The 9 Most Unusual Hotel Jobs Around The World
In the hospitality world, many key jobs ensure the operations of a hotel run smoothly. You always have a general manager, for example, and usually front desk staff. A hotel typically employs a catering department, doormen, bellmen, housekeepers and more.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, nearly 10% of all jobs globally are supported by travel and tourism. And with the industry projected to grow steadily over the next decade, there continue to be plenty of new (and sometimes unexpected), job opportunities.
Whether you're searching for a wild dream job or are simply seeking hotel inspiration, these are some of the most unusual hospitality jobs in the world.
Water Sommelier
Sommeliers are common at luxury properties. But a water sommelier? Not so much. Yet that's an actual position at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland. Yes, the woman who holds the title is certified by the Doemens Savour Academy (the only recognized water sommelier program in the world) and presents mineral waters to guests to pair with dishes, wines and more. They also introduce guests to the nutritional value of water. For example, water high in magnesium is good for your heart, muscles and brain, while water with a lot of bicarbonate can be great for hangovers and sore throats.
Genealogy Butler
This butler won't assist with your bags or get you settled in your room, but he will help you track down your ancestors. The Shelbourne in Dublin, Ireland has an on-staff Genealogy Butler who guests can work with to trace their Irish ancestors. Helen Kelly is one of Ireland's leading genealogists and a member of Accredited Genealogists of Ireland. He develops personalized research plans, genealogical tours throughout Ireland, assessment reports and hosts trips to Dublin's various genealogical repositories.
S'moreologist
Making the perfect s'more is hard work. That's why the Paws Up Resort in Montana has trained butlers and culinary staff to become master S'moreologists who can help guests perfect their roasting, toasting, melting and assembly skills. S'moreologists knows all the essential s'mores-crafting techniques, such as the optimal chocolate-to-marshmallow ratio, achieving the ideal caramelization of the marshmallow and developing the perfect amount of char. S'moreologists also understand flavor profiles, helping guests assemble unique concoctions with local ingredients (think: fresh fruit, crispy bacon, salted caramel and smoked salmon). Sounds like a pretty sweet job.
Certified Spookmaster
New Orleans is supposedly one of the most haunted cities in the country, and Hilton New Orleans Riverside takes advantage. They have a resident Spookmaster whose job it is to essentially scare guests. How? The Spookmaster tells guests where around town they can go to spot a spirit; sets up local ghost tours and visits to haunted houses such as the Voodoo & Cemetery Tour; and lets guests check out ghost stories for a spooky night in. A key prerequisite for the role? You must be, er, spirited.
Residential Bath Butler
Butlers exist to make lives easier. But there's one butler gig that's all about helping travelers destress to the max. Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences in Florida now has a Ritual Bath Butler who will work with Amrit's Wellness Advisor to determine your optimum sleep time and adjust the room's lighting to ensure the dimming cycles are perfectly synchronized. From there, a bath will be drawn at the optimum temperature and infused with select aromas and botanicals to ensure you have the most restful night ever.
Archeoastronomy Expert
In Peru, it's not hard to find archeologists or astronomers. But finding someone that's an expert in both? That's a challenge. So, when Mountain Lodges of Peru heard about Andres Adasme — an architect and design consultant with a passion for astronomy — they knew he needed to be on staff. Now, he's their chief archeoastronomy expert. Adasme leads tours and conversations with travelers, where he shares his knowledge of Andean wisdom and explains the foundation for sacred sites such as Machu Picchu and their relationship to the skies above. He'll even teach you how to read an ancient sundial.
Chief Flamingo Officer
All hotel brands have a CFO. But the CFO at the Baha Mar resort complex does not need any financial training. Instead, the position requires a degree and experience within the field of zoology. The CFO, or Chief Flamingo Officer, is charged with leading and maintaining the "Flamingo Mansion," and educating guests about the role flamingos play in the ecosystems and natural environment of the Bahamas. The job sounds great, but the colleagues can be a little flighty.
Bowtie Butler
Everyone has the jitters on their wedding day. That's why couples employ planners, florists, stylists and more to handle all the day-of details. Well, Asheville's newest boutique hotel, The Foundry, decided to add a position that specifically takes care of a particular groom need: tying a bowtie. The property employs a Bowtie Butler who can share proper bow-tying techniques and provide quick lessons to the groomsman on how to master the art of a bowtie on his wedding day. You're guaranteed to have no lopsided bowties in your wedding album.
Kār t̄h̀āy P̣hāph Insiders
Getting that perfect FOMO-inducing selfie is key when traveling. Tower Club at Lebua, in Bangkok, recognized that need and hired photography experts to snap the best pics from 820 feet above the city at The Dome rooftop. The staff will help you capture the best lighting, angles and sky-high views with precision and ease, guiding guests through different poses. The Lebua team even takes it one step further by providing hand-held lighting (for those must-see lifestyle and foodie shots) as the evening progresses, since The Dome's fine-dining establishments ban flash photography.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.