permission before placing the caller on hold, taking and relaying messages, and allowing the caller to end the call.
• Talk with and listen to other employees to effectively exchange information.

Working with Others

• Support all co-workers and treat them with dignity and respect.
• Handle sensitive issues with employees and/or guests with tact, respect, diplomacy, and confidentiality.

Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

• Comply with quality assurance expectations and standards.

Physical Tasks

• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 10 pounds without assistance.

Reservation Services

• Verify all reservation information with callers to ensure accuracy.
• Accommodate and document special requests in an accurate and efficient manner.
• Determine the most appropriate room type to meet guest requirements and maximize room rate.
• Explain guarantee and cancellation policies to callers.
• Describe room accommodation and benefit feature sale amenities to guests.
• Use sales techniques when assisting guests in making reservations, including personalizing calls, obtaining complete guest needs, suggesting alternate dates or directing guests to sister properties on sold out days.
• Answer guest questions about property facilities/services (e.g., hours of operation, room availability, restricted dates, rates and room types, packages, promotions, entertainment, restaurants, special events).
• Assign confirmation/cancellation numbers and clearly relay this information to callers, giving them the option of emailing and/or faxing these numbers.
• Identify guest reservation needs by asking open-ended questions to obtain all necessary information, including enrollment in Marriott Rewards program.
• Follow “up selling” techniques and sales strategies in order to maximize property revenue.
• Identify repeat guests using appropriate codes.

Reservation Processing

• Inform guests of rules and regulations regarding qualifying rates (e.g., government and special corporate rates and discounts).
• Input and access data in reservation system by entering correct information into proper fields, including Marriott Rewards number, and asking for travel agency IATA and FIT numbers (i.e., flags, comments, guest messages).
• Verify availability of room type, rate, and occupancy before confirming any reservations.
• Process all reservation requests, changes, and cancellations received by phone, fax, or mail.
• Indicate special room reservation types (e.g., complimentary rooms, employee discounts, travel agent inspection rates, and wholesale reservations) by inputting the correct code and rate into the reservation system.

Guest Relations

• Follow proper escalation procedures when addressing guest concerns.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple bookings and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong customer service orientation
• Problem‑solving and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in hotel reservations, groups, or sales support preferred
• Experience working with Property Management Systems (PMS) and/or Central Reservation Systems
• Hospitality qualification is advantageous but not essential