Hotel Receptionist

Scotland’s Best Hotel (21-50 rooms) 2022 and 2023

The Machrie Hotel, Isle of Islay, Scotland

RECEPTIONIST

We are located on the beautiful Scottish island of Islay on the west coast of Scotland. This position would suit someone who loves the country, wildlife, golf and the outdoors.

We have 47 bedrooms (different styles), 4 self-contained lodges and a split-level suite with 2 bedrooms. We also have 5 dog friendly rooms.

With panoramic views across the golf links to the idyllic 7 miles of silver sands at Laggan Bay The Machrie only opened late 2018 but already has been named in the UK’s Top 30 Hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2022, The Machrie is ranked as one of the best golf resorts in the world in Today’s Golfer Top 100 and is ranked No 6 in Europe by Leading Courses.

The Machrie has 47 bedrooms ranging from comfy to comfy luxe, dog friendly to a two-storey apartment and 4 self-contained lodges. The hotel has a main season from April to end of October but retains a permanent team year-round and attracts visitors and groups from all over the world as well as regular visitors who come year after year.

Our guests come from both the island and far and wide, attracted by the beauty and challenge of our links course, the wonderful wildlife, unforgettable whisky indulgences (after all there are 9 Whisky distilleries on Islay) or indeed just to relax, take in the fresh air and great views and delight in a most comfortable stay.

From welcoming our guests from the moment they arrive to showing them to their bedroom and helping them plan their stay and activities you will take great delight looking after our guests. Arranging helicopter arrivals and booking taxis.

Being knowledgeable about the hotel facilities and what to see and do on the Island you will also take guest reservations, lunch dinner reservations, spa bookings and assist with general queries.

What we look for

Previous customer service experience and a good general level of computer skills using email and Microsoft packages is essential. Full training will be given on our property management systems, Opera and Symphony.

This role would suit those who enjoy and are confident interacting with people, our guests love speaking to our team members about life on Islay and golf.

It can get very busy during the summer so being able to keep calm and not get flustered is a good attribute for this role.

We ask that people take pride in their appearance, are punctual and have a 'can do attitude' as looking after our customers is our number one priority.

We accept applications from couples but ask that they work in different departments.

Hours of work

This is a full-time position working 40 hours a week over 5 days.

Working is on a shift basis across a pattern of 'early' shifts from 6.30am to 3pm and 'late' shifts from 2.30pm to 11pm.

Live in Accommodation

If you would be relocating to live on Islay we offer staff accommodation either on-site for those who don't drive or within a 10 min drive from the hotel if you have a car. We ask for a nominal accommodation contribution of £52.85 per week (this is reviewed annually). Everyone is provided with their own bedroom but share communal facilities.

Benefits we offer to our team

In addition to your basic salary, you can also benefit financially from:

Guest gratuities are shared amongst the team monthly (approx £900 per annum if working full time)

Islay Living out Allowance - those resident on Islay and not living in company supported accommodation can also benefit from a lump sum payment of up to £200 per month to assist with living costs (pro-rata for part time workers).

'Refer a friend' scheme - team members who refer a friend to work with us at The Machrie can benefit from a £750 thank you payment.

We also offer other discounts and benefits:

• Friends Family discounted accommodation
• 50% discount on Restaurant food
• Use of the Golf Facilities – 18 hole Links course, Driving Range, 6 hole par 3 Wee Course and training simulator.
• Discounted membership of the Islay Golf Club
• Staff discount in the Golf Pro Shop
• Use of the hotel Gym
• Uniform provided
• Staff meals on duty
• Employee Assistance Programme (24 hour helpline)

The Machrie is a key part of the community here on Islay and so will you be. Getting to know the Islay golf club members, local distilleries, gin and ale providers and regular locals and visitors to the hotel.

We know island life is not for everyone, but if you don’t need the bright lights to be entertained, and instead can equally enjoy a simpler life appreciating nature’s glorious gifts, then why not get in touch?

Travelling to Islay

Islay is easy to get to with a direct Citylink bus from Buchanan Street, Glasgow to the ferry terminal at Kennacraig or two daily 30 min flights from Glasgow.

The Machrie

With panoramic views across the golf links to the idyllic 7 miles of silver sands at Laggan Bay the hotel only opened late 2018 but already has been recognised as "Scottish Hotel of the Year 2020" and our historic golf links today is ranked in the top 20 courses in Scotland.

Hotel facilities include our iconic Restaurant 18 and Stag Lounge with panoramic views across the golf links out to the west and also benefits from the spectacular evening sunsets. The Kildalton room can be used for meetings, small private dinners and weddings, our courtyard is great for summer barbecues and the Snug for private whisky tastings. There is also a small screening room (cinema) for 35 people and small Spa with a gym, sauna and two treatment rooms.

Our golf facilities include the renowned 18 hole Machrie Links, founded in 1891 it is now ranked in the top 20 courses in Scotland and the Islay Golf Club still operates from The Machrie today. Complimenting the links is our 6 hole, par 3 Wee Course, driving range and teaching studio.

We know island life is not for everyone, but if you do not need the bright lights to be entertained, and instead can equally enjoy a simpler life appreciating nature and the outdoors, then why not get in touch?

The Machrie also has 2 sister properties:

The Pierhouse Hotel Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin (near Oban). 2 AA Rosette

The Three Chimneys, Dunvegan, Skye. 3 AA Rosette