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

1960’s Hospitality Etiquette Advice

As a Head Waiter… “Courtesy to all guests, VIP's, and us commoners as well is mandatory. You are the example, remember? But courtesy begins at home and consideration for your staff, corrections in private and daily briefings of menu, manners, and morale make you the perfect head waiter – that's all, there isn't anymore!”
– Image from “The ABC’s of Courtesy for Hotels and Restaurants”

 

The Letter “H”  – Head Waiter, Hostess, Housekeeper, Houseman

Are you ever the one? The Captain of his ship at sea is the only other like you. Your job is to organize, train, schedule, and oversee your staff; welcome your guests, remember names, settle all complaints, and be a walking encyclopedia of foods and wines. Your impeccable grooming sets the standard for your room. Your charm is the envy of the diplomatic corps. You're “It,” sir, with a great big capital “I” and right there lies the danger. No “I” ever made a room successful. The “We's” have it. Courtesy to all guests, VIP's, and us commoners as well is mandatory. You are the example, remember? But courtesy begins at home and consideration for your staff, corrections in private and daily briefings of menu, manners, and morale make you the perfect head waiter – that's all, there isn't anymore!

Hostess

You were made hostess because you have those traits that make your guest as welcome as though he were in your own home. Use that gracious, well-mannered hospitality. It’s money in the bank to you. Smile as though you mean it and make it a warm, personal welcome to each guest. Keep your feminine impulses of impatience under cover. Don't scold your staff in public. You're not a school teacher. You are the “leading lady,” who smiles on all with nary a snub or a sneer on the set.


Housekeeper

Whether you are the Floor Housekeeper or the Night House- keeper, you are the understudy to the Executive House- keeper. She can't cover your floors as you can. Learn every detail so that when you correct the maids, you can show them - not tell them. Don't get it into your head that things always go wrong just to annoy you take it in your stride. Talk to not at the staff you supervise, and “Please” and “Thank you” will go a long way to insure pleasant cooperation. Pride in a job well done is as soothing as a hot foot bath.

Houseman

You do so many odd jobs and listen to so many orders it's hard to be adaptable and do a quick change. But that's the housekeeping department’s job, ever ready to move a desk or put up a cot. The guest wants what he wants when he wants it. No use for you to try and figure why. Take it easy with the furniture you're a houseman not a wrestler. Be willing and cheerful. That plus the strength of Hercules is all you need.– 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