Guest Service Associate - Temp Full Time Position

Guest Service Associate

Guest Service Associates are responsible for the critical first impression our guests have of our properties. Guest Service Associates demonstrate exceptional hospitality in an attentive, friendly, and efficient manner going above and beyond to ensure that guest experiences will be worth remembering. The key service roles begin with greeting guests and end in delivering a departure experience that makes a guest want to be a return customer. This position requires an outgoing, enthusiastic personality, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work without constant direct supervision.

Compensation: $19 hourly This role is looking to hire as soon as possible

Summary Of Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain a neat and professional appearance in accordance with property standards.
• Welcome and acknowledge each and every guest with a smile, eye contact, and a friendly verbal greeting, using the guest's name when possible.
• Register and orient arriving guests according to property standards.
• Be knowledgeable about the property, its programs, amenities, and experiences.
• Have a working knowledge of the property's phone and other communication systems. Answer telephone calls with a pleasant demeanor according to property etiquette, listen carefully to caller's requests, and clearly taking, dating, distributing, or filing notes as needed.
• Be knowledgeable of your role in the property reservation process.
• Serve as concierge, sharing knowledge of the area surrounding your property suggesting activities and recreation, dining options, and assisting with ground transportation and local driving directions.
• Continually build rapport with property guests. Engage guests in conversation at the desk and when you encounter them around the property. Actively listen to and respond positively to guest questions, concerns, and requests. Anticipate guest service needs. Proactively approach guests needing service or assistance.
• Manage and resolve guest complaints (and compliments) in a professional and courteous manner, maintaining composure under pressure, allowing guests to speak first, and then providing solutions to their issues or concerns. Follow through to ensure guest satisfaction with the resolution. Know who to call upon if you cannot solve a guest's problem.
• Work with colleagues to ensure that guest's needs are continually met. Maintain an efficient and effective flow of information with guests and all internal departments. Record any special guest needs reported, making notes for future visits according to property specifications.
• Maintain accurate guest accounts and folios, house banks, deposits, petty cash, and cash drawers according to property specifications. Understand cash reporting requirements.
• Be fully knowledgeable about how to post to and maintain guest folios according to property specifications. Must have computer skills sufficient to meet property system needs which may include Microsoft Word, Xcel, database operations, point of sale, and property management systems.
• Process guest check-outs and collect and process payments with efficiency. Be able to explain everything on a guest folio and be able to make corrections as needed.
• Thank guests with genuine appreciation and bid them a fond farewell at departure.
• Be responsible for the security of any room or supply closet keys, as well as for respecting the confidential nature of some front desk correspondence, transactions, and activities.
• Be knowledgeable of property-specific safety and security procedures.
• Deliver messages, faxes, and packages to guests in a timely manner.
• Perform light housekeeping duties to ensure that the appearance of the front desk and lobby areas is according to property specifications. This may include assisting in laundry.
• Help to inspect guest rooms (and correct any deficiencies) to ensure they are consistent with Lark Hotels standards.
• Baking and light prep for the next day's baked goods and other breakfast items.
• Attending to breakfast by replenishing items, bussing tables, and cleaning up at the end of the service.
• Label all lost and found items according to property procedures.
• Know who to notify in case of broken equipment or unsafe/unsanitary conditions.
• Manually handle/lift/carry product up to 50 pounds between knee and shoulders.
• Must have bilateral fine manipulation of both hands which may be repetitive for the entire shift.
• May be vertically mobile for the entire shift.
• Protect the assets of this property and Lark Hotels.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be eligible to work in the United States of America.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and written, with guests and employees, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to work as a part of a team.
• Ability to understand verbal and written directions, as well as workplace safety signage.
• Active listening and observation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and deal with deadlines and stressful situations.

Abilities Required:

• Frequent walking, bending, balancing, stooping, reaching, pushing, lifting, manual dexterity and repetitive motions.
• Occasional stair climbing.
• Schedule varies according to operational needs; may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and split shifts.
• Hazards include, but are not limited to lifting injuries, exposure to unsanitary materials, slips, and tripping.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and serve our curated small plates breakfast to guests
• Prepare small hors d'oeuvres for daily wine hour
• Set up and break down breakfast and wine hour
• Baking various sweet and savory pastries
• Keep track of any packages/ enhancements and prepare as needed
• Consistently monitor Clock software for new reservations
• Process daily check-ins and check-outs
• Handle any issues that may arise in a professional and courteous manner
• Create a warm, welcoming, and comfortable atmosphere for our guests
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the front desk and lobby area

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in customer service or hospitality is preferred but not required
• Positive attitude and creative mindset
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks effectively
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 25 pounds
• Baking and/ or cooking experience a plus

About The Cliffside Inn:

The Cliffside Inn is a charming and luxurious updated Victorian mansion in the heart of the Newport, RI Historic District. With 16 roomseach of which features a unique layout, design, and furnishingsand breathtaking views over Newport's famed Cliff Walk, The Cliffside Inn is a striking and enchanting coastal Rhode Island escape just a short walk from Newport shopping and restaurants.

The historic building has been updated with eclectic, artistic details inspired by the life and work of noted 20th-century painter, Beatrice Turner, who made the mansion her summer home from 1907 to 1948. Impeccable hospitality, luxurious rooms, beautiful grounds, and stunning natural scenery make The Cliffside Inn the ultimate Newport escape.