Reservationist

SUMMARY:
Position: Hotel Reservationist
Bantry Bay, Cape Town

POSITION INFO:
We are seeking a professional Hotel Reservationist to join The President Hotel’s Front Office team. The successful candidate will take full ownership of managing all reservation communications, ensuring accurate, timely, and seamless booking processes that reflect the hotel’s luxury standards. This role is critical to driving occupancy, revenue, and exceptional guest experiences.

Critical Criteria (Requirements)

• Minimum 1–3 years’ experience in hotel reservations within a 4 or 5-star property
• Proven experience handling guest, travel agent, and corporate reservations, including managing cancellations and modifications
• Strong knowledge of Opera PMS Version V5 and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Matric certificate (Grade 12); Hotel School Diploma or hospitality qualification advantageous
• Excellent telephone manner, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work accurately under pressure while maintaining a professional and guest-centric approach
• Strong planning, organisational, and time-management skills
• South African citizen with a valid ID

Key Competencies

Duties & Responsibilities

• Respond to guest, travel agent, and referral network communications via telephone, email, mail, fax, or online booking systems
• Create, maintain, and update reservation records by date of arrival and alphabetical listing
• Prepare confirmation letters, pro-forma invoices, and process cancellations or modifications promptly
• Understand and apply BAR (Best Available Rate) and basic yield management principles
• Monitor and follow up on advance deposits, payments, and travel agent vouchers
• Ensure guest quotes, confirmations, and invoices are accurate and aligned with bookings
• Collect travel agent vouchers and ensure consistency with Opera PMS records
• Maintain guest history, VIP profiles, and company details accurately
• Prepare daily arrival lists, seven-day forecasts, and pre-registration documents
• Follow up on cancellations, no-shows, and non-arrivals, applying fees where necessary
• Handle all correspondence and communications related to reservations
• Ensure adherence to reservation procedures and standards to achieve optimal occupancy and average room rates
• Attend to trace reports, emails, PIT updates, direct billing, refunds, and group reservations
• Maintain a neat, organized, and fully stocked reservation desk
• Participate in daily briefings, provide accurate handovers, and liaise with other departments (Housekeeping, Porters, Room Service) for seamless service
• Perform end-of-shift checks to ensure no unresolved guest issues remain
• Demonstrate a professional, positive, and team-oriented attitude at all times
• Live and promote the hotel’s values of Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, Accountability, Passion, and Integrity

Package on Offer

• Basic salary (TBA)
• 50/50 contribution to Pension
• Company contribution to medical aid

Important Application Notes

• Must hold a valid South African ID
• Only candidates with relevant hotel reservation experience will be shortlisted
• Ensure your CV is 100% updated
• All applicants will attend a virtual introduction interview
• Recruitment aligns with the company’s Employment Equity Plan