Casino Hotel Reservations Manager
The reservations department of a casino hotel is responsible for making sure rooms are available for guests when they arrive. Guests of casino hotels usually make reservations prior to arriving at the facilities. The Reservations Manager of a casino hotel is in charge of overseeing the entire reservations department. The person has a vast array of duties.
The Reservations Manager supervises and coordinates the activities of the reservations clerks in the front office. The person makes sure room clerks answer phones to take, record, and, if necessary, cancel reservations. The Reservations Manager trains new clerks in reservations methods used by the hotel. This may include training clerks in the correct method for taking telephone reservations, as well as operating computer terminals and printers. The person may also pass these training duties on to an assistant.
Some reservations arrive by mail. Room Reservations Managers are in charge of sorting reservations received and giving them to clerks so that this information may be input into the computer system. The Reservations Manager is given information from sales representatives or the sales director regarding contracts detailing room allotments for conventions. This information, too, must be input into the computer system.
The Reservations Manager makes sure that room clerks at the front desk have daily printouts listing arriving guests. The person must also verify that guests’ folios are given to the front desk personnel. The Reservations Manager devises schedules for reservations clerks. The person may also reschedule workers to accommodate arrivals of large conventions and other groups. Other duties of Reservations Managers may include:
- Recommending promotion and/or termination of reservations clerks
- Corresponding with individuals, groups, and travel agents to answer special requests for rooms and rates
- Handling guest problems or complaints about room reservations
Reservations Managers working in casino hotels are usually on salary.
Annual earnings for Casino Hotel Reservations Manager range from USD 29,000 to USD 56,000 or more.
Factors affecting earnings include the geographic location, size, and prestige of the facility. Other variables include the experience and responsibilities of the individual. Those working in facilities with a large number of rooms in the gambling capitals usually earn more than their counterparts in other hotels.
Employment prospects are fair for Reservations Managers in casino hotels. Individuals have more opportunities in areas with larger numbers of casino hotels.
Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Detroit offer the greatest number of job possibilities. Other employment settings include casinos and casino hotels in other areas of Nevada, Mississippi, New York, Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona, and California. Other regions hosting Indian gaming and land-based or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities. New casinos and casino hotels are constantly under construction. More casinos and casino hotels are also opening every year as areas legalize gambling.
Reservations Managers working in casino hotels can advance their careers by finding similar jobs in larger casino hotels, resulting in increased responsibilities and earnings.
Education and training requirements for Reservations Managers vary from job to job.
Usually, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required. However, work experience may be accepted in lieu of education. Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits Reservations Managers must have experience in either the reservations or front desk departments of hotels. The length of experience needed varies from two to three years depending on the specific hotel. Individuals must have supervisory experience as well, often obtained through jobs as assistant reservations manager or supervisor. Complete knowledge of the front office and/or reservations departments is needed. Additionally, individuals should be computer competent.
Unions and Associations
Individuals interested in learning more about careers in this area can contact the human resources departments of casino hotels. Other information may be available from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA).
Get this job!
1. Jobs are often advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Casinos,” “Casino Hotels,” “Hotels,” “Reservations,” “Casino Hotel Opportunities,” “Reservations Manager,” “Room Reservations,” or “Hospitality.”
2. If you are still in school, consider an internship offered by a hotel to obtain experience and to make contacts.
3. Stop by the human resources departments of casino hotels to inquire about job openings.
4. Send your résumé to the directors of human resources at casino hotels.
5. Look for new casino hotels that are under construction. Apply early.
6. jobs may be advertised on the Internet. Look under keywords such as “Hospitality,” “Hotels,” and “Casinos.” Also check out casino hotel home pages for employment listings.