How To Become a Hotel Bellman: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a hotel bellman, including education, skills, salary and more.
Hotel bellmen are responsible for providing a variety of services to guests at a hotel, including luggage assistance, transportation and concierge services. If you enjoy working with the public and providing excellent customer service, a career as a hotel bellman may be a good fit for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the duties of a hotel bellman and the steps you can take to become one.
What Does a Hotel Bellman Do?
A hotel bellman is responsible for providing a variety of services to guests at a hotel or resort. They are typically the first point of contact for guests and are responsible for greeting them, answering any questions they have and providing them with information about the hotel’s amenities and services.
Other duties of a hotel bellman include:
- Luggage assistance – helping guests with their luggage when they arrive and depart from the hotel
- Transportation assistance – arranging transportation for guests and providing directions
- Room service delivery – delivering room service orders to guest rooms
- Hotel tour guidance – giving tours of the hotel to guests
- Concierge services – assisting guests with making restaurant reservations, booking tickets, etc.
- Miscellaneous tasks – running errands for guests, handling lost and found items, etc.
Hotel Bellman Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a hotel bellman is $28,325 per year. However, this figure can vary based on the size of the hotel, its location, and the bellman’s level of experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects for hotel bellmen will grow at a faster than average rate over the next decade. This is due to the increasing popularity of vacation travel. As more people take vacations, there will likely be a corresponding increase in the demand for hotel bellmen.
How to Become a Hotel Bellman
Here are several steps you should take to become a hotel bellman.
1. Complete a high school diploma or equivalent
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent to work as a hotel bellman. Some colleges and technical schools offer courses in hospitality that can help you learn the skills needed to be a hotel bellman. If you don’t have a high school diploma, consider taking classes at a local community college to earn your diploma.
If you are currently in high school, consider taking advanced placement (AP) courses in English, math and science. These courses will prepare you for college-level coursework and give you an advantage when applying for jobs after graduation.
2. Develop strong customer service skills
Customer service skills are an essential part of being a hotel bellman. You will interact with many different types of people, and you must be able to provide them with the best customer experience possible. This means greeting guests when they arrive at the hotel, answering any questions they may have and providing them with directions or recommendations for local restaurants or attractions.
You should also be friendly and courteous throughout your entire interaction with the guest. Always remember that the hotel’s reputation depends on how well you treat its customers.
3. Be able to lift heavy objects
Hotel bellmen often have to lift heavy objects, such as luggage and boxes. You should be able to lift at least 50 pounds without straining yourself. If you are applying for a position where you will be lifting even heavier items, such as moving furniture or appliances, you may need to be able to lift even more than that.
You also need to be able to hold the weight steady while you move it. This means that you must have strong muscles in your arms and back. It is important that you take care of these muscles by stretching regularly and doing strength training exercises.
4. Have good communication skills
Hotel bellmen interact with many different types of people, from hotel guests to other employees. Therefore, it is important for hotel bellmen to have good communication skills so they can relay information clearly and respond to questions in a timely manner. Hotel bellmen must also be able to communicate effectively with each other when working as a team to move large items or multiple bags at once.
5. Be able to work well under pressure
Bellmen are often under pressure to deliver excellent service and meet the needs of their guests. They may have multiple tasks to complete at once, such as transporting luggage, delivering items to a guest’s room and providing directions to local attractions. Bellmen must be able to handle these situations with ease and professionalism.
6. Be able to work a flexible schedule
Hotel bellmen work shifts that may include nights, weekends and holidays. They are often required to be available at all times in case guests need assistance. Because of this, it is important for hotel bellmen to have a flexible schedule and be able to adjust their hours as needed.
Hotels often require bellmen to work overtime when necessary. This can mean working extra hours during the week or staying late on the weekend. It is also common for hotels to ask bellmen to cover other positions if there is an emergency.
7. Have a valid driver’s license
Most hotels require bellmen to have a valid driver’s license. If you don’t currently have one, you will need to pass the state’s driving test before receiving your license. Having a car can be helpful when performing your job duties as a hotel bellman because it allows you to transport luggage and other items more easily.
