Registration card

It is important that the hotel receptionist should make sure that guests are registered correctly. A hotel register or, more usually, a registration card is used to record the full name, nationality, home address and signature of each guest. Foreign visitors must provide additional information such as passport number and its place of issue, and their next destination.

Many hotels use the registration card to find out more about their customers and ask questions about occupation, method of payment and purpose of visit.

The receptionist should always check that the registration cards are completed correctly and legibly. What if there is a query? Well, then the receptionist should politely ask the guest for clarification. It is also necessary to make sure that the reservation details have not changed. After this the receptionist can inform the guest of the room number and rate. With that sort of guest, the receptionist should obtain the original hotel voucher and check it against the hotel's copy. When large tour groups are checking in, it is useful for the tour leader to deal with the registration cards and hand them over to the reception desk himself.

Accurate information on room status throughout the hotel is most important, of course. A room status system must provide clear information and it must be capable of rapid alteration. There are various methods in use from simple manual systems such as the room board to computerized systems such as electronic room status linking reception, housekeeping, and the cashier's office.

Answer the questions:

· What kind of information is requested on registration cards?

· Why must the receptionist check completed registration forms?

· What should the receptionist obtain from a guest with a travel agency booking?

· Why is it useful for a tour leader to deal with the registration cards for a tour group?

· Give three examples of room status systems.

Keys: I.3

Keys: I.4