Porter – Hotels

Also known as: Concierge, Bellman, Bell Captain, Bellhop, Bellperson, Bell Staff, Bellman Driver, Bellstaff, Valet, Doorman

As a porter you are based at the reception or porter’s desk and your responsibility is to assist guests as they arrive and during their stay. You will carry the guest’s luggage to their room, arrange their transport, and handle lost property.

Your day-to-day duties may involve:
• meeting and greeting guests
• taking the guest’s luggage to their rooms
• arranging transport for guests
• advising guests about local activities

As a porter deals with many enquiries every day, their day-to-day duties are extremely varied. As they are the first point of contact at the hotel they may take messages for the guests, sort mail, and look after room keys. The guests trust the porter with valuable items and confidential information, so it is a job where discretion is valued.

You may also sell newspapers, postcards and stamps, book theatre tickets, hire cars for the guests, or park their cars. Sometimes you will help with housekeeping, or assist the restaurant and banqueting staff to set up rooms and lift large furniture. When lifting heavy items it’s important that you adhere to safe practices.

If you are on night duty, you will be required to provide switchboard cover, check customers in or out, and serve snacks. In the morning you may deliver newspapers and wake-up calls. You will follow the head receptionist’s instructions to ensure smooth a handover.