How to Hire a Receptionist for the 2026 Season
The front desk is the first and last point of contact with the guest. A good receptionist protects your Booking.com and Tripadvisor reputation. This guide covers salaries, languages, and what to look for.
Languages and salary
English is required. Additional languages that significantly increase salary (and total value):
• German: +€200/mo (major plus for D/A/CH guests)
• Italian: +€150/mo
• Russian: +€150/mo
• French: +€150/mo
Base receptionist salary :year: €1,000–1,600/mo net. With 3–4 languages: €1,500–2,000+/mo.
Technical skills you want
Ideally the candidate knows (or learns quickly):
- PMS system (Opera, Fidelio, Mews) — basic check-in/out
- Booking.com / Expedia extranet — guest message replies
- Invoicing and payments (POS terminal)
- GDPR basics — protecting guest data
Frequently asked questions
How many shifts per day on the front desk?
Standard is 3 shifts (morning, afternoon, night) for 24/7 coverage. Small hotels often run 2 shifts + a night watch.
Is the night shift more expensive?
By law, a night premium (50% more) is mandatory. Factor into your budget.