Receptionist

Bright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Limpopo; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious hotel in Limpopo is seeking a receptionist to enhance the guest experience through exemplary service and organizational abilities. Responsibilities include managing check-ins, handling reservations, and ensuring guest satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have at least 1-3 years of experience in a luxury hotel setting and demonstrate excellent communication and multitasking skills. This role requires a professional appearance and flexibility in scheduling.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years in front desk/reception/guest services in a luxury hotel.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and anticipate guest needs.

Responsibilities

• Check guests in & out smoothly.
• Handle reservations and modify bookings.
• Assist with guest enquiries and provide concierge-style service.

Skills

Excellent verbal & written communication in English

Customer service under pressure

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Multitasking

Diplomacy in dealing with complaints

Professional appearance & grooming

Flexibility & reliability

Education

Matric (Grade 12)

Hospitality or tourism certificate/diploma

Tools

PMS systems (Opera, Protel, Fidelio)

Microsoft Office

Job description

SUMMARY :

A receptionist in a 5âstar hotel is more than just greeting guests. They are central to the guest experience. Key responsibilities typically include :

Duty Description

Guest arrival & departure

Check guests in & out smoothly and efficiently; issue key cards; verify guest details; collect payment; ensure billing accuracy.

Reservations & bookings

Handle reservations (phone, email, direct, online); modify / cancel bookings; ensure room allocation is correct; coordinate with reservation department.

Guest enquiries & conciergeâstyle service

Provide information about the hotel facilities (restaurants, spa, events), local attractions, transport, shopping etc.; assist with special requests (e.g. dietary needs, early checkâin / late checkâout).

Front office system usage

Use PMS (Property Management System) to record guest details, room status, payments; coordinate with housekeeping, maintenance etc.

Telephone and message handling

Answer calls politely; direct to appropriate departments; take messages; follow up.

Upselling / crossâselling

Promote hotel services (spa treatments, dinners, excursions); encourage upgrades or addâons in a tasteful way.

Cash handling and billing

Handle payments (credit card, cash, etc.); balance cash drawer; issue invoices; resolve billing queries.

Complaints & problem resolution

Deal with guest complaints diplomatically; elevate where necessary; follow up to make sure guest is satisfied.

Coordination with other departments

Work with housekeeping (room availability, guest requests), maintenance (fix things), food & beverage, spa, concierge etc.

Maintain reception & lobby areas

Keep the reception / lobby tidy, presentable; ensure supplies (brochures, etc.) are stocked; ensure signage is correct; maintain the atmosphere befitting 5âstar standards.

Administrative tasks

Recordâkeeping; preparing daily reports; shift handovers; emails; preparing daily arrival / departure lists; sometimes assisting with group bookings / conferences.

Security & safety procedures

Follow hotel’s safety, emergency and security policies; ensure guest identity where required; be aware of fire or evacuation protocols.

Flexibility with shifts

Work mornings / evenings / weekends / public holidays; possibly overnight shifts or late shifts depending on hotel.

POSITION INFO :

Qualifications & Skills

What the hotel will expect from a candidate, to ensure they can deliver the level of service a 5âstar establishment demands :

Formal education

Matric (Grade 12) at a minimum; hospitality, tourism, or frontâoffice management certificate / diploma preferred. Some hotels may prefer a “hotel school” or vocational training.

Relevant experience

1â3 years (sometimes more) in front desk / reception / guest services in a luxury / 4â or 5âstar hotel. Experience with reservations, checkingâin / out, customer service under pressure.

System knowledge

Proficiency in hotel PMS systems such as Opera, Protel, Fidelio, or similar. Also Microsoft Office, email, possibly pointâofâsale.

Communication skills

Excellent verbal & written communication in English; additional languages are a plus (helpful in Limpopo which is a tourist area). Good telephone etiquette.

Interpersonal / guest service skills

Friendly, polite, patient. Ability to remain calm under pressure; anticipate guest needs; attention to detail; diplomacy in dealing with complaints.

Professional appearance & grooming

As they are “face of the hotel” – neat uniform, clean appearance, good personal hygiene. 5âstar standards demand professionalism in how one presents.

Flexibility & reliability

Willingness to work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, holidays. Dependability is vital.

Organisational skills & multitasking

Must be able to handle many different tasks simultaneously (phone calls, checkâins, guest requests) without losing composure.

Attention to detail

Accuracy in billing, records, guest preferences; ensuring nothing is missed (room readiness, special requests) etc.

Problem solving

Quick thinking when dealing with unexpected issues : overbooking, service failures, unexpected guest requests, etc.

Language skills

As mentioned, English fluency is essential. Local languages (Afrikaans, Xhosa) helpful. Additional foreign languages (German, French, Dutch, etc) are a plus in luxury tourism in Limpopo / Waterberg / Bel-Bela.

Legal / regulatory knowledge (basic)

Understanding of data privacy (guest info), safety regulations, possibly local lodging / linen / hygiene standards.