Versione in Italiano – Versión en español
Who you meet when you have the reason, but you have to give it to others
Live a hostel behind the reception is really different from living it like guest, and this gives you the possibility to observe people from another point of view. Many asked me how is working in a such young and international place, and my answer has been changing during time. Now, after one year and a half, I can answer: amazing and nerve-racking
There were days (the majority, obviously) in which I LOVED going to work, talking with people, asking their plans, knowing where are they from, where have been gone and where they are going to go. Other days were terrible, with rude and disagreeable people, complaints, shouting, insults and many others.
So, with who has to do a poor receptionist, during her shifts?
The anxious: is not in yet, but already gives you the paper with the reservation. You say “Hi!” and ask for the passport and while you’re transcribing the details, he starts to ask if there are lockers in the room, if there are kitchen, plugs, hot water, wi-fi, printer, if he can pay by card, if you can give him a city map and suggest a good restaurant. Everything, before you have been able to give him back the passport, action that requires no more then 1 minute.
The arrogant: he gets in, and neither says “Hi”. He tells you his name (which obviously will be impossible to understand at the first moment). When you ask for the passport, he’ll throw it on the desk. He never smiles nor listens and responds to basic questions (First time in Barcelona? Do you already have a plan? Where are you coming from?) in monosyllables. He will follow you condescendingly toward the room, will throw his backpack on the bed and will slam the locker. And again. And again. Before realizing that he must use the card for closing it, as he was told and shown 30 seconds earlier.
The inattentive: he asks for informations, but doesn’t listen your answer, so 5 minutes later will ask you the same. During next shift, will ask the same to your colleague.
The obvious: “there are forks and knifes in the kitchen?” “No, here in Barcelona usually we eat with hands”
The illiterate: because you can upholster with every kind of signs the whole hostel, but there will always be someone who will ring the bell when there’s written “PUSH! The door is open”.
The angry one: he will shout against you, because doesn’t want to pay the city tax, because was convinced he had booked a private room and not the 12 people dormitory or because he aspects to find the services of a luxury hotel, paying 20€ per person. Normally, or he threatens to sue the hostel for fraud, or is expelled. Or, often, both things.
The tired: arrives, after hours of travelling, totally distorted and messed. If arrives earlier then the check in time, he will beg you to give him any bed. If he can gets in the room immediately, he will have a quick shower and won’t appear anymore till next morning. If he shows up, without dark circles, is unrecognizable.
The crafty one: principally of male sex. He flirts, distributes compliments and languid glances to all the human being with doble X chromosome. Sometimes pleasant, sometimes less. Win the prize “Old crafty” Argentinians and Italians (there is a reason if the 60% of Argentinians has at least one Italian relative!)
The weird: he seats on the coach of the reception, and keeps looking at you while you’re working. For hours.
The exhibitionist: man or woman, normally is equipped with a sculpted body and conscious of his beauty, walks around half naked even in mid- January. Annoying costumer, because makes really difficult mantain concentration on what you’re doing, but is a pleasure for the eyes.
The likeable: he maks you laugh, you can make jokes with him, never earns smiles and distributes “Good morning!” like a blessing.
The addicted: to drug, sigarettes or internet. In the first two cases, will ask you where he can stock up (for drug, he asks you if you can give hime something), in the last one, will ask you the wi-fi password before telling the name of the reservation (Once a guy asked me to wait for the check in, while his new iPhone6 was updating).
The lost one: before arriving (“I’m at the number 53, I’ve seen the 55 and the 57, but there isn’t any 56” “On the other side of the street.” “Ah.”) or looking for the showers or the exit.
The tradesman: he will try to negotiate only for saving more money is possible. After strenuous negotiations, he leaves happy, with 1,50€ of discount and a free towel.
Finally, the friend: arrives that is a stranger, stays 5 days and leaves, bringing away a piece of your heart and leaving an invitation to visit him as soon as possible. Is the “category” that makes me love more my time at the hostel, gave me lots of simile and honest hugs, and I’m sure that these are the thinghs that I’ll miss more.
Photoshop: Hannah, Cristina, Giulia, Louis, Sami, Pablo, Silvia
I close this (first?) chapter as receptionist with an hand luggage full of friends, experience and new knowledges , that I’ll bring with me during my travel and, I hope, my whole life.
Has been an amazing experience, but now is the moment to move on.
Thanks 360 Arts&Culture.
Vi(n)aggiando 
That’s very astute Daphne! I have certainly noted most of these types of people at 360 and other hostels. But let me, as a former guest, comment on the staff when I’ve stayed at your 360. The staff, much like the guests, come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve met staff, recently, who had very little interest in looking after the customers, but mainly I’ve encountered wonderful staff who have gone out of their way to help. From Portugese to Italian to Austrian, the mix of helpful, friendly and downright nice (not to mention hot!) staff I’ve met at 360 is what makes the hostel the place to stay.
Daphne, good luck, amiga, and thanks for looking after me when I’ve stayed.
"Mi piace""Mi piace"