Guest Relations Executive
Apprenticeship London, UNITED KINGDOM
Job description
Company Description
At Sofitel London St James, we redefine luxury by treating a stay as more than just a temporary pause—it's an opportunity for guests to fall in love with a unique blend of refined luxury and playful indulgence. Our commitment to excellence transcends the ordinary, and we invite you to join a team that specialises in transforming stays into enchanting tales. We take immense pride in creating a playfully elegant and meaningful experience for both our guests and ourselves. Our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, encourages professional growth, and recognises individual contributions ensures that each team member feels appreciated and empowered in their role. Apply now to embark on a career that transcends expectations and celebrates the art of hospitality.
Job Description
Guest relations is the main link between all departments from a guest perspective. Welcoming the guests and ensuring their stay is of the highest luxury level, anticipating guests needs and offering a cousu main service.
Responsibilities
· Attend the luxury forum on a daily basis advising team of VIP arrivals and special requests.
· Prepare arrivals for VIP guests, room allocations, welcome cards, placing gifts, preparing keys and anything else necessary.
· Prepare suite, limo arrivals and express check in regular guests.
· Support and assist the Front Office team whenever necessary, especially during busy periods.
· Attend the Front Office handover on a daily basis and brief Heartists on VIP arrivals.
· Communicate any special requests to the relevant departments in a timely manner.
· Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.
· Liaise with all departments to ensure all guests requests are taken care off.
· Follow Sofitel standards and ensures vision is maintained at all times.
· Co-operate, co-ordinate and communicate with other hotel departments as required.
· Be aware of activities taking place in the hotel and be familiar with daily functions and guest arrivals.
· Meet and greet guests in the lobby and escort as many guests as possible to their room.
· Assists all front office departments as necessary, especially in busy times.
Administration
· Google guests and send VIP pictures to all departments.
· Be responsible for updating and maintaining guest history files.
· Assists in the production of monthly statistics of VIP guests by logging all relevant figures.
· Respond to all guest correspondence in a timely manner.
· Ensure all comments in guest discrepancy are logged in the guest history
· Make reservations for regular guests.
· Send the WAEU form to first stay guests.
· Complete the daily task list and handover accordingly.
· Ensure the stock levels of VIP amenities are adequate and stock recorded.
· Answer guests emails in a professional and timely manner.
· Follow logging procedures guest issues, engineering issues etc.
Financial and Revenue Responsibilities
· Promote the hotel outlets and facilities first and foremost at all times.
· Actively encourage guests to join the membership of an Accor Loyalty Scheme.
· Upsell and cross sell whenever possible.
· Ensure that guests are charged accordingly for flowers, champagne etc.
Guest Service Responsibilities
· Receive and greet regular guests and other VIPs.
· Identify individuals needs for guest history and action.
· Encourage guests to complete guest’s questionnaires and note any feedback from VIPs.
· Provide a cousu main service to guests and record any particular cousu main moments on the forum then creating the cousu main book.
· Entertain VIPs and Regular guests as appropriate.
· Deal with guest complaints and follow up with the guest and within the hotel management.
· Register and attend to guests with specials needs
Qualifications
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Previous experience in guest relations, front office, or customer service within a luxury hotel or five-star hospitality environment
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Strong understanding of luxury service standards and guest engagement
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Experience handling VIP guests, complaints, and special requests with discretion and professionalism
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Knowledge of hotel PMS systems (e.g., Opera or similar) is highly desirable
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Background in hospitality or a related field is an advantage
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Fluent English is essential
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Additional languages (especially French) are highly desirable
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Ability to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays
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Impeccable grooming and presentation, reflecting Sofitel’s luxury brand image
Additional Information
Discover a world of unparalleled perks tailored just for you:
· Competitive Salary, departmental incentives and a loyalty bonus of £1,300.
· Employee Benefit Card – Discounted rates at Accor properties worldwide.
· Free Stays in the UK or Ireland (4 nights/year) – Create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
· Sofitel Experience – Enjoy a luxurious night at our hotel, complete with a delightful breakfast.
· Complimentary Meals While on Duty.
· Special Rates in F&B, Rooms & Spa – Treat yourself to luxury at unbeatable prices.
· Be Part of the Largest Hospitality Group in Europe.
· Exceptional Training and Development Opportunities through Apprenticeship Program.
· Global Growth Opportunities.
· Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 GP Access – Your well-being is our priority.
· Social Events and Activities.
Bring passion and dedication to excellence, and we will recognise your contribution with a variety of benefits, rewards and development opportunities. We also offer a range of wellbeing initiatives, including apps with content to help you feel at your best. Join us, and you can thrive as an individual as well as being part of a supportive and inclusive team.
Let your passion shine, visit careers.accor.com