Education About Checking Into a Resort

Working at a resort is something I've always wanted to do. I about to graduate with a major in Tourism, and so far I am loving interning at the Royal Palms. Although I love what I do, it has exposed me to a variety of people. With that being said, I want to ask a question. When you check into a hotel/resort, what do you think you need? Of the friends that I have asked, most answered, credit card. If you guessed credit card, then you are correct! It AMAZES me how many people will try to check into the resort and they are shocked when we ask for a credit card.

Another thing that many guest do not realize is what an authorization is and what it does. Let me break down the process of checking in. First you give us the last name the reservation is under. we then pull up the reservation on the computer and then go over the registration card with you. This information consists of how much your resort fee is and what it covers, how long your stay is and what your rate is. It also covers the no smoking policy, deep cleaning fees and the check out time. After we go over the information we then ask for a photo id and a credit card. We then swipe the card and hold an AUTHORIZATION of money. That include incidentals, room, tax, and resort fee. Now what an authorization means is that we have a hold on a certain amount of money and we release that the authorization after you check out. When you check out you can pay however you please; either with that card, another card, cash or even check. Now 9 out of 10, most people know this process and understand what it means. For the few that do not understand, we break it down and and explain it, and then for the very few that still don't understand, they are the ones who end up getting mad at the Front Desk Staff and blaming us for their troubles.

Another thing about authorizations. When people put a DEBIT card down, I let them know how much we are authorizing on the card. If they do not understand, I explain we are not CHARGING the card, we are simply doing an authorization that puts a hold on a certain amount of money.... I know this blog post is a little dry, but I guess the main reason for posting this is the frustration I get with people sometimes. Just recently I informed a guest, that used a debit card, of how much we were authorizing and she said "So you're charging me?" I told her no it was just a hold on the money. TWO DAYS LATER, she comes to the Front Desk and says I took money from her and charged her bank account and that I NEED TO BE RETRAINED. Now mind you, she never said any of that to me face.... NO, she told another Front Desk Agent. After our Assistant Manager handled the situation, everything was pretty much resolved. It just sucked being blamed for something that is has nothing to do with me, but with the error of the other person. All well.

Sorry for the little rant and rave. I guess you could say this was a little bit if a venting session... Either way, just know the hotel's policies before you check in and if you have questions about it, call them before your actual arrival. Other than that, working at the resort is wonderful! I'm meeting new people everyday and I'm really starting to get to know my co-workers, which is awesome. The semester is moving along quite quick, but its great! Looking forward to absorbing more information and fine tuning my skills. :)

Its a Bittersweet Symphony

Hello World! School is back in session and for many Tourism Seniors at ASU, this means internship time! Woot Woot! Luckily, I am one of those seniors. This semester I will just be interning at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. Its been so amazing thus far. I'm learning an insane amount the industry and I'm loving every moment of it! Although its super exciting to be a senior and just a few months away from having my degree, this entire experience is a little bittersweet. I just recently helped ASU with Fall Welcome. This consisted of meeting Freshmen in the College of Public Programs and also riding the bus with them to the main Fall Welcome events on the Tempe campus. I have to say, it was so invigorating to be apart of all the excitement. It definitely reminded me of my Freshman experience and how excited I was to be a college student. It strange to look back and realize how FAST college flew by. To all of you students out there, take this small piece of advice. Enjoy your time in college. Savor those moments. Inhale each and every adventure. Absorbs as much information as your brain will allow, and then push yourself to be better than you imagined. There will be times when it feels like the stress will be too much and just engulf you, but trust me when I say this, its not the end of the world. Take a breath, think positive, and just take it one task at a time. Before you know it, you'll be done, and be so much stronger than you ever fathomed.

I loved the time I had at ASU. I met some amazing people, learned more than I ever thought possible, and grew not only as a student, but also as a person. In conclusion, Welcome Back to School and Lets GO Sun Devils!!!!

Lonni

New Year. New Blog.

So it has been a pretty long time since I last wrote on my blog, but I figured, better late than never! With this now becoming my own personal blog, and not really one for ASU, the topics will be a lot more random, and more about me! Sounds fun right?

Now for the update. Andy (my boyfriend), has been back from Basic Training since December and we moved in together in March! Yay! This is the very first time being on my own and actually living with a boyfriend. A little different, I must say. Everything has been great though. We do have our random arguments and of course the discussion of leaving the toilet seat up, but other that its been awesome. We live in Mesa in a little two story town home with my dog Latte. It has been fun trying to decorate, shop, and even budget together. Living together is a whole other ball game. It really is a learning experience for the both of us, but we've been having fun throughout the process. We both work A LOT, but we try to spend as much time together as possible. Now that this is my personal blog, you'll probably hear more about him in the up coming months. He is simply one of the best things to ever happen to me and I'm blessed to have someone so special like him in my life. Love my Ginger Boyfriend :)

Ok, so enough with the sappy stuff and on to business! I started working at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in June, and its INCREDIBLE! I love that fact that I'm doing something in my career field, and its actually in a top notch resort! I'm learning so much and I'm excited to learn even more. Its so crazy to actually do something that I worked so hard in school for. I'm actually starting my career! The resort is beautiful and my coworkers are so helpful and supportive. It is a wonderful work environment and I look forward to coming to work each day.

I have covered love, work, now School! Or should I say, graduation ;) Yes that's right people. I will be graduating this December with a degree in Tourism Development and Management. Whoot Whoot! Three and a half years of hard work, tears, and too much stress, its finally coming to a close. This Fall I will just be interning at the Royal Palms and not actually attend classes. Its a little bittersweet, but its time. Grad school will happen, but not right away. I want to gain experience and network myself, and maybe in two or three years, I'll be getting my Masters. Till then I'll just work, work, work!

This really has been my life in a really short synopsis, but trust me, there is more to come! Photos, updates,and even videos (if I can figure out how to get them on here...). Till then, Hugs and Love.

Lonni