1960’s Hotel Etiquette Advice

Desk Clerk Etiquette – “When you say ‘May I help you?,’ look as though you mean it. Personal conversations by telephone or with the staff will slow up traffic. Your alert attention to each request, no matter how trivial, will be a self-starter toward promotion. 
– Image from “The ABC’s of Courtesy for Hotels and Restaurants”

The Letter “D” – Desk Clerk, Detective, Dispatcher, Door Man

Desk Clerk

Every guest wants something at the desk - usually at the same time. You will need to know each station at the desk, so that you may be of help no matter how far afield the request. Remember, you are the only representative of the hotel many guests see or speak to. When you say “May I help you?,” look as though you mean it. Personal conversations by telephone or with the staff will slow up traffic. Your alert attention to each request, no matter how trivial, will be a self-starter toward promotion.


Detective

House that is –Presumably no one knows you, but actually many guests innocent of any offense - can spot your quiet confidence and alert inspection. You are invaluable for security. By being courteous in questioning you can maintain confidence in your service.


Dispatcher Elevator

Guests are prone to wander aimlessly and then suddenly “heave to” with the crowd. That fraction of time between one elevator and the next becomes vital. Your job is to protect their safety from overcrowding with such smiling assurance they are convinced that there is a something special about “The next elevator, please.”


Door Man

Since you are the first member of the staff the guest sees, you have a great responsibility to make him welcome and set in motion the pleasant and speedy service he expects. Your cordial greeting, your help with his luggage, your assistance in his crab-like emergence from car or taxi - all of these services are automatic to you but highly personal to him. Let him feel that he has made the day a success for you and the hotel. Who knows? Someday he may.

When the crowd collects and everyone wants a taxi, pray for patience and a parade of cabs, but get them in rotation no matter what may slip into your hand. – From the 1962 book, “The ABC’s of Courtesy for Hotels and Restaurants,” by Janet Lefler 

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia