Reservationist

The President Hotel; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel in Cape Town is looking for a Reservations Agent to ensure exceptional guest service through efficient reservation handling. The ideal candidate should have at least 1 year of hotel reservations experience and proficiency in Opera PMS. You will respond to inquiries, manage reservation records, and prepare for guest arrivals. Join a team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for guests.

Qualifications

• Must be fluent in English (spoken and written).
• Minimum 1 year of recent hotel reservations experience in a 4- or 5-star leisure environment.
• Working knowledge of Opera PMS (Version V5) essential.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to all reservation enquiries via various channels.
• Create and maintain accurate reservation records.
• Prepare daily arrival lists for Front Office.

Skills

Reservations Accuracy & Record Management

Guest Communication & Service Excellence

BAR & Yield Management Knowledge

Organisational & Time Management Skills

Financial Accuracy (Deposits, Invoicing, Payments)

Opera PMS & Microsoft Office Proficiency

Education

Matric (Hotel School Diploma advantageous)

Tools

Opera PMS

MS Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Reservations Agent

The President Hotel is on a journey to be considered luxury. Our purpose is simple yet powerful: to create and inspire memorable experiences. Our vision: to become Cape Town's most loved hotel. Set in the heart of Bantry Bay, between Cape Town's vibrant city life and the Atlantic Ocean, The President Hotel is renowned as the Mother City's most loved destination hotel.

With stylish rooms, apartments, and suites, breathtaking views, a palm-lined infinity pool, world-class restaurants, and state-of-the-art conference and event venues, The President offers an iconic working environment where excellence meets opportunity. We're seeking a Reservations Agent to join our team and take ownership of delivering exceptional guest service through precise and efficient reservation handling.

Key Responsibilities

Reservations & Guest Communication

• Respond promptly to all reservation enquiries via telephone, e-mail, fax, online systems, and travel agent networks.
• Create and maintain accurate reservation records, ensuring confirmations, cancellations, and modifications are processed correctly.
• Issue confirmation letters, pro-forma invoices, and follow up on advance deposits to secure bookings.
• Collect and verify travel agent vouchers, ensuring information aligns with Opera PMS records.

Operational & Administrative Support

• Prepare daily arrival lists for Front Office and assist with pre-registration when required.
• Manage arrival preparations seven days in advance and coordinate handovers.
• Follow up on non-arrivals and cancellations, applying fees and charges where applicable.
• Maintain guest history records and VIP profile lists, ensuring accurate company and client data.
• Uphold all procedures to maximise occupancy and achieve optimal average room rates.

Financial & System Accuracy

• Ensure timely posting of deposits and payments onto reservations.
• Monitor and follow up on outstanding pro-forma invoices to secure pre-arrival payments.
• Apply knowledge of BAR (Best Available Rate) and basic yield management principles to support revenue optimisation.

Quality & Service Standards

• Deliver professional, guest-focused service with a pleasant disposition and excellent telephone manner.
• Ensure all correspondence and communications are accurate, timely, and aligned with hotel procedures.
• Contribute to overall departmental goals by supporting colleagues and carrying out additional duties as requested by management.

Required Characteristics

• Detail-Oriented
• Decisive & Flexible
• Diligent & Professional
• Honest & Mature
• Target-Driven
• Creative Problem Solver
• Team Player with a Positive Attitude

Key Competencies

• Reservations Accuracy & Record Management
• Guest Communication & Service Excellence
• BAR & Yield Management Knowledge
• Organisational & Time Management Skills
• Financial Accuracy (Deposits, Invoicing, Payments)
• Opera PMS & Microsoft Office Proficiency

Requirements

• Education: Matric (Hotel School Diploma advantageous)
• Must be fluent in English (spoken and written) and able to communicate effectively with both colleagues and guests
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of recent hotel reservations experience in a 4- or 5-star leisure environment
• Working knowledge of Opera PMS (Version V5) essential
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel

Important Application Notes

• Must hold a valid South African ID
• Only candidates with relevant hotel reservations experience will be shortlisted
• Ensure your CV is % updated and highlights Opera PMS experience
• All applicants will attend a virtual introduction interview
• Recruitment aligns with the company's Employment Equity Plan
• Join a team where precision meets passion.

Play a vital role in shaping unforgettable guest experiences at one of Cape Town's most loved hotels.