by: Elska Vuong
Opened in 2015, the Westin Jekyll Island was the first full-service branded hotel in the Golden Isles. With 187 guest rooms and 13 suites, at any given time the property is bustling with activity as guests explore the island, its wildlife, and attractions.
As you might imagine, it takes a finely-tuned team to meet guests’ needs and ensure they have a memorable stay; though the picturesque Atlantic Ocean views don’t hurt, either.
So what is it like to work at this coastal property in the middle of a Georgia summer? Fortunately, David Eisen, writing for Hotel Management On-Line, spent the weekend walking in the well-worn shoes of the Westin’s bellhops so that the rest of us don’t have to.
On paper the tasks of a bellhop are numerous, though relatively straightforward – collect and deliver bags, valet guest cars, and hold the door, among other responsibilities. However, David quickly learned during his shifts that the soft skills needed to quickly read guests proved to be just as important as the ability to smoothly maneuver tricky luggage carts.
“A bellman is like a quarterback: you have to read the defense. In this case, the guests. When they arrive to the hotel, you have to instantly surmise if they want to be chatted up or need assistance with their bags and this is usually identified by non-verbal cues, such as body language or countenance. This, like anything else, takes practice, and once you have it down, makes the job that much easier.”
Read about his great experience here, and learn more about the great team at the the Westin Jekyll Island here.
