Every month, the West End Hotel**** puts the spotlight on one of its employees through a series of questions designed to help us better understand his job and what motivates him in his daily work. Today, the hotel presents Sylvio Pepe, baggage handler at the 4-star hotel.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Sylvio Pepe, I’m 49 years old, and I’ve been working as a porter at the West End Hotel for almost 17 years. I started my career in the building trade before joining a high-end restaurant in Beaulieu, thanks to a colleague. However, I didn’t really enjoy the contact with this clientele, which is very different from the hotel business.

What do you love most about your job?

What I enjoy most is meeting people from all over the world. Every day is different, with different tasks. I love talking to customers, welcoming them and helping them to have a good time.
Being a baggage handler isn’t just about carrying and storing luggage. My role is very versatile: I welcome customers, park cars, accompany them to their rooms, book taxis, find the best prices and sometimes run errands for them. It’s this diversity that makes my job so exciting.

What advice would you give to a new employee?

My advice is simple: if someone doesn’t like this job, it’s better to change! Working in the lobby of a hotel requires passion and commitment, because a lack of interest is immediately noticeable. Personally, when I started at the West End Hotel, I felt like I was walking into a theatre. I was a bit stressed but, over time, I learned to adapt. As a baggage handler, it’s essential to know how to manage stress, especially in summer, when demand is higher. You have to learn to prioritise in order to respond effectively to customers’ needs.

What’s your favourite place at the West End Hotel?

My favourite place is the reception area, which includes the outdoor and indoor areas. It’s where I spend most of my time and where everything starts for the guests. I love watching people arrive, finding out where they’ve come from, who they are and how long they’ll be staying.

What are your best memories of the hotel?

Summer is a season I love. When it’s busy, it’s very stimulating. I like the action, getting a lot of work done and enjoying the lively atmosphere. What’s more, the customers are often very pleasant at this time of year, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

What advice would you give customers to make the most of their stay?

Don’t hesitate to ask us questions! We can recommend the best restaurants, the most pleasant beaches or the must-see places to visit. We explain how to get there, which saves them time and money.
If I had to make a specific recommendation, I’d suggest they visit the village of Èze. The view between Nice and Monaco is absolutely magnificent and it’s a unique and memorable experience.