Hospitality Facilities Design: Administration & Back-of-House

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the total floor area is typically allocated to back-of-house areas in all lodging types?

Between 15 and 20%

Between 20 and 25%

Between 10 and 15% (correct)

Between 5 and 10%

Which of the following areas is NOT typically considered part of the back-of-house areas?

Guest rooms (correct)

Food preparation and F&B storage areas

Employee areas

Receiving, trash, and general storage areas

What is a key factor that influences the provision and sizing of back-of-house areas in hotels and resorts?

Type of hotel or resort

Location of the property

Number of employees

All of the above (correct)

Which type of hotel or resort may need to provide its own engineering services, including electricity and fresh water supply?

Resorts in remote areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor that influences the ability of hotel staff to meet administrative needs?

Organization of administration offices and services areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of inadequate back-of-house areas in hotels and resorts?

Inefficient provision of services to guests Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for planning back-of-house areas in a hotel?

To ensure staff can reach all areas of the hotel without passing through the lobby and other public spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the front desk and administration offices in a hotel?

They influence the guest's impression of the hotel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the front office in a hotel?

To support the guest registration and cashier functions at the front desk Signup and view all the answers

How are administrative office areas generally divided in a hotel?

Into five clusters Signup and view all the answers

Where are other office components, such as human resources and purchasing functions, typically placed in a hotel?

In the back-of-house close to related services areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the planning and interior design of the workspace on the hotel's staff?

It has a positive impact on staff morale and productivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the concierge desk in a hotel?

To provide information and assistance to guests Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for hotels to rethink their staffing departments?

To reduce payroll costs Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of locating a sundries shop or F&B outlet immediately adjacent to the reception area?

It enables the desk clerk to double as the shop cashier Signup and view all the answers

Why is it still recommended to have a front desk in hotels that use self-service kiosks or other technologies?

To provide information and assistance to guests Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for planning the front desk area in a hotel?

Collaboration among the members of the design team Signup and view all the answers

Why may front desk staff in smaller hotels also serve as concierge?

Because of the cross-training of employees to perform a variety of duties Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the counting room in a hotel?

To count receipts and deposit money in a drop-safe Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the fire control room?

To respond to fire and other emergency situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical capacity of the conference room in the executive office?

8-12 people Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the executive assistant managers' offices?

To provide private offices for senior staff Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the safe-deposit area?

To provide a secure space for safe-deposit boxes and a guest viewing room Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical location of the fire control room?

Next to the front entrance Signup and view all the answers

What type of window is suggested for the cashier's room?

Pass-through window similar to a bank seller Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the accounting work area?

To accommodate additional accounting staff with cubicle workspace Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the IT cluster?

To support the hotel's administrative functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the tech support work area?

To provide cubicle workspace for tech support and programming staff Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the help desk?

To manage service requests Signup and view all the answers

Why is the placement of the IT cluster dependent on the hotel type and size?

Because the IT staff need to quickly access other back-office areas Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Back Of House

Back-of-house areas typically account for 20% to 30% of the total floor area across all lodging types.
Guest rooms are not typically considered part of the back-of-house areas.
The type of hotel, and its corresponding service levels and guest profile, influence the provision and size of back-of-house areas.
Remote hotels and resorts often need to provide their own engineering services, including electricity and fresh water supply.
Adequate back-of-house space is essential for the hotel staff to effectively meet administrative needs, such as maintaining guest information and managing finances.
Inadequate back-of-house areas can result in compromised efficiency, leading to longer wait times and reduced service quality for guests.
Planning back-of-house areas in a hotel is essential for smooth operations, providing adequate space for staff to manage internal functions.
The front desk and administration offices are crucial for guest interaction and coordination of various departments within the hotel.
The main function of the front office in a hotel is to manage guest check-in and check-out, including room assignments and payment processing.
Administrative office areas are typically divided into three main components: the front office, cashier's room, and executive offices.
Human resources and purchasing functions are generally located in an area separate from the front office and cashier's room.
Carefully planning and designing the workspace has a significant impact on staff motivation and productivity, ultimately contributing to a positive guest experience.
The concierge desk acts as a central point of information and assistance for guests, helping them book tours, obtain local recommendations, and resolve any concerns.
Technological advancements have prompted hotels to rethink their staffing departments, focusing on optimizing resources and adopting innovative solutions.
Placing a sundries shop or F&B outlet next to the reception area offers added convenience for guests and generates potential revenue through impulse purchases.
Even with self-service kiosks, a traditional front desk remains valuable for guest interactions, addressing specific needs and providing a personalized touch.
Planning the front desk area requires considering factors like desired service level, space allocation, and guest flow to ensure efficient operations.
In smaller hotels, front desk staff members may also serve as concierges, offering personalized recommendations and assistance to guests.
The counting room in a hotel facilitates the secure management of cash, including counting, processing, and safeguarding received payments.
The fire control room is crucial for monitoring fire safety systems, ensuring immediate response in case of an emergency.
The conference room in the executive office typically has a capacity of 12 to 15 people, suitable for meetings and discussions among executives and staff.
Executive assistant managers' offices provide a dedicated space for administrative tasks, guest relations, and overall management support.
The safe-deposit area offers a secure location for guests to store valuable items during their stay, enhancing their peace of mind.
The fire control room is usually located in a centralized location, ensuring access and visibility for effective monitoring.
A window in the cashier's room is recommended for enhanced security and transparency, allowing for visibility of transactions and potential theft prevention.
The accounting work area in hotels facilitates the processing of invoices, receipts, and other financial documentation, ensuring accurate financial management.
The IT cluster is the central hub of the hotel's computer network and technical infrastructure, supporting various operations and guest services.
The tech support work area provides a dedicated space for IT technicians to troubleshoot technical issues, ensuring smooth operation of the hotel's technology systems.
The help desk serves as a point of contact for guests and staff to resolve IT issues and access technical assistance.
The placement of the IT cluster varies depending on the hotel type and size, considering factors like accessibility, security, and space requirements.

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Description

This quiz covers the planning and design of administration offices and back-of-house areas in hotels, crucial for their success. It includes organization and floor area allocation in different types of hotels.