Bellhop

Robert Walker as a bellboy in the 1945 film Her Highness and the Bellboy.

A bellhop (North America) or hotel porter (international) is a hotel porter, who helps patrons with their luggage while checking in or out. Bellhops often wear a uniform (see bell-boy hat), like certain other page boys or doormen. This occupation is also called bellman and bellboy ( pronunciation ) in North America.

Tim Roth (center) as Ted the bellboy from the film Four Rooms.

Duties and functions

The job's name is derived from the fact that the hotel's front desk clerk rang a bell to summon an employee, who would "hop" (jump) to attention at the desk to receive instructions. The term "porter" is used in the United Kingdom and much of the English-speaking world. "Bellboy" or "bellhop" is an American English term.

This employee traditionally was a boy or adolescent male, hence the term bellboy. Today's bellhops must be quick-witted, good with people, and outgoing. Bellhops will meet a variety of different people each day and must have the social skills to deal with them. Duties often include opening the front door, moving luggage, valeting cars, calling cabs, transporting guests, giving directions, performing basic concierge work, and responding to the guest's needs. They must be able to escort guests into their rooms while carrying luggage, or help move any baggage a customer needs.[1]

In many countries, such as the United States, it is customary to tip such an employee for his service.

Famous bellboys

Bellboy from a hotel in Kyoto, Japan.

See also

References

  1. "#230 - Bellhop & Baggage Porter". Michigan Department of Career Development. Archived from the original on November 15, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.

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