Description of the function
The porter is responsible to greet guests at the main door of a hotel to assist them when entering and leaving the premises. Depending on the establishment, he may open the door for guests, help carry their bags, explain the itinerary to get to a given place and hail taxis.
He must in particular:
- Open the door for guests and greet them
- Facilitate their access to the establishment by helping them up the stairs or inviting them to come in
- Take luggage out of the cars and transport them to the vestibules or vehicles
- Direct guests to the parking lot
- Answer guests’ questions, including about the establishment’s services and the main tourist attractions of the region
- Report suspicious behaviour to security staff
- Keep the premises clean
- Direct delivery vehicles to the appropriate location
Personal qualities
- Customer service skills
- Teamwork abilities
- Autonomy and energy
- Minimal knowledge of French and English
- Knowledge of the nearby region and tourist attractions.
- Verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Positive attitude
- Versatile
Prerequisites
No special experience is required However, many employers require at least a high school diploma (DES) and experience in the same position.
Compensation
Like any other function working in the tourist industry, compensation varies according to the experience of the employee, the company’s situation and the job itself.
This job requires working long hours of standing and sometimes requires working evenings, weekends and holidays. Organization of the work may vary according to the tourist season.
The word of the professionals
Samuel, valet at the prestigious Hôtel Quintessence, Mont-Tremblant (http://www.hotelquintessence.com).
What does your job consist of?
My job consists mainly of greeting guests when they arrive at the parking lot. I have to always be available to transport their luggage or alert the valet service. I am the person who accompanies them to their suite, while describing and presenting the services offered by the hotel.
What aspects of your job do you like most?
Driving luxury cars is certainly very nice. You will understand when you see a Ferrari or a Porsche at the hotel front entrance. You will be ecstatic with such marvels! But the most important thing is the relationship I build with the guests. Pointing out the way to them, asking their opinion about their stay, the restaurant, activities accomplished are part of these little attentions that make the guest appreciate the service they receive.
In your opinion, what are the main qualities that you have to have for this job?
- Self-confidence: you must be tolerant of stress. Driving and parking cars can sometimes be complicated, since finding out how they work is not always obvious. If we have confidence in ourselves and in the way we drive, the customer will also be confident.
- Sociable: as mentioned earlier, the relationship we are building with the customer is very important. Being sociable and having a smile is a real asset to the profession of valet. We rub shoulders with the customer throughout their stay each time they enter or leave.