Hotel cashier desk / Check out

It is a logical development that in most hotels the cashier desk is no longer a separate department. Its integration into the activities on the reception desk, however, can cause one to lose sight of a number of key aspects of this area.

What happens if the card processing machine is out of order or guests have questions relating to traveller's cheques or credit cards? How can I identify counterfeit credit cards or banknotes?

An experienced cashier would be able to answer such questions immediately, whereas receptionists may experience some difficulties, as their sphere of expertise is a different one. For the most part, vocational hospitality courses have failed to take account of this broadening of the receptionist's activities.

It is worth noting, though, that a good cashier can save the hotel susbtantial sums when guests check out by, for instance, convincing the guest to pay by debit card or another card with a lower processing fee, rather than by credit card.

This is just one of many examples which demonstrate how important information and training is in this context and how quickly placing an emphasis on well-informed staff and good service can pay off.

Please send me more information on service improvements.