Published: 19 November 2007.

Contributed by Bill Atkinson

As a management rights relief manager I received an email a month ago asking if I would manage a small motel near Bundaberg for two weeks.   I had never managed a motel before but thought that it can't be very different to MR.  I enjoyed the drive north through the cane fields and after a few hours instruction the owner flew off to Egypt for a trip down the Nile and I started my career as a motellier.
 
I set my alarm for 5.30 am and shortly after I am down in the kitchen preparing breakfast for those lucky people still asleep in their units.  Maybe about 6 or so trays each morning - two or three breakfast on each tray.  We offer the usual eggs and bacon hot breakfast but also offer exotic items such as lambs's fry, eggs benedict or local fresh mushrooms on toast. Yes, so a bit of prep goes into it.  I am here by myself until the cleaners arrive after 9 am so as well as cooking and carrying breakfast to arrive at the right time I am checking people out.  This means entering details of their expenses while here such as cost of breakfast or dinner, mini bar etc and printing out tax invoices.  Oh hell, eggs are burnt - have to do that lot again.
 
And just when you think everything is under control in walks a group of 6 into the restaurant for the full works breakfast.  If I could get flustered that would be a good time for it to happen!
 
After everyone has finally gone and replacement cleaner has arrived replacing the unexpected sick one - yes ringing round in the middle of it all to find a cleaner, I then have to balance all the accounts for the day before.  This includes reconciling all credit cards and cash against units, checking all dockets for restaurant, accom, mini bar, room service etc and getting a balance before midday so the batch is accurate. 
 
Somewhere in the middle of all this I quickly  gobble down my museli - I got good training for eating quickly at boarding school.
 
It is a bit quieter early afternoon and time to do washing, towels, aprons, kitchen rags etc and check sufficient food stocks for dinner.  Also check through the units to see they have been cleaned correctly. It is pretty busy with arrivals from 4 pm onwards - we have a full house most nights - 16 units.  Bar opens at 6 and food orders for the restaurant taken from 6.30.  I have a chef and I do bar work and reception.  Last night last people left the restaurant at 10.30. I have my dinner around 5 so I can actually get to eat it.
 
After a great clean up and bar restock I flop into bed about eleven and hope no one pulls up and rings the night bell at 2.00am!
 
Moral of the story - if you want to make a LOT of money buy a busy highway motel like this one but if you want a sane existence don't go near a motel.  I hope I survive the next week!
 
I have to go - someone is ringing bell at reception.
 
Bill Atkinson
 
 
 
Bill and Gayle Atkinson
Sunset Court
46 Peninsular Drive
Surfers Paradise, 4217. Australia
www.reliefmanager.com.au
Bill mobile 0418753300

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