Spotlight job: Working as Front of House

According to TripAdvisor, there are 172 hotels in Devon. And working front of house in a hotel is a dynamic, people-focused role that puts you at the heart of the hospitality industry. A front of house role in Devon can offer a rich and rewarding experience.

A day in the life as Front of House

As the first point of contact for guests, your role is vital to creating a welcoming and smooth-running experience. A typical day might involve:

• Greeting guests: First impressions are everything. Guests will often be checking in after a long journey to the South West and your warm smile and helpful demeanor can set the tone for their stay.
• Checking guests in and out: One of your main responsibilities is managing the check-in and check-out process. You’ll ensure that guests have all the information they need for their stay, handle payments, and address any special requests.
• Handling inquiries: You’ll answer a variety of questions, from giving directions to recommending local attractions. In Devon, guests might be looking for tips on the best coastal walks, hidden beaches, or charming towns to explore.
• Managing bookings: Front of house staff often handle reservations, cancellations, and adjustments to bookings. Staying organised and detail-oriented is key to ensuring guests’ plans run smoothly.
• Problem-solving: Not everything always goes according to plan. As front of house, you’re the go-to person when issues arise—whether it’s a booking mix-up or a request for extra amenities. Your ability to stay calm under pressure and find solutions is essential.

The charm of working in Devon

Devon’s accomodations are often set against beautiful backdrops, whether nestled in the countryside or along the coast. Working front of house in this environment adds an extra layer of charm to your role.

• Scenic surroundings: Depending on where you work, you might be looking out over the sea, rolling hills, or quaint village streets as you go about your day. The natural beauty of Devon is ever-present and provides a peaceful contrast to the often busy atmosphere of the hotel.
• Local events and tourism: Devon’s strong tourism sector means that you’ll often be involved in helping guests make the most of local events, festivals, and attractions. Your local knowledge will be invaluable, and sharing your personal recommendations helps enhance guests’ experiences.

The highs and lows of the job

Like any job, working front of house in a hotel comes with its highs and lows; let’s explore both:

Highs:

• Interacting with guests: If you’re a people person, you’ll likely find great satisfaction in meeting new people and helping them have a fantastic stay. The positive energy from happy guests can be incredibly rewarding.
• Varied work: No two days are the same in a front of house role. From welcoming new arrivals to troubleshooting problems, the variety keeps the work interesting and engaging.
• Location perks: Being in Devon means you’re working in one of the UK’s most picturesque regions. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy everything the area has to offer in your free time, from beach days to countryside walks.

Challenges:

• Busy seasons: Devon’s tourism spikes during the summer months and school holidays, which can lead to very busy shifts. You’ll need to manage the increased workload while maintaining a high standard of service.
• Difficult guests: While most guests are pleasant, there will always be some who are harder to please. Handling complaints and demands with patience and professionalism is part of the job.
• Long hours: The hospitality industry is known for long hours, particularly during peak seasons. Being prepared for evening and weekend shifts is important when working front of house.

Skills and traits for success

To thrive in a front of house role in a Devon hotel, you’ll need a combination of hard and soft skills. Here are a few key traits that will help you succeed:

• Customer service skills: Your ability to interact with guests in a friendly, efficient, and helpful manner is the cornerstone of the job.
• Communication: Clear communication with both guests and your colleagues is essential for a smooth operation, from coordinating room availability to relaying special requests.
• Problem-solving: When issues arise, quick thinking and a calm approach will help you find solutions that keep guests satisfied.
• Multitasking: Front of house staff juggle many responsibilities at once. Whether you’re handling bookings, checking guests in, or managing a queue of inquiries, staying organised and focused is key.
• Local knowledge: Having in-depth knowledge of Devon is a big plus. Guests will often rely on you for recommendations on everything from dining options to scenic spots, so being familiar with the local landscape enhances your service.

Working front of house in a Devon hotel is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of a vibrant hospitality scene in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions. The opportunity to meet diverse guests, enjoy stunning surroundings, and play a key role in creating memorable experiences for visitors makes it a fulfilling career.

If you enjoy interacting with people, solving problems, and being part of a dynamic team, a front of house role in Devon could offer both personal and professional satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal position or a longer-term career, the experience you gain in Devon’s hospitality industry is sure to leave a lasting impact.