Hotel desk clerks perform a variety of services for hotel guests.

Hotel desk clerks work at the front desk in hotels, motels, and resorts. They make advance reservations by telephone and greet guests when they arrive. They check guests in, assign their rooms, and issue room keys.

Duties vary by size of the hotel. Clerks in small hotels give guests directions to their rooms and tell them where to park. In large hotels they give instructions to bellhops who take guests to their rooms. They keep records of room assignments and availability.

Hotel desk clerks assist guests in a variety of other ways. They answer questions about hotel services and policies. They answer questions about local restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and travel. They may arrange taxis or tours for guests.

When guests report problems with their rooms, clerks contact housekeeping or maintenance staff to take care of them. They often keep records of complaints and they may refer guests to managers if necessary.

Hotel desk clerks transfer incoming calls to guests' rooms and take messages when they are out. They may sort mail for guests and make sure they receive it. In large hotels, clerks sometimes deposit guests' valuables in the hotel safe.

Hotel desk clerks are responsible for computing guests' bills. When a guest makes a reservation, they arrange how the guest will pay. They post charges to guests' accounts for their rooms, phone calls, and food. When guests check out, clerks prepare the bill, explain charges, and collect payment.

Hotel desk clerks who work in smaller hotels and motels may have additional duties. In some small hotels they are responsible for all front office operations. For example, they may perform bookkeeping and laundry duties.