Monday, November 29, 2010

Goodbye November....

I am guessing that just like me, you are all thankful for something. Just like most of us, as Christmas approaches one of those things is my job and bi-weekly pay check!

The hotel has been filled with guests visiting family for the holidays and also business travelers.

Today, we have 5 Norwegian guests. They were quiet whilst hanging around waiting for each other to arrive at the lobby  before they set off for their business meeting. Almost immediately I noticed that the 50 something male group leader still had the sticky clear adhesive foot long sticker stuck to the back of his new jeans. I couldn't quite make out the size, sorry!

I tried to discreetly inform the guest of his Jeans addition... The phone rang and I had to nab that,  he dashed outside to start his engine in order to defrost his windscreen. Basically I never got to tell him... and I don't think any of the people he was with told him either. I wonder how much of the day went by before someone did?

So just a few days after Thanksgiving... Christmas has arrived in a body bag !

Yes Mr Bill and Victor came down with a body bag... and out of the big body bag came the very enormous tree.

Miss B was busy Fluffing it up... yes you read correctly. She was "FLUFFING"

I felt that I should help, no girl should have to fluff alone.


I am sure tomorrow when I get in that the next step of decorating will need to be done. I am hoping that it has been completed... I am not sure I am up for such a task!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I am a Front Desk Clerk...

I have advanced degrees in accounting, public relations, marketing, computer science, civil engineering and Swahili. I can also Read Minds.

Of course, I have a reservation that you booked six years ago, even though you don't have a confirmation number and you think it was under the name that starts with the letter X. It is not a problem for me to give you seven connecting, nonsmoking, pool side suites with two king beds each, four Rollaways and YES, I can install a wet bar. I know it is my fault that we do not have a helicopter landing pad.

I am a front desk clerk. I am expected to speak all languages. It is obvious to me that when you booked your reservation for Friday, you really meant Saturday. My company has entrusted me with all financial information and decisions and Yes, I can tell you why your bill from March 1989 contained a 50 cent phone charge because you obviously never pay for phone charges.

I understand that Mr. McGullicutty's Widget Manufacturing is a vast empire that will make or break our Hotel. Yes, I am lying to you when I tell you we have no rooms available. It is not a problem for me to quickly construct several more guest rooms. This time I will not forget the heli-pad. It is my fault that everyone wants to stay here. I should have known you were coming in even though you have no reservation.

I am a front desk clerk: an operator, bell hop, breakfast hostess, houseman, guest services rep, housekeeper, sales coordinator, information, a map, entertainment critic, restaurateur, stock broker, computer technician, ice breaker, postman, dispatcher, laundry attendant, fax expert and verbal punching bag. I also know why room 239 isn't answering their telephone.

I always know where to find the best Vegetarian, Kosher, Mongolian Barbeque Restaurants. I know exactly what to see and do in this town without spending any money.I take personal blame for the airline food (or lack thereof), traffic jams, rental car flat tires, and the national economy. I realize that you meant to book your reservations here. People often confuse us with "Melody Delight Motel". Of course, I can fit you in and yes, I understand you are entitled to a special fifty cent discount because you are affiliated with the Hoboken Accounting Club.

I am expected to smile, sympathize, console, up sell, down sell (and know when to do which), perform, sing, dance, fix the printer and I know exactly where Pottsman Trott Lane is.

I am a Front Desk Clerk.

I do all of these things...

.... and I still have to try and look busy when the Management is around.