Hotel front desk service standards during the day vs. night
#16
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,883
It is, and I agree with this broad generalization. It's easy to imagine that the day shift is a preferable work condition (in general, for most people), hence the better people end up there.
Sometimes in the middle of the night it's the night auditor who has checked me in. Auditors are not known for their customer service skills.
Sometimes in the middle of the night it's the night auditor who has checked me in. Auditors are not known for their customer service skills.
#17
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
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Posts: 4,124
#18
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,285
My experiences checking in late are all over the map. Sometimes it's a junior staff member who seems more interested in her phone than in serving me. (Phones really help with slow overnight shifts-- I empathize as I worked a year of 2nd & 3rd shifts years ago-- but staff must put them down when a customer arrives.) Sometimes it's a staffer who seems half asleep and doesn't do anything beyond handing over a key without being reminded. Other times, including my most recent late night check in, it's a staffer who's full of energy despite the hour and cheerfully welcomes me to the hotel.
#19
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Buffalo, but live from suitcase
Programs: Delta, AA, Marriott
Posts: 240
When I check into hotels very late at night I often get a subpar front desk agent. They don't greet me or make much eye contact. Elite recognition is spotty and perks (like bottled water) are often neglected unless I ask for them. They're very curt and don't even provide basic information about the hotel (like breakfast hours) unless I ask specifically.
Infallibly, when I check out the next day at a normal hour, I am met with a smiling, warm agent that you would expect from a Hilton or Marriott caliber of hotel.
Do hotels reduce the bar for hiring night shift front desk agents?
Infallibly, when I check out the next day at a normal hour, I am met with a smiling, warm agent that you would expect from a Hilton or Marriott caliber of hotel.
Do hotels reduce the bar for hiring night shift front desk agents?
#21
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Join Date: Jul 2002
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Posts: 33,857
Personally if I'm checking into a hotel late at night I want as little interaction as possible. Don't be rude to me but the quicker you get me to my room and to sleep the happier I'll be. I also know what questions I need to ask so just wait for me to ask about breakfast, the shuttle etc, bag the upgrade because it's late and get me on my way, thank you.