Reception / Maintenance June 2011

Good Day my fellow readers

Well upon my arrival at the hotel after being away for a while I had to come back and do 2 weeks of maintenance.
However when Johanita heard that I was in maintenance she quickly grabbed me and said that I am needed in reception LOl  . I did not mind what so ever as you all know by now that anything that’s got to do with front office is my passion so how could I resist?

However I still had to do a few days of maintenance which wasn’t that bad what so ever. Just practically did a walk around the hotel spot checking different areas and making sure that the problems were sorted and recorded. Maintenance department has to deal with more than just guest maintenance needs but as well as the rest of the staff in the hotel (which is super impressive as they are known as the “handy guys” for the entire hotel”. They also mainly work on a call bases so when there’s a problem either logged at reception or housekeeping they will go investigate and see if they can sort out the problem. , however if the problem cannot be sorted out an outsourced company will be called in to have a look at the problem.
Reception has not been half bad either I have learned a few new things like how the bill backs are now no longer two pages only one as the rest gets stored into laser fiche so that no paper go to waste. There are a few more new procedures with regards to checking in guest like smoking stickers, scratching their credit card on their authorisation as an imprint to prove that the card was here.

Some other exciting new (well exciting for me) I will not be attending the kitchen this month (July) as Efi Ella (Reservations manager) needs me in reservations for the month as some of the staff is going to be on leave. So that’s quite exciting can’t wait for that.


I know I promised you all my posting for my time away in Fransshoek which will come still trying to get my wording right with regards to the post and as soon as it is ready it will be up.

X.O.X.O
Hotel Guy

CPUT Granger Bay Hotel School block course year 1 and 2

Good Day my fellow readers

Well I have just come back from my 2 months leave, well 1 months leave and 1 months University studies. Anyhow thought i would share with you my marks for 2010 and 2011

2010:
Culinary Theory: 76%
Food and Beverage: 85%
Hospitality Management: 75%
Hospitality financial Management: 90%
Hospitality Law: 90%
Accommodation: 65%

2011:
Culinary Theory: 86%
Food and Beverage: 87%
Hospitality Management: 84%
Hospitality financial Management: 96%
Hospitality Law: 91%
Accommodation: 82%

So I improved quite well so one more 6 week block course left and i am done. Can you believe that!
I will be placing a new post with regards to my fantastic holiday away in Franshhoek can’t wait to share that with you so watch this space........

X.O.X.O
Hotel Guy

From a Coral to a Hilton

Good Day my readers

Have you heard the latest rumor in the hotel buz...
about The Coral International hotel changing into a Hilton. Well it is TRUE!!

According to an article published in the Cape Argus The Hilton group bought over one of the only "dry" hotel in Cape Town (dry meaning that the hotel did not sell any alcoholic products what so ever but guests were allowed to bring their own "booze""

According to further sources The Coral group has sold their chain of hotels in South Africa to The Hilton group. So we official have our second Hilton hotel in South Africa

The Hotel will be named The Cape Town City Center Hotel until all procedures and plans have been put in place for the new Hilton Hotel.

I am trying to arrange an interview with one of the managers to find out exactly how the change came about so that we as hoteliers can know!!!!

X.O.X.O

Hotel Guy

Year one!!!!! What a year..... 2010 - 2011

Good Day my readers

Well my first official year as a new hotelier has come to an end.

I will be going on leave from the 1 – 30 April 2011.

My first year at the hotel has been an amazing, fun and a bumpy ride. I have gained much
experience in this industry within a year, possibly more experience, knowledge and skills than I have
ever thought I would gain in one year.

Starting at the bottom of the pyramid is not always fun because one feels like they always reach this
peak in their life and then suddenly this massive drop down to the bottom again when you start
something new. Kind of like being on the top in grade 7 then dropping when you reach high school
for the first time. It is not always a great feeling but you need not to ponder upon this feeling but
rather look at the bigger picture which is a qualification and a top job.

This is exactly what I keep in mind all the time. Being in the hotel industry is not always the easiest
thing in the world due to the fact you the one that needs to try and keep everyone around you
happy all the time (which is not always possible because we all human and we all make mistakes)
So yes at times it is difficult an I have my bad moments but those bad moments due not compare
to all the good moments I have , meeting new people an interacting with guests every day for me is
the best job in the world because I love making use of my people skills and it allows me to feel really
proud of myself.

