Pearson New International Edition International pcl tp indd 1

MODERN FRONT OFFICE ISSUES AND TACTICS
Currency Conversion Made Easy
Experienced FOMs know that many guests and some front desk agents become confused
when dealing with an unfamiliar currency. The mathematical computations required to
accurately convert one form of currency to another can be complicated. Hotels located in
cities that attract international travelers find that their guests often carry their own curren-
cies and prefer to pay their bills with that currency. As a result, forms and formulas that
make currency conversions easy for front desk agents and for guests to understand are
extremely helpful. Fortunately, software programs that provide instant currency conver-
sion computations are available and inexpensive. To see one of the best, consult this Web
site: http:
//
www.aquariussoft.com/pc-currency-calculator/.
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Revision of room status. After a guest has checked out, the status of the guest-
room must be changed in the PMS. This generally means changing the room
status from “occupied” to “vacant and dirty.” If, during check-out, the guest has
indicated a significant problem with the room, the room status may be changed
to “out of order” until problems are corrected. In either case, changing the room
status notifies the housekeeping department of the guest’s departure and is the
first step in the room being cleaned.
In hotels where housekeeping staff do not have direct access to PMS
data, front office personnel may notify the housekeeping department when
each guest checks out. Alternatively, check-out data can be reported on a reg-
ular (hourly or half-hourly) basis to ensure that housekeepers have timely
information.
When all of the 10 steps just discussed are successfully completed, the guest
check-out process is finished. The process becomes routine when front desk agents
are well trained in account settlement methods.