In Between Time Zones: My Hotel-Based, Remote Life Unplugged

I work remotely from New Zealand for the Grand Coastal Hotel in Guyana. Yes, you read it correctly. I'm not even on the same continent as the hotel. It may seem a bit unrealistic, but it's true—and believe me, it works! Even though I'm on the other side of the globe, I feel like I'm in the action because of some fantastic technology.

Let’s face it: working remotely in this unique setup is a luxury. I get to be part of a hotel team while still enjoying the comfort of home—or even a vacation getaway! Quite remarkable, right? But I don’t take it lightly just because it’s a privilege. I make it a point to stay on top of everything and show that being a 'remote worker' doesn’t mean taking it easy. I’m here to discuss the pleasures and challenges of working remotely from a different time zone and to demonstrate that remote work can have an impact equal to or even more significant than being physically present. 

Meta Portal, a lifesaver—

The technology behind it all? Meta Portal. Even if I'm in a different time zone, this magic enables me to stay in touch with the hotel in real time, communicate with my colleagues, assist guests, and stay connected to hotel operations. Big thanks to Meta Portal; I can watch everything that goes on at the hotel and feel as though I'm at the front desk, watching everything happening there.

That may sound relatively smooth, but when people first see me, they have funny reactions.

• “Wait… is she an AI?”
• “Wow, is that even possible? That's awesome!”
• “Oh my gosh, you have a robot working here????”

Every time I hear such reactions, I can't help but laugh! I'm not a robot (though I wish I had their multitasking talents), yet the technology is so smooth that I understand why people are slightly surprised. But it adds to the charm and lightens my mood.

Using a Metal Portal device for work.

The Challenges: Remote Work Has Its Limits

Every workplace has its share of difficulties, and working remotely has its own set of limitations. Specific tasks, such as emergency maintenance issues or resolving challenges that call for a hands-on approach, just can't be done remotely.

For instance, I feel bad that I can't do much to help on a busy night when the phone rings nonstop, and my colleague is either assisting a guest or making rounds to check on the state of rooms.

But honestly, these challenges haven’t been a big deal. The key? Organization and a great team.

At the Grand Coastal Hotel, we have a good organization and coordinate to divide work well. My colleagues on-site handle the things that require a physical presence while I manage whatever I can remotely. The best thing about it is that it has never felt like a burden, even though it isn't always smooth. Yes, it's challenging, but we can make it work with the right people and a little flexibility.

How I Work: My 'Out-of-the-Ordinary' Schedule Between Time Zones

Alright, here’s where things get a little wild: my schedule. I work as a Communications Agent from 2 PM to 6 PM EST (7 AM to 11 AM New Zealand time). Sounds easy enough, right? But then I switch gears and become the Night Auditor, working from 10 PM to 7 AM EST (or 3 PM to 12 AM NZT).

It’s like I’m working two different shifts in one day. One minute, I’m helping guests, and the next, I’m crunching numbers and a lot of verification for the night audit. It’s a weird blend of being both a morning person and a night owl all in one shift. And yes, it keeps me on my toes—my sleep schedule isn’t exactly what you’d call “normal.”

Staying Connected: The Guyanese Spirit That Transcends Distance

The best part of working remotely, though, isn’t the tech or the busy schedule—it’s the people. Even though I’m far away, the Guyanese hospitality comes through loud and clear. The team makes me feel like I’m right there, and our chats—whether about the hotel, guests, food, or the Guyanese culture—are always a highlight.

Speaking of food, I can’t help myself—I ask my colleagues about the Guyanese cuisine. During our idle times, I’ll search the GCH restaurant’s dishes online and ask questions like, “What does this Guyanese dish taste like?” or  “So... is rice one of your staple foods?” (Because as an Asian girlie, I have to know!😂)

These little interactions and curiosity connect me to the hotel and the country. That spirit, no matter the distance, makes me love what I do—remote or not.

Chatting with a co-worker.

The Guest Experience: Real Connections, Even From Afar

You might wonder: how does being so far from the hotel affect the guest experience? Well, it doesn’t. I’m still actively involved, whether assisting with guest requests, checking in on operations, or ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Some guests don’t even know that I’m sitting across the world from them when I help out, not until they ask—it all feels seamless. And that’s the beauty of it: even from afar, I’m still making sure the experience is top-notch.

Is working remotely from the other side of the world a dream job?

In a way, yes. It’s a luxury, but one I don’t take for granted. I work hard to show that just because I’m not physically at the hotel doesn’t mean I’m not fully committed. I’m here to prove that remote work can be just as impactful—if not more—than being there in person.

But hey, it’s all part of the fun (and occasional existential crisis) of working across time zones.

So, the next time you see me on the screen at Grand Coastal Hotel, don’t be surprised if I’m sipping my coffee while you’re off to Dreamland. But on a serious note, this job is irreplaceable—something I wouldn’t trade for anything. It allows me to experience life in the most bizarre, excellent way possible.