Host/Hostess, Alteno

Starwood Hotels•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Host/Hostess welcomes restaurant guests and provides a gracious, professional first impression of the brand. The role is responsible for managing reservations, greeting and seating guests, and supporting an appropriate service pace. Hosts act as brand ambassadors, helping guests feel welcome and providing an exemplary dining experience at Alteno, a restaurant inspired by Chef Johnny Curiel’s Jaliscan Highland roots and traditions. The position requires hospitality, strong guest-service and communication skills, organization, multitasking, reliability, adaptability, and the ability to stand for long periods. Team members must be flexible to work varying schedules, including weekends and holidays, to meet the needs of a 24-hour operation. The job description notes that duties may change and is not an exhaustive list.

Requirements

Prior host experience is preferred, and the candidate should have previous similar work experience in hospitality and food and beverage.
Organized and proficient at multitasking.
Reliable team player who is willing to learn and adapt to new situations.
Proficient verbal and written English communication.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Able to stand for long periods of time.
Flexible to work varying schedules, including weekends and holidays, to meet the demands of a 24-hour operation.
Basic knowledge of banquet operations; team player, hard worker, and detail-oriented.

Nice To Haves

Prior host experience.
Passion for hospitality and food and beverage.
Basic knowledge of banquet operations.

Responsibilities

Take and monitor reservations; oversee daily reservations and pre-assign seating when necessary.
Greet and escort guests to tables in a gracious and professional manner, including acknowledging VIPs.
Control the flow of guests entering the restaurant and bar, direct guests to waiting areas, and provide table updates.
Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly; address guest questions or problems proactively.
Bid farewell to guests, using their names and encouraging them to return.
Maintain a clean and sanitized work environment and reorganize the host stand at the end of a shift.
Answer phone calls and direct them to the appropriate department.
Assist in supervising food servers, bussers, and food runners in matters related to guest contact and table information.
Communicate special orders, cake orders, special requests, and VIP requests to management.
Stay informed about hotel facilities, amenities, and dining outlets to provide accurate information to guests.
Perform assigned opening and closing duties.
Follow company, safety, security, hotel, and Health Department policies and procedures; report maintenance problems, hazards, accidents, or injuries; complete safety training and certifications; and properly store flammable materials.
Maintain a clean and professional uniform and personal appearance, and protect confidential proprietary information.
Embody the 1 Hotels Vision, Mission, and Compass; deliver on the company promise, provide Good-Natured Service, and uphold brand pillars.