So yes my 1st year has been tough but I have enjoyed almost every moment of it and have gained
and learned so much. I am appreciative everyday for the all the people who have influenced my life
and who have taught me how to become one of the best hoteliers in this business.

Love you all will be posting when am back.......
got some new exciting blogs coming soon... something i didnt do last year watch this space...

X.O.X.O

Hotel Guy

Hotel of the month: The Taj Hotel

Hello all

"The Taj Cape Town welcomes guests to the vibrant heart of one of the world's most scenic and desirable cities, Cape Town.

The Taj Cape Town is a combination of rich history and elegant contemporary architecture. Originally home to the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, later the Board of Executors (BOE), it successfully combines the heritage of the old with the luxury of the new.

This five-star hotel is ideally located in the centre of historic Cape Town at the entrance to the famous pedestrian precinct, St George's Mall. Its prime site ensures that the Taj Cape Town is perfectly situated for those looking to discover authentic Cape Town; and its blend of fascinating history, exotic culture, soulful art, lively entertainment and delectable cuisine.

The historic structure of the Taj Cape Town is home to the Heritage Rooms and Suites, Tower Rooms and Suites, The Presidential Suite and the Taj Club. These 177 exquisite rooms offer guests old-world quality complemented by modern features and luxury amenities.

The Taj Cape Town presents an eclectic variety of cuisine and culinary experiences including an Indian specialty restaurant, a relaxed all-day dining restaurant and a champagne and oyster bar. The magnificent banqueting and meeting rooms combine the elegance of a bygone era with state-of-the-art technology. In addition the hotel offers a full Jiva Grande Spa and a fitness centre.

The Taj Cape Town is perfectly placed to impart an exceptional and unforgettable Mother City experience."











All text within this posting was taken from the Taj hotel website and is copyrighted
check out the website by clicking on the link below

http://www.tajhotels.com


X.O.X.O

Hotel Guy

Room Service March 2011

Good Day all

When one hears the word "room service" what do you think of?
- "providing a service to a guests room"

Well that is exactly what room service is about.
My two weeks in room service has been great. It is a pity my time has been so limited , due to the fact they need my exceptional skills :-) in reception for the last 2.5 weeks of March.

During my time in room service i was actually very surprised about all the different areas an procedures room service covers (defiantly more than i suspected). It is more than just answering phones , taking and delivering orders. They also are required to set up for various functions (mainly in-house departmental function) - neither the less it is still a function. They also deal with breakfast cards which are cards guests fill out for breakfast that they want to be delivered to their room the next morning. They also prepare welcome drinks for various groups that arrive at the hotel or welcome drinks requested for a certain number of people. Then they also have the entire mini bar side of things (which already is a big area on its own).

My time spent here has taught me how to prepare a tray for an order , ranging , preparing and procedures of breakfast cards and how the procedure of cash up works.

So i have enjoyed my time in room service once again even though it was only for 2 weeks it has added on to my skills an experience within this industry an for that i am forever thankful.

Splash Cafe February 2011

Hello All.....


Wow what a start to February an what better place to be at then the Splash Café down at the pool.

The Splash Café is a semi restaurant / cocktail an smoothie bar at the pool , that provides the guests with the opportunity to have something awesome to drink : very berry , mango mamma or moment of weakness or a meal to finish off a full day at the pool: foot long hotdog , organic beef burger or the amazing salmon wrap.

Upon one’s morning arrival at Splash you need to set up a lot of different things before your day even gets started. You start with the lounges by the pool, by placing the plastic lounger over the steel work frame an ending it off by putting a towel cover over the plastic. You then need to bring out all the tables from inside to the outside an relay them all, with cutlery, side plate an a napkin as well as condiments. These tables are used for outside guests who just want to come an have a relaxed lunch by the pool side or for the guests wanting a break from the lounges. At the end of the day you need to do the same as above but all in reverse.

The Splash café is also well known for their functions. It is one of the hotels best function areas. Due to the fact it is out in the open and has that hip/modern vibe and touch to it. An come on now who wouldn’t want to party at the pool? 

Anther tradition at the Splash café is their weekly Sunday braais , which are just absolutely fantastic because its gives our international guest the opportunity to experience a true South African tradition. If you would like to book for one of these outstanding braais feel free to contact the Splash Café on: 021 657 4500 or email: eat@vineyard.co.za


My time in Splash has been great. It was a completely different experience for me an thank you to all who made me feel welcome in your department and taught me the ropes.

X.O.X.O

Hotel Guy