Which Hotels Pay Receptionists the Most?

Many aspiring hospitality professionals often wonder, “What hotels do Receptionists make the most money at?” — and the answer might surprise them. 

The average hourly wage for Receptionists in the United States is $17.59, with entry-level positions often starting at more modest pay. However, luxury hotels and high-end resorts — especially those in major metropolitan areas and tourist destinations — offer significantly higher compensation. 

These properties understand that their Receptionists serve as the face of their establishment and directly impact guest satisfaction. That’s why they invest in attracting and retaining top talent through competitive salaries as well as comprehensive benefits packages and growth opportunities.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of standout properties that Hotel Receptionists should definitely consider applying for. 

Hotel Chains Where Receptionists Can Make the Most Money

Well-renowned hotel chains lead the pack when it comes to Receptionist salaries in the hospitality industry. These premium brands know their front desk staff shape guest experiences from the first hello to the final goodbye.

1. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts 

[Source: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts]

Four Seasons sets the gold standard for employee compensation packages. Their Receptionists enjoy full health coverage, retirement plans and performance bonuses tied to guest satisfaction scores.

The chain stands out for its robust training programs that help junior staff step into hotel management roles. Career-focused hospitality professionals often choose Four Seasons specifically for these advancement opportunities.

Finally, the company’s global presence creates unique opportunities for Receptionists to transfer between properties and gain international experience.

2. The Ritz-Carlton 

[Source: The Ritz-Carlton]

The Ritz-Carlton rewards excellence through performance-based pay tied to guest feedback and mystery shopper results. Here, Receptionists and other front desk staff receive competitive base salaries plus regular bonuses for exceeding service standards.

The benefits package includes medical coverage, generous vacation time and education support. Ritz-Carlton also offers unique perks like cross-property training and leadership development programs.

3. Mandarin Oriental 

[Source: Mandarin Oriental]

Mandarin Oriental puts professional growth front and center when it comes to their Receptionists. The chain pairs competitive pay with mentorship programs and specialized training tracks.

Staff members enjoy full healthcare benefits, retirement planning help and substantial paid time off. Hotel discounts across their worldwide properties add extra value to the total package.

4. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

[Source: St. Regis Hotels & Resorts]

St. Regis maintains its luxury reputation by investing heavily in Receptionists and other front desk staff. The base salaries here rank among the industry’s highest, with regular performance bonuses adding significant earning potential.

The benefits include health insurance, 401(k) matching and ongoing professional development. Their Hotel Receptionists also gain valuable luxury service expertise through regular training sessions.

5. Waldorf Astoria

[Source: Waldorf Astoria]

Another one of the hotels where Receptionists can make the most money is the Waldorf Astoria. Their strong compensation package includes benefits like complete medical, dental and vision coverage from day one.

Meanwhile, the chain’s career advancement programs enable Receptionists to develop management skills through structured training modules. 

Employees also receive substantial discounts at Hilton properties across the globe, given that Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton Worldwide. 

6. Park Hyatt

[Source: Park Hyatt]

Park Hyatt combines competitive base pay with performance incentives in an employee-first culture. Many of their Receptionists receive comprehensive healthcare, retirement options and paid vacation time.

Not to mention, the chain supports continuing education through tuition assistance programs. This investment in employee growth creates clear paths to advancement.

High-Paying Resorts Where Receptionists Can Earn More

Receptionists can earn higher salaries at the following luxury resorts, all of which boast exclusive clientele and premium service requirements. 

These properties combine base pay with substantial benefits packages that make them attractive to hospitality professionals.

1. The Breakers Palm Beach 

[Source: The Breakers Palm Beach]

The Breakers Palm Beach — a historic luxury resort in Florida — gives its Receptionists one of the best benefits packages in the industry. The property shows its dedication to employee retention through perks and advancement opportunities.

Staff at The Breakers can expect access to:

• Full medical, dental and vision coverage
• On-site wellness facilities
• Complimentary meals during shifts
• Resort credit programs
• Educational assistance programs

These benefits make The Breakers an ideal choice for Receptionists focused on building lasting careers in luxury hospitality.

2. Wynn Las Vegas

[Source: Wynn Las Vegas]

The Wynn Las Vegas stands out with its exceptional compensation package for Receptionists and other front desk staff. Their five-star service standards are reflected in their detailed benefits structure.

The property rewards high performers through bonuses tied to guest satisfaction scores. Receptionists at Wynn Las Vegas learn luxury service standards through rigorous training, which then boosts their value and earning potential within the organization.

3. Montage Laguna Beach and Montage Deer Valley 

Montage Laguna Beach | [Source: Montage Hotels & Resorts]

Montage Hotels & Resorts sets itself apart with structured career advancement programs. The company is all about promoting from within and providing regular training sessions and mentorship opportunities for its junior staff.

The resort chain also pays competitive base salaries for Receptionists, along with performance incentives. Like other premium properties, Montage provides detailed healthcare coverage and retirement benefits. 

Its locations in premium destinations like Laguna Beach, California and Deer Valley in Park City, Utah attract high-end clientele, which creates better earning opportunities for Receptionists.

Boutique Hotels Known for Great Pay

Although often smaller in size and operations, many upscale boutique hotels know that great service comes from investing in talented staff. 

These properties turn their small size into an advantage by offering competitive pay and benefits to Receptionists — sometimes rivaling or even surpassing larger chains.

1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills 

[Source: The Peninsula Beverly Hills ]

The Peninsula Beverly Hills sets the bar for front desk excellence with performance-driven compensation. Here, guest satisfaction directly impacts Receptionists’ earning potential, with bonuses tied to review scores and service metrics.

