Back to: Major Functional Departments
Introduction
A hotel is like a small city. To run smoothly and provide guests with everything they need, it is organized into different departments, each with a specific function. Some departments interact with guests face-to-face, while others work behind the scenes. For a hotel to be successful, all these departments must coordinate and communicate effectively. This chapter will introduce you to the main functional and operational departments you will find in a hotel, especially in the context of Nepal’s hospitality industry.
Major Functional Departments
Hotels are typically divided into two main functional areas: the Front of the House and the Back of the House. This division helps organize the workflow and ensures that guest-facing areas are presented perfectly.
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Front of the House: These are the departments and areas that guests see and interact with directly. The atmosphere here must be welcoming, professional, and immaculate.
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Examples: The Lobby, Front Desk, Concierge, Restaurants and Bars, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, and Banquet Halls.
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Focus: Guest interaction, service delivery, and creating a positive first and last impression.
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Back of the House: These are the operational areas that guests typically do not see. This is where the behind-the-scenes work happens to support the front-of-house teams. While guests don’t see these areas, their condition directly impacts the quality of service.
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Examples: The Kitchen, Laundry, Engineering/Maintenance Workshop, Housekeeping Storage Rooms, Administrative Offices, and Receiving Areas.
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Focus: Support, production, maintenance, and administration.
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