Hotel Porter

Porters are often the first people to welcome guests when they arrive at a hotel, so they have to create a good first impression. Hotel porters help guests in many different ways, such as:

• showing guests to their rooms
• explaining the hotel facilities
• running errands for guests, such as taking and picking up dry cleaning
• giving directions and answering questions about local attractions
• making travel, theatre or restaurant reservations.

Porters might have to help staff in other parts of the hotel set up rooms or move larger items of furniture. If they are on duty overnight, they may check in late arrivals or prepare and serve snacks. Porters have an important role in the event of a fire or other emergency, making sure that help is called and that guests are evacuated safely.

Hotel porters are likely to work shifts, often with early starts and late finishes, and including some weekends and bank holidays.

Hotel porters are on their feet for most of the working day. They have to lift and carry awkward or heavy loads, such as luggage, laundry or tables and chairs. Some of the work may be outdoors.

Salaries range from around £11,500 to around £20,500 a year.

Hotel porters should:

• be friendly, welcoming and polite
• be fit and strong enough to lift and carry
• be smart at all times
• be interested in helping people
• enjoy doing a wide range of practical work.

There are more than 12,000 hotels in the UK, employing nearly 250,000 people. Most jobs are in larger hotels, though porters may work in private clubs and holiday centres.

Many employers look for a smart appearance and helpful manner rather than qualifications. However, applicants need to have good English and maths, and need to be fit and strong enough to lift and move heavy luggage.

The Diploma in hospitality may be relevant for this area of work. Apprenticeships in hospitality and catering may be available. Porters are usually trained on the job under the supervision of experienced staff. They may be able to work towards vocational qualifications.

In a small hotel, there may not be much scope for promotion. In larger hotels and chains, porters may be able to progress to head porter or concierge, or move into other departments, such as reception or housekeeping.

Further details