Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk Job Description

Do you have an interest in the hospitality and travel industry and a passion for working with people? If you have strong problem skills and love helping visitors make the most out of their time in your area, you’re the ideal candidate for a position as a hotel, motel, or resort desk clerk. Learn more about how this job might be a good fit for you.

What is a Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerk?

If you’ve ever stayed in vacation or temporary lodging of any kind, you’ve interacted with the front desk clerk. This individual performs an essential duty, handling the everyday needs of the guests. Here, desk clerks are responsible for greeting guests, checking them in and out of the hotel, and addressing other questions or needs in regard to hotel services.

A friendly demeanor and strong problem skills are important in this position, as hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks may handle a wide range of requests. Some guests are very particular about their room placement, and may require specific accommodations in a particular area of the hotel. Others may inquire about the amenities available and request arrangements for extra towels and soap or special items like a toothbrush or razor.

Though some hotels have a separate concierge position, others roll the responsibilities of a concierge into the desk clerk’s duties. In this type of establishment, the desk clerk would also be responsible for helping guests make dinner reservations, secure tickets to nearby shows and attractions, and arrange for transportation. He or she may suggest the best shopping in the area, recommend a reliable taxi service, or help visitors find their destination and the proper bus route on a map.

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks perform many routine duties, but they’re also responsible for responding promptly to any request the guest may have, which can present them with an ever-changing set of challenges that keep things interesting.

Job Responsibilities:

• Answer calls from prospective guests
• Book and register rooms over the phone, in person, or online
• Keep records of room availability and guests' accounts
• Assign guests' rooms
• Make room adjustments as needed
• Contact housekeeping to deliver requested amenities
• Communicate with housekeeping to determine when rooms are ready
• Inspect rooms post-checkout
• Process check-outs
• Receive and hold mail or packages for guests
• Bill for accommodations and additional charges
• Answer inquiries in regard to travel directions and make dining and entertainment recommendations
• Assist guests with vacation planning
• Stock snacks, beverages, and other items available for purchase
• Assist with setting up and cleaning up continental breakfast offerings
• Arrange maintenance repairs
• Gather and respond to requests or complaints from guests

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What is the Career Outlook for a Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerk?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for desk clerks working at hotels, motels, and resorts will be moderate in the coming years. Between 2016 and 2026, employment opportunities in this area are expected to increase just four percent, adding another 11,300 jobs in this area. This is slower than the national average of seven percent growth expected for all occupations.

Some of the slow growth is attributable to the rise in technology. Many people now book hotel rooms online rather than calling a desk clerk to make reservations. Some hotels offer self-service check-in kiosks, and many offer easy in-room check-out services that allow visitors to bypass the front desk on their way out. These advancements have eased the duties of the desk clerk, but they’ve also made it possible for hotels, motels, and resorts to function efficiently with a smaller staff at the front desk.

Where do Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerks Work?

As you’d expect, these desk clerks work in the hospitality industry, at accommodations of all types. In addition to manning the front desk for traditional hotels, they may also work at a check-in location for rental cabins, rental homes, or even campsites. Anywhere there are accommodations to be had, you will usually find at least one desk clerk handling daily tasks at the property.

Naturally, you’ll find more positions for hospitality desk clerks in popular travel destinations. California, Texas, Florida, New York, and North Carolina employ the highest number of these professionals. If you want to target your job search more specifically, the metropolitan areas with the highest number of jobs for desk clerks are New York City, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington DC, and Houston.

What Education is Required to Become a Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerk?

Job seekers may qualify for a position as a hospitality desk clerk with as little as a high school diploma. However, as job growth is minimal in this area, you can expect competition to increase. You can improve your employability by furthering your education. The Hospitality Assistant Diploma from Bryant & Stratton College covers business and marketing principles, computing skills, hospitality management principles, and more to help you increase your chances of getting a rewarding job in this field.

What Can I Do With my Hospitality Assistant Diploma?

A hospitality assistant diploma will prepare you for many positions in the hospitality field. Some job titles you should consider include:

• Desk clerk
• Housekeeping supervisor
• Concierge
• Event planner
• Porter
• Greeter
• Night auditor
• Reservations agent
• Hotel deposit clerk
• Front desk agent
• Crew member
• Meeting specialist
• Room attendant

With a hospitality assistant diploma, you would be well-suited to these and other related positions in hotels, motels, resorts, and other travel destinations.

It’s important to note that data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a guarantee of the job opportunities that you’ll find in hospitality. However, this data can give you a general understanding of the current and anticipated state of the industry, so you can make informed decisions about the future of your career.

For more insights into hospitality degrees and how you can build a successful career in this area, check out the degree insights section of our blog. Start planning your future today.