Jump to content

Bellhop

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Hotel porter)
Robert Walker as a bellboy in the 1945 film Her Highness and the Bellboy

A bellhop (North America), or hotel porter (international), is a hotel employee who helps patrons with their luggage while checking in or out. Bellhops often wear a uniform (see bell-boy hat), like certain other page boys or doormen. This occupation is also known as a bellman and bellboy (pronunciation) in North America.

Duties

[edit]

The name bellhop is derived from a hotel's front-desk clerk ringing a bell to summon a porter, who would hop (jump) to attention at the desk to receive instructions. It is short for bell-hopper, and the first known use of the word was in 1897.[1]

The bellhop traditionally is a boy or adolescent male, hence the term bellboy. Bellhops interact with a variety of people each day and duties often include opening the front door, moving luggage, valeting cars, calling cabs, transporting guests, advising directions, performing basic concierge work, and responding to guests' needs. While carrying luggage, they escort guests to their rooms.[2]

In most countries, it is customary to tip a bellhop for their service.[citation needed]

Bellhop standing in front of a hotel

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Definition of BELLHOP". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  2. ^ "#230 - Bellhop & Baggage Porter". Michigan Department of Career Development. Archived from the original on November 15, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
[edit]
  • Media related to Bellhops at Wikimedia Commons