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Hospitality operations

BOH vs FOH in Hotels: Why both matter

Discover why hotel BOH teams are as vital as FOH. Learn how they collaborate to deliver seamless guest experiences and improve service success


When you think of exceptional hotel service, it’s easy to picture the Front-of-House (FOH) team: receptionists warmly greeting guests, concierges arranging last-minute dinner reservations, bellhops managing luggage with a smile. These are the roles that shape a guest's first impression and final memory

But what about everything behind the scenes?

Table setting at a hotel


The Back-of-House (BOH) team might not be seen by guests, but they are every bit as critical to the guest experience. Housekeepers, chefs, laundry attendants, maintenance crew, and logistics staff work tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. Without them, FOH wouldn’t have the tools or support to do their jobs effectively.



Why this matters

In hospitality, FOH and BOH aren’t just departments – they’re a partnership. A disconnect between them can lead to real consequences: late check-ins, unclean rooms, delayed meal service, or worse, negative reviews. But when they work in sync, service feels seamless, operations flow effortlessly, and both guests and staff thrive.



The invisible engine of guest satisfaction

BOH teams are the hidden engine of hotel excellence. Housekeepers turn over rooms with precision. Chefs and kitchen porters fuel the dining experience. Maintenance staff keep things running without interruption. Their efficiency and attention to detail allow FOH teams to deliver with confidence.

Consider the logistics of a 200-room hotel. Without timely communication from housekeeping, the front desk can’t assign clean rooms. If kitchen prep runs behind, room service is delayed. BOH teams provide the structure FOH teams rely on to shine.



FOH sets the stage, but BOH builds the theatre

FOH teams deliver charm, empathy, and solutions on the spot. They’re the storytellers of the hotel brand. But that story falls flat without a well-organized stage behind the curtain.

A strong FOH team that empathizes with guests but lacks timely BOH support might struggle to meet expectations. A great FOH+BOH collaboration ensures promises made at the front desk are kept by the teams behind it.


Unbeatable service starts with happy, confident staff.

Typsy - Teaching FOH and BOH to work on the same team at typsy.com

A fully realised, optimized hospitality venue goes hand in hand with skilled, well-trained staff. Luckily, Typsy can help you take care of both.

Typsy’s 1000+ hospitality lessons are practical, effective, and fun! You and your staff can develop a more well-rounded understanding of what it takes to deliver an incredible hospitality experience to every customer, every day.

Best of all, you can access Typsy as and when it suits you.

Learn your way - starting today.


Bridging the communication gap

Sometimes, tension builds between FOH and BOH because the teams operate in silos. FOH may feel the pressure of guest complaints, while BOH may feel undervalued for the work they do that no one sees.

Open communication is key. Brief daily huddles between department heads, shared goals, or cross-training can help build empathy and mutual respect. For example, when FOH staff understand what it takes to clean a room during peak check-out, they communicate more effectively with guests.

Many hotels now use digital tools to connect FOH and BOH teams in real-time. Mobile housekeeping status updates or integrated maintenance alerts help resolve issues faster and reduce miscommunication.



Training both sides of the house

To run a hotel like a well-oiled machine, training can’t be limited to just customer service. BOH staff need learning opportunities too—from safe food handling to time management, workplace communication, and equipment safety.

Likewise, FOH teams can benefit from understanding BOH workflows. Typsy offers hundreds of lessons for every role in the hotel, so everyone can upskill, stay motivated, and work better together.

Explore Typsy courses on housekeeping, culinary service, guest experience, and more.
 



Great guest experiences aren’t the result of individual brilliance. They’re the product of teams working in harmony—seen and unseen. Recognizing the value of BOH and investing in their growth not only improves morale but lifts the entire guest journey.

If your BOH and FOH teams are aligned, your hotel will run more smoothly, your guests will be happier, and your reputation will shine.

 

Want to train both sides of your team? Try Typsy for free and start building a more connected, skilled hotel crew today.


Kacey-Bradley

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, Hotel Online, SevenRooms, Point 2 Home and more! Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

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