What does it feel to Work in Hampton by Hilton Paris-Clichy?!

Aview from out side the street of Hotel Hampton by Hilton

"This is lovely and specious." This was my first thought that came to my mind when I approached the Lobby for the job interview; a Lobby like that is unusual in Paris because space is limited. The hanging surfing boards and amazing lighting decorations on the sealing, the large yellow reception counter attached to the bar, the floral aroma of the air freshner, wow, what a great environment.

I felt at home from the first day since the hotel is quite cool, unlike many other French hotels. Hotel Hampton by Hilton Paris Clichy is a lifestyle hotel with a uniform consisting of jeans, a shirt, and sneakers. I was overjoyed to learn that I could retain my sneakers at work. And practically everyone there spoke English, which is really unusual in Paris.

Me in Hampton Lobby

In Juba, South Sudan, I worked as a front office manager. But because I didn't know French, I couldn't do it in France, and I'd say I needed more time here. I even took a receptionist course to improve my French. After all of the drama of Covid-19, tourism began to develop slowly, and the "City of Love," Paris began to attract visitors. Hotels begin to open slowly in January, and I began working in Hampton in March 2022.

Working as a Lobby ambassador (the Hilton title for receptionist) was difficult at first since I didn't understand how Hilton Hotels worked. They had a lot of rules and restrictions, but after three months, they become somewhat of a habit. The property management system ONQ (reservation application) in particular proved difficult for me at first. But I eventually fell in love with it.

Hampton milk shake

As a Lobby Ambassador, my working hours are either 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. But I've always preferred working in the morning since I'm a morning person who enjoys going to the gym in the evening. But I also enjoy seeing the few digital nomads who come to sit and work. I recall meeting a French blogger one day. All I could think to say to her was, "Wow, fantastic choice of location." The hotel lobby is an ideal location for creative writing.

Every day is different in Hampton, which keeps my job interesting at all times. I can only say that it was an eye-opening experience! Something is always happening to someone at some moment in the hotel, whether it is a colleague or a tourist. It's full of life, activity, and stories, and it's diverse. It's a never-ending drama. I was constantly expecting the unexpected. But life in Hampton was especially fiery since there were always new rumors from coworkers, and most of the time they were humorous.

Hampton Queen room

I made friends from all over the world. I liked providing the clients suggestions and ideas for activities to do in Paris. Especially those on their honeymoon. However, older couples were my favorites since they are the true picture of true love. And a romantic getaway is all they deserve. And I did my best to make their trip memorable. In long story short, I had a chance to act as an ambassador to the magnificent City of Paris.

On the other hand, a lot is going on behind the scenes. The smiley faces of the stuff is the tip of the

iceberg. It's more complicated than it appears. Everything extends well beyond what the client sees. The number of complications involved in running a 150-room hotel's extensive operations is dramatic and suffocating. However, at the end of the day it is rewarding.

I enjoy writing because I am also a journalist. And whenever I have time at the front desk, I just jump on booking.com and respond to client comments, as well as respond to a few of emails. Sometimes you get outrageous customer expectations, but most of the time you read the same inquiries about parking spots, receipts, and breakfast.

Me at the Hampton reception

I gained all of the necessary expertise, and it was only a matter of time until I applied that knowledge to other endeavors. At the end of the day, being a part of a Hampton by Hilton hotel was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that provided me with fresh ideas and views.

I grew not just professionally, but also emotionally, by learning so much along the road. This hotel is special to me; I have an emotional attachment to it. And I am eternally thankful!

written by Dinar HURUI