Guest Experience Expert (Front Desk Agent) - The Westin Cape Town at Marriott International

Key duties and responsibilities:

Check-in/Check-out

• Process all guest check-ins by confirming reservations in computer system (e.g., Fidelio, PMS, FOSSE, OPERA), verifying guest identity, requesting form of payment, assigning room, and issuing room key in accordance with property policies and procedures.
• Secure valid form of payment (e.g., credit card, cash) prior to issuing room key.
• Set up accurate accounts for each guest upon check-in according to their requirements (i.e., sharewiths, separate room/tax/incidentals, comp).
• Activate room keys using electronic key machine and reissue new room keys to guests as necessary (e.g., lost key) by verifying guest identity and using electronic key machine.
• Assign room according to guest request and preferences whenever possible.
• Verify and adjust billing for guests.
• Process all check-outs including express check-outs, resolving any late and disputed charges, settling account, retrieving room key, and requesting comments on guest's stay.
• Advise guest of any messages (e.g., voicemail, mail, faxes) received for them, and send to room if required.
• Accommodate requests for room changes when possible.
• File guest paperwork or documentation.
• Pre-register designated guests and prepare key packets.
• Ensure rates match market codes and that any exceptions are documented and include an explanation.
• Sell a room/accommodation to guests without reservations based on availability.
• Communicate to appropriate staff that there are guests that are waiting for an available room.
• Review requests for late check-outs and approve according to occupancy.
• Keep track of changes in room status (e.g., early check-out, late check-out, room transfer, unexpected stay over) for Housekeeping.
• Coordinate with Housekeeping to track readiness of rooms for check-in and to report guest concerns.
• Obtain and verify proper tax-exempt information for tax-exempt guests.

Reservations/Blocking Rooms

• Confirm reservations and cancellations

Cash Handling

• Process all payment types such as room charges, cash, checks, debit, or credit.
• Process adjustment vouchers, paid-outs, correction vouchers, and miscellaneous charges.
• Count bank at end of shift and secure bank.
• Balance and drop receipts according to Accounting specifications.
• Provide change to guests.
• Obtain manual authorizations and follow all Accounting procedures when computer system is down.
• Cash guests' personal checks and traveler's checks.
• Count bank at the beginning of shift to ensure that amounts are correct and that there is adequate change. 

Finance-Related

• Print credit check report, review status of each account, and follow up on accounts beyond approved credit limits.

Required Experience & Qualifications:

• At least 2- 3 years’ experience in a Receptionist / Front Desk Agent position within a Hotel environment
• An appropriate recognized qualification would be advantageous
• Proficiency in Microsoft packages 
• Working Knowledge in Fidelio Opera
• Professional Disposition 
• Professional telephone and communication etiquette 
• People centric with a strong focus on the Guest experience 
• Ability to work within a pressurized environment
• Ability to use Initiative and be proactive and self-driven
• Sound financial acumen
• Maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance as per company standards
• Ability to work without supervision and within a team
• Attention to detail pertaining to area of responsibility
• Available to work flexible working hours and rostered shifts as and when required