Pearson New International Edition International pcl tp indd 1

OVERVIEW OF THE FRONT OFFICE DEPARTMENT
in at 3:00 a.m. and leave at 3:00 a.m. the next morning at their convenience. When guests
check in and check out at all times of the day, does this cause problems for the hotel? Most
guests arrive and depart at “normal” times. Therefore, all the hotel must do is devote a lim-
ited number of rooms to a 24-hour check-in room block.
The property has significant high-tech capabilities. Nevertheless, staff recognize that
although technology drives guest service, it is not guest service. The purpose of technology
is to give staff more time with guests, not to reduce the time staff has available with guests.
Adapted from Shellum., S. Le Meridien’s first art+ tech property in Asia aims to raise the benchmark;
typical reception desk has been vanished. Hotel Online Special Report. Retrieved July 3, 2004, from
http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2004_3rd/Jul04_Cyberport.html.