How to become A Bell Hop

• Bellboy
• Bellman
• Bellperson
• Bellhop Captain
• Baggage Porter
• Lobby Boy
• Doorperson
• Ground Support Agent
• Food Porter

What do Bellhops do?

A Bellhop would typically need to:

• Handle baggage for guests at hotels and similar establishments or transportation terminals; transfer luggage from vehicles to and from rooms or other designated areas; attach claim checks to baggage
• Receive, handle, store, and send baggage, mail and other packages as requested by guests; organise the replacement of lost items or the supply of essentials that the guests may have forgotten to carry
• Unload and load baggage from or into the vehicles used by clients to reach or leave the hotel
• Offer special needs assistance to guests with physical disabilities or impairments
• Respond to bell calls made by guests in rooms or reception; receive phone calls at the front desk in case the desk attendant is absent
• Arrange tours and trips for guests to nearby attractions; give information and directions about local sightseeing, dining, and other activities, when asked; make reservations and obtain tickets; remain updated about local happenings to help guests plan their trips
• Stand at the hotel entrance and open front doors for guests when they arrive; greet guests when they come in; direct them to the front desk, restaurant, or other hotel areas; escort them to their rooms
• Explain what services are available to guests at the hotel; show guests around their room; explain how room features operate, such as televisions and ventilation systems
• Run errands for guests and provide services such as walking their dogs and arranging for laundry; transport guests around the hotel premises and make transportation arrangements for them; offer other hotel services as required
• Arrange wake-up calls for guests if they ask for them
• Maintain a clean and friendly lobby space where guests feel welcome; maintain a clean baggage room

Bellhops typically work inside the hotel, though they might also work outside an establishment greeting guests, helping them get in and out of their vehicles, and carrying their luggage. Bellhops work across different areas of a hotel, including but not limited to the lobby, guests rooms, baggage rooms, and hallways.

Bellhops typically work in shifts since their services are required each day of the week, twenty-four hours a day. Usually, shifts last eight hours, and, depending on the hotel and season, Bellhops might need to work evenings, nights, or weekends.

Bellhops are usually employed in the hotel industry across various types of accommodations. Transportation businesses can also hire them.

Employers typically include:

• Small Hotels
• Large Luxury Hotels
• Hotel Chains
• Bed & Breakfast Establishments
• Travel Accommodations
• Air Transport Systems

Depending on the country and region, Bellhops have the option of joining labour unions. Reaching out to colleagues or supervisors would help in understanding which union to join.

• Physical strain from carrying heavy luggage from one point to another and remaining on their feet for long periods; the need to take precautions against potential muscle injuries
• Handling and being responsible for precious cargo and baggage; being answerable to guests for their belongings; running the risk of carrying luggage that may hold dangerous or forbidden items
• Interacting with demanding clients and guests, some of whom may be impolite and harsh; consistently maintaining appropriate behaviour and staying presentable at all times
• Having to deal with a stressful and busy work environment, depending on the hotel and the season

While it is not mandatory, prior work experience in an establishment can help aspiring Bellhops understand the nature of their work better. Most Bellhops receive training on the job to orient them to specific hotel requirements and procedures. Furthermore, since job requirements may differ between hotels, Bellhops must develop adaptability and a forward-looking attitude.

Gaining experience on the job and building an exemplary work record would allow Bellhops to apply for positions in more well-established hotels, leading to better pay and tips.

Typically, Bellhops do not require formal education beyond a high school diploma since the job does not require any specific educational background. When they begin work at a hotel, Bellhops receive on-the-job training, which familiarises them with the particular policies of the hotel or hotel brand and how to abide by them.

Bellhops do not officially require any certification, registration or licenses to work. However, voluntary certification demonstrates a Bellhop’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three. Certification in fields connected to hospitality and tourism would help Bellhops stand out and show their commitment to improvement.

Having acquired experience in small hotels and exemplary work records, Bellhops can apply to work in larger, well-known luxury hotels where they are likely to receive better tips. A high school diploma and experience increases the chances of Bellhops advancing to other jobs within the hotel. With considerable experience, Bellhops can become Bell Captains; however, usually, hotels have one Bell Captain, limiting the chances of becoming a supervisor.

With added skills, such as clerical skills, Bellhops could move towards mail, room, or desk clerk jobs. With additional knowledge about hotel management and hospitality, Bellhops could advance to careers in hotel management, especially if they know the area and the hotel well.

An understanding of the tourism industry and hotel management can ensure job mobility in the future. Therefore, courses, certificates or degrees in tourism and hospitality or hotel management can be helpful to enhance job prospects.

Bellhops typically receive customised training on the job when they join a hotel, which helps them learn about the hotel’s specific requirements. After that, continuing professional development (CPD) is the holistic commitment of Bellhops towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. There are different forms of CPD options, such as short courses and workshops, which may help Bellhops acquire new and helpful skills to prepare for supervisory roles or diversify their portfolio. They could also choose to study hotel management as a formal diploma or degree course.

Personality Matters

Bellhops should strive to practise winning and pleasing manners, which would make them more approachable. They should enjoy socialising and people’s company, since they must interact with people from all walks of life daily. Being efficient, proactive, and discreet makes you a valuable employee and helps you with future job mobility. Being knowledgeable about the locality, in addition to your usual duties, will encourage guests to come to you for advice regarding local attractions and restaurants. Having a good rapport with guests will lead to better tips.

Uniform - Dress to Impress

In some establishments, Bellhops need to adhere to a uniform. Bellhops should continuously groom themselves in a presentable manner, enabling them to make good first impressions on guests.

Tips Add Up

Typically, guests reward Bellhops with tips for their services. These tips often depend on an establishment’s geographical location, the kind of clientele the establishment services, and the hotel itself. Bellhops are likely to make smaller tips in smaller hotels, while in more prominent hotels, they are likely to make bigger and more frequent tips. Often, substantial tips can help balance the low salary that Bellhops get. Having an approachable and helpful personality will ensure that Bellhops have an excellent rapport with guests, possibly leading to better tips.

Handy Tips

Fluency in a foreign language or having basic knowledge of several foreign languages would help Bellhops make an excellent impression with international guests. Additionally, it might lead to higher tips and make them a more valuable part of the workforce.

Turnover

Job openings for Bellhops are usually available since there is plenty of turnover in the industry. Often, people take up the work of Bellhops as a summer job or while studying, since hours are flexible.

When Johnny Roventini worked as a bellboy in New York Hotel in 1933, an advertising mogul, Philip Morris, asked him to advertise for the company. Johnny went on to represent it for over 40 years.

If you have a welcoming personality and enjoy meeting new people, being a Bellhop would be an exciting career choice for you. Though the job can be physically strenuous and stressful, it provides a good foundation for shaping your personality and building skills transferable to related roles with greater responsibility. Most of all, you become a reason for the memorable and pleasant hotel experience that your guests have at your hotel.

Being a good Bellhop means that you are an excellent observer and can anticipate what a guest might need from you before they even ask for it. Always be prepared to be helpful.