Hotel porter

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Hospitality, catering and tourism
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Career outlook for hotel porter

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£14,000

Experienced

£19,000


Currently employed in Scotland

1,400

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would welcome guests to a hotel and carry their luggage to their room. You’d help them with small tasks, like getting directions or booking taxis, to make their stay more relaxing.

You’d be based at reception or at the porters' desk so you’d often be the first person to greet guests at a hotel.

You’d be polite and friendly, welcome them to the hotel and see to their needs.

You would:

  • Help guests by carrying luggage
  • Tell them about the hotel facilities
  • Arrange taxis and book tickets
  • Do errands, such as taking and picking up dry cleaning
  • Take messages
  • Give directions
  • Respond to safety and security issues
  • Answer queries and make reservations

If the hotel has a conference suite, you may be responsible for moving and setting up equipment. You might also cover reception duties when required.

As a head porter, for example in a large hotel, you would be responsible for supervising a team of porters and door staff, organising rotas and being involved in recruitment.

You’d need to be smart and take health, safety and security issues seriously.

Working conditions

Hours

Full-time, part-time and seasonal work is generally available on a shift basis. Split shifts (an early shift, a break in the middle of the day, and then an evening shift) and overtime are common.

Environment

You would spend most of your work time on your feet, both indoors and outside. Your work would be quite physical, as you would need to lift and carry heavy or awkward loads such as luggage and other equipment.

UK employment status

Full-time

39%

Part-time

57%

Self employed

4%

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  • Resilience
  • Positive attitude
  • Reliable
  • Verbal communication
  • Cooperating
  • Supporting
  • Building relationships
  • Social conscience
  • Empathising

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Getting in

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Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this job but a good general education (SCQF level 4/5) may be required by some employers.

Training is mainly on the job.

You will also need

You must be over 18 if you have to serve alcohol. 

Helpful to have

A driving licence.