Theme: Hotel
Focus: Reading and Vocabulary
TASK A
Directions: Read the text about functions of hotel departments and match each of the duties in Group A with its department in Group B.
Functions of Hotel Departments
A hotel operates twenty-four hours a day to make the guests stay enjoyable. It is also essential to make a hotel profitable, well-organized and efficient. A hotel can be divided into two functional divisions: the first is the “front house” division, and the second is the “back house” division. Both divisions consist of various departments divided according to their functions.
The management of the front office department in some hotels is separated from the housekeeping department, whereas other combine them under the heading of the rooms department for accounting purposes. The room apartment is said to be the operating unit. It is usually the most profitable department of the hotel.
The front desk is where the guest is received, registered and assigned a room. It is here that he asks for information, for his key, his mail and finally for his bill.
The housekeeping department is under the supervision of a housekeeper. The housekeeper is responsible for the preparation of guests’ rooms and for the cleanliness of all public areas of the hotel.
The accounting department is responsible for all the hotel’s financial record.
Every hotel needs to record the income it receives. All room charges, the telephone, the laundry service, the restaurant and room service must be posted on the guests’ account as soon as possible. And the financial statements must be checked for accuracy.
The sales promotion of the hotel is another major administrative function. It involves making the public aware of the hotel and trying to attract guests.
Promotion can be done by advertising, which is paid promotion, or by publicity, and public relations, which are generally unpaid.
The engineering department is divided into heat, light, power, repairs, and maintenance, and is responsible for all the mechanical equipment.
The main task of the food and beverage department is to provide food and drink for the guests. Many hotels have complete restaurant services with different prices ranges and different menus. Some large hotels offer a variety of bars and restaurants for their guests to choose from. The income of the food and beverage department comes from sales and other services like banquets and conventions. (Source: Phumpanich & Sriatsadaporn, 2001: 30)
Group A
- make the bed
- write out a receipt
- help with payment
- repair the shower
- send up some drinks
- change the sheets
- explain the menu
- greet a new guest
- fix the TV
- set the breakfast table
- recommend the main course
- assign a room
- prepare guests’ bill
- work out the exchange rate
Group B
A. Housekeeping
B. Engineering
C. Front Office
D. Accounting
E. Food and Beverage
