FRONT OFFICE

INTRODUCTION
Front office is the most visible segment of any hotel industry which is strategically located right at the entrance of the hotel building within the high traffic lobby area. It is regarded as the nerve centre of any hotel. It is attractively designed and sufficiently equipped to perform the necessary formalities related to arriving and departing guest.
It is the place where the travelers/visitors come into contact with the hotel for the very first time. It is solely responsible for the sale of hotel accommodation method of reservation, followed by reservation and assigning accommodation to guest.

Front desk personnel play crucial role in giving the first assurance to an arriving guest. The impression crested here can very often influence the entire period of guest stay in the hotel. They are also the last to see a guest off in a happy frame of mind. This department not only deals with the above functions, but also deals with guest relation, guest comfort and convenience.

The Front office is the nerve center of a hotel. Members of the front-office staff welcome the guests, carry their luggage, help them register, give them their room keys and mail, answer questions about the activities in the hotel and surrounding area, and finally check them out. In fact, the only direct contact most guests have with hotel employees, other than in the restaurants, is with members of the front-office staff.

 Front office system
1. Non-automated: It is run by the mechanical equipment such as reception and key racks, paper file, manual key and all paper works. This system is mostly operated by the small category hotels and other business industries.
2. Semi-automated: it is run by the machines such as room rack and key rack with light system, posting machine, ECR, typewriter, fax machine and other support devices, etc. This system mostly operated by medium category hotel and other accommodation industries.
3. Full-automated: It is fully run by the aid of the modern computer system with the help of software. This system has done away with the room rack and guest rack. The computer terminals have replaced them with all the information of guest check-in and check-out. It is equipped with printer, telephone, internet, credit card processer, voice mail/ message, room service alert, emergency siren, etc. This system is operated by large hotel and other accommodation industries.