The hospitality industry employs millions of people each year as housekeepers, bellhops, concierges and general managers. A lucky few, though, get the opportunity to nab a really rare job — and these hotel employees have arguably the best gigs in the business. Not only are these jobs exceptionally unique, they also allow employees to interact more with guests and enhance their stays.?U.S. News?chatted with these hospitality professionals to find out what they do, what it’s like … and maybe how we could get their job next. From a fairy godmother to a guacamologist, these are some of the coolest jobs in the hotel industry.
Fairy Godmother
Barnsley Resort
You won’t have to wish upon a star to have your dreams come true at this hotel. That’s what the fairy godmother is for — and she says anything you think of, she’ll make happen.?Barnsely Resort‘s Denise Webb has been the hotel’s fairy godmother for 15 years, a job bestowed on her by the former owner, Prince Hubertus Fugger of Bavaria. On a day-to-day basis, Webb’s time is spent leaving little gifts in all guests rooms, looking for opportunities to enhance special occasions, and finding the best way to make every visitor feel welcome. The fairy godmother’s specialties include planning creative, customized engagement proposals or turning your room into a romantic scene reminiscent of the silver screen, with flickering candles, Champagne on ice and rose petals strewn across the bed. For children, she organizes nighttime turndowns, complete with new toys, new books and cookies and milk. Whether she’s getting people to “fall in love all over again” or putting a smile on a child’s face, Webb loves creating unique experiences for hotel guests. “Barnsley isn’t a place, it’s a feeling … and I come in every day excited to do my job,” she said.
Running Concierge
The Westin New York Grand Central
For?New York City?visitors who are hoping to keep up their exercise regimen, continue training for a race or just see the sites in a unique way,?The Westin New York Grand Central?has an employee who can help. The hotel’s running concierge, Cristian Vasquez, leads guests on complimentary twice weekly runs along the East River, pointing out some of the Big Apple’s notable sights (like the?Chrysler Building?and theEmpire State Building) along the way. Vasquez is also the hotel’s food and beverage director and said when the hotel introduced the new role he was up for the challenge — he’s an avid runner himself who competes in obstacle races. Vasquez typically starts guests out with a deep stretch and gauges how far the group would like to run (anywhere from 3 to 5 miles) and at what pace everyone is comfortable. Whether it’s the 6 p.m. Tuesday jaunt or the 6:30 a.m. Thursday run, the route around midtown Manhattan is quite scenic — perfect for picture-taking and chatting along the way, Vasquez said. “It’s a great opportunity to get to know the guests outside of the work environment and ask them how their stay is going, if there’s anything I can help them with,” he added. After the run and more stretching, Vasquez said he usually treats the runners to a complimentary freshly pressed juice and coconut water at the restaurant to refresh and re-energize them. This particular perk aligns with?Westin‘s overall promotion of healthy living and its RunWESTIN program, which provides guests with local running maps and New Balance gear to borrow.
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Source: Hospitality Jobs You Wish You Had, Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/us-news-travel/hospitality-jobs-you-wish_b_5161264.html published Apr 16, 2014. Viewed Apr 17, 2014.