Front Desk Agent

Sonesta Hotels; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental Insurance

Paid Vacation and Sick Days

Paid Holidays

Pension

Legal Services

Maternity and Parental Leave

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels is hiring a Guest Services Agent to be the first point of contact for guests. You will handle check-ins/outs, answer inquiries, and support operations to deliver Sonesta Service on every shift.

Qualifications include a high school diploma and 1 year of hotel or retail experience, with strong communication and cash-handling skills. The role requires mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, with competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of hotel or retail customer service preferred.
• English fluency; other languages a plus.
• Proficient in basic math and cash handling.
• Experience with Opera systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Register guests, issue keys, provide hotel information.
• Answer phones promptly and courteously.
• Process cash/credit transactions and maintain records.
• Maintain guest information security and privacy.
• Assist with reservations and up-sell when possible.
• Ensure guest requests are fulfilled and service standards met.

Skills

Fluent English

Customer service

Cash handling

Phone etiquette

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Opera PMS

Job description

We’re People People. Are you?

We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we’re everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here’s the thing—we’re not just in the business of hotels, we’re in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

The Guest Services Agent (GSA) is responsible for consistently delivering results that contribute to the mission and overall success of the hotel by accomplishing performance objectives covering the front desk and is support for the Operations Manager. The GSA serves as the point person with regard to the Front Desk technology systems and in-house guest relations during their shift. The GSA is first point of contact and therefore represents the brand as all guests enter the hotel.

What you’ll be doing

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver on the promise of Sonesta Service in all interactions with guests and clients according to the Sonesta G.U.E.S.T. standards.
• Register guests, issue room keys, and provide information on hotel services and room location. Answer phones in a prompt and courteous manner.
• Accurately process all cash and credit card transactions in accordance with established procedures including but not limited to posting all charges, completing cashier and other reports, preparing deposit, and counting/ securing assigned bank.
• Responsible to maintain the security of cash, credit card transactions, and guest information.
• May routinely book guest reservations for individuals and/or groups that are requested either by phone or from within the hotel; process cancellations, revisions, and information updates on changes. Up-sell rooms where possible to maximize revenue.
• Follow the overall seasonal demand reservation strategy as communicated by the hotel management team with regard to room type and length of stay pricing.
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other shifts and departmental management.
• Service the shoppe and the pour by ensuring guests receive the service and products offered by the hotel. Follow all local laws with regard to alcoholic beverage sales.
• Ensure guest special requests are fulfilled and proper delivery of guest services is delivered.
• Issue, control and release guest safe-deposit boxes.
• Comply with federal, state and local laws regarding health, safety, and alcohol services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of previous hotel experience, or retail customer service preferred.
• Previous background from the extended stay industry preferred.
• Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English; other languages beneficial.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances preferred.
• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Opera systems preferred.
• Will be required to obtain a ServSafe certification.
• May be required to obtain a TIPS certification.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling, and moving about the facility.
• Carrying, lifting or pulling items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently handling objects and equipment.
• Standing for extended periods of time.
• Will be required to work mornings, evening, weekends, and holidays.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

Additional Job Information/Anticipated Pay Range

Pay range $27.00 - $28.00

Pay rate outlined follows contract requirements.

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. Employees are offered a variety of benefits including:

• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Holidays
• Pension
• Legal Services
• Maternity and Parental Leave

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.