Host/Hostess, Water

Austin, TX, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Retirement Plan

Career Development

flexible scheduling

Job Description

Starwood Hotels is a renowned luxury hotel brand management company founded in 2006 by Barry Sternlicht and operates under the umbrella of the global private investment firm, Starwood Capital Group. The company is mission-driven, focusing on delivering meaningful experiences for its guests, fostering a diverse and sustainable workforce, and prioritizing respect for the environment. Starwood Hotels emphasizes collaboration, stellar service, and respect for nature, reflecting its belief that the world is beautiful and must be preserved. Their culture is caring and thoughtful, where employees are encouraged to bring their true selves to work and contribute positively to the world around them. The company is committed to an inclusive work environment, being an equal opportunity employer, and upholding non-discrimination policies. Special accommodations are provided for those who need them, ensuring accessibility and fairness in employment practices.

This position is for a Host/Hostess at WATR, a restaurant within the Starwood Hotels ecosystem. The Host/Hostess plays a pivotal role in creating an outstanding dining experience, acting as the first point of contact for guests. Duties involve greeting and seating guests with professionalism and warmth, managing reservations, and maintaining the flow and pace of service. This role requires excellent communication skills and a keen sense of hospitality to ensure every guest feels welcomed and valued. The Host/Hostess is responsible for overseeing reservation seating arrangements, anticipating guest needs, and collaborating closely with other staff members to solve any issues swiftly and effectively. They are also tasked with maintaining cleanliness and sanitary standards in their work environment and assisting in the supervision of food servers and bussers related to guest service and table management. This position demands flexibility, including the ability to work varying schedules such as holidays and weekends, reflecting the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. Starwood Hotels values reliability, teamwork, and adaptability, offering a role where individuals can grow personally and professionally while contributing to a mission that extends beyond typical hospitality services. Joining Starwood Hotels as a Host/Hostess means being part of a brand that is passionate about sustainable luxury and has a strong commitment to the environment, community, and guest satisfaction. The company’s integrated approach to hospitality ensures that employees not only have fulfilling careers but also play a part in a larger mission to care for the planet and inspire positive change in the world.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
prior host experience preferred
excellent communication skills
ability to multitask and stay organized
physical ability to stand for extended periods
flexibility to work varied shifts including weekends and holidays
commitment to delivering excellent customer service
ability to work as part of a team
adherence to safety and health regulations
willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment

Job Qualifications

Prior host experience preferred
are organized and proficient at multitasking
are a reliable team player willing to learn and adapt to new situations
proficient in verbal and written English communication
strong communication and customer service skills
able to stand for long periods of time
flexibility to meet the demands of a 24-hour operation

Job Duties

Greet and escort guests to tables in a gracious and professional manner
interact with guests and fellow staff members in a polite, courteous, and hospitable manner to ensure all guests have an exemplary dining experience
greet and acknowledge VIPs in a professional manner
control the flow of guests coming into the restaurant and bar
anticipate guest needs and respond appropriately with a sense of urgency
maintain a proactive approach to solving any guest questions or problems
direct guest to the appropriate waiting area and provide table updates
bid farewell to guests, using their name, and encouraging them to return to the restaurant
maintain a clean and sanitized work environment
answer phone calls and direct them to the appropriate department
assist in supervising food servers, bussers, and food runners as it relates to guest contact and table information
oversee daily restaurant reservations and pre-assign seating when necessary
communicate with management regarding special orders, cake orders, special requests, and VIP requests
stay informed about all hotel facilities, amenities, and dining outlets to provide accurate information to guests
shut down podium and reorganize host stand at end of a shift
ensure compliance of all procedures and policies set forth by the company, division, and Health Department
perform all opening and closing duties as assigned
follow all company and safety and security policies and procedures
ensure compliance with hotel policies, procedures, and standards with self and colleagues
ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional
maintain confidentiality of proprietary information
embody the 1 Hotels Vision, Mission and Compass
deliver on Our Promise, provide Good-Natured Service and uphold our Brand Pillars