Receptionists also get to hone their skills in luxury hospitality through specialized training programs. The property invests heavily in developing guest relations expertise and technical skills, boosting both service quality and earning potential.

2. Auberge Resorts Collection (multiple locations)

Mayflower Inn & Spa, Connecticut | [Source: Auberge Resorts Collection]

Receptionists working for boutique hotels under the Auberge Resorts Collection enjoy market-leading base pay plus benefits and perks that showcase the collection’s unique approach to hospitality, such as: 

• Premium healthcare coverage
• Full property amenity access
• Extended vacation allowances
• Network-wide travel perks
• Career advancement support

The company’s promote-from-within culture also opens doors to management roles. Many current leaders started at the front desk, proving the value of their development programs.

3. Aman New York

[Source: Aman New York]

Receptionists at Aman New York get to earn significantly above the national average, with the hourly pay going beyond $20. 

The relatively small team environment also creates natural mentorship opportunities. That said, Receptionists have the chance to learn various aspects of luxury operations, from VIP guest handling to crisis management.

How Location Impacts Hotel Receptionist Salaries

Geographic location plays a crucial role in determining how much Receptionists earn at hotels across the United States.

Recent data shows salary differences between cities can exceed $6,000 per year. This makes location a big consideration for Receptionists looking for better-paying jobs.

Major metropolitan areas with the highest pay

New York City tops the nation in Receptionist pay, with an average annual salary of $42,150. The city’s abundance of luxury hotels and constant flow of international travelers creates a steady need for skilled front desk staff.

Los Angeles stands second among major cities and pays Receptionists an average of $40,850 yearly. The competitive wages come from the city’s blend of business travelers and tourists, along with its many upscale hotels.

Tourist destination salary differences

Establishments in tourist destinations give Hotel Receptionists unique opportunities through base pay and seasonal bonuses. However, the wage differences between locations can be quite large.

Coastal resort areas pay more than inland destinations. This happens because of higher operating costs and the race to hire qualified staff during peak tourist seasons.

Key factors that affect tourist destination salaries include:

• Length of peak season
• Local competition for skilled staff
• Property size and service level
• Guest demographics

Cost of living considerations

The cost of living is also a major factor to consider if you’re looking for Hotel Receptionist jobs in different places. Sometimes, a higher salary in one city might give you less buying power than a lower salary somewhere else.

For instance, Miami’s relatively lower average pay becomes more attractive because Florida has no state income tax. This lets Receptionists here keep more of what they earn.

Transportation costs also affect take-home pay. Cities with good public transit help hotel staff save on commuting, while places that need private transportation can cut into earnings through car expenses.

Here’s how salary and cost of living vary by U.S. region:

• Northeast: Higher salaries offset by increased living costs
• Southeast: Lower base pay balanced by reduced expenses
• West Coast: Premium wages reflecting higher cost markets
• Midwest: Moderate salaries with manageable living costs

How To Find and Land High-Paying Hotel Receptionist Positions

Getting a top-paying Hotel Receptionist position takes more than just sending out applications. The best jobs at luxury properties demand strategic preparation and industry knowledge.

1. Research Your Local Hospitality Scene

Start by mapping out the high-end hotels and resorts in your target area. Study each hotel’s service philosophy, guest profiles and typical staffing needs.

Then, make sure to track job postings from such establishments over several months. Most of these properties follow seasonal hiring patterns; knowing these cycles helps time your application perfectly.

2. Network in the Hospitality Industry

Professional connections are essential to accessing higher-paying Receptionist positions. Successful candidates take part in industry events, professional associations and online networks like LinkedIn.

Good relationships with former colleagues and supervisors could also lead to referrals for premium positions. Many luxury properties prefer to hire through internal recommendations, which makes networking a key part of moving up.

3. Make Sure You Meet the Required Qualifications

Resorts and hotels where Receptionists can earn the most often look for these in candidates:

• Strong customer service background
• Previous experience in a luxury hotel or similar
• Hospitality management degree or equivalent (highly preferred)
• Fluency in a foreign language (preferred)
• Customer service certifications (preferred)
• Polished communication skills
• Quick problem-solving abilities

That said, if you want to increase your chances of standing out from other applicants, it’s best to have most (or even all) of the qualifications listed above. 

4. Make a Good Impression During the Interview

To do so, you’ll need to prepare for your Receptionist interview accordingly. This doesn’t just mean picking the right outfit to wear — though that’s certainly a good place to start. 

It also includes researching the establishment’s recent achievements, understanding their service philosophy and preparing thoughtful questions about growth opportunities. 

Afterward, following up with a professional thank-you note can further help you stand out.

See also: How To Ask About Salary in an Interview and Get the Info You Need

What Hotels Do Receptionists Make the Most Money At? – Key Takeaways

More often than not, the best opportunities for Receptionists cluster around luxury chains, upscale resorts and boutique properties in major cities and tourist hotspots. 

Such top properties recognize front desk staff as the face of their brand. As such, employees here can often expect competitive salaries, performance bonuses and clear growth paths.

Ready to start your search? Find and apply for Hotel Receptionist jobs through OysterLink: a platform connecting job seekers with top hospitality employers across the country!

OysterLink’s Criteria for Choosing High-Paying Hotel Receptionist Jobs

For this list of hotels where Receptionists can earn the most, we’ve conducted thorough research across popular job boards that post Hotel Receptionist job ads, along with insights from hospitality-related forums and Reddit threads. 

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Featured image source: Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel