Dining Room Host

Auberge Collection; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection in Newport seeks a personable Restaurant Host to welcome guests, manage check-ins and seating, and ensure a smooth dining flow. You will coordinate with restaurant and pool staff, answer phones, take reservations, and maintain accurate records in reservation systems.

Ideal candidates have prior customer service or hospitality experience, fluent English, and the flexibility to work weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Experience in customer service or hospitality is preferred.
• Ability to speak and write in English fluently.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests, handle check-ins and seating with courtesy and efficiency.
• Answer phones, take reservations, and log orders in reservation systems.
• Coordinate with restaurant/pool staff to optimize guest placements and flow.
• Assist with station charts and guide servers for optimal setup.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of host station and work areas.
• Keep guest profiles and VIP requests updated in the system.
• Ensure menus and wine lists are current and stocked.
• Resolve guest complaints promptly to ensure satisfaction.
• Know hotel services and local attractions to respond to inquiries.

Skills

Communication skills

Hospitality experience

Tools

Reservation systems

Job description

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection is a former mansion-turned-storied 33-room luxury resort located in downtown Newport. Originally built in 1908 by scion Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, the property is the coastal city’s social hub and a vibrant, historic gem waiting to be explored. Brimming with alluring eccentricities, the mansion has been meticulously restored to its glory, boasting elegant fireplaces and museum-quality artwork in the welcoming lobby entrance, Mezzanine and Parlor Room. Dining options include The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt, which features a forward-thinking menu of coastal New England classics, The Living Room, offering light bites and bar favorites, and The Conservatory, where guests can dine indoors as well as outdoors on the Garden Terrace. Guests can also enjoy evening drinks at the popular rooftop bar, The Roof Deck, which offers sweeping views of Newport Harbor. The Vanderbilt presents a spa and fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a variety of local experiences, such as sailing journeys on the Newport coast, private culinary classes, and more.

The role of Restaurant Host upholds the welcoming atmosphere that defines our hospitality. As a key member of our Auberge family, your role is to provide exceptional service, ensuring a positive experience for our guests from arrival to departure.

• Greet guests warmly, provide courteous service, and efficiently handle check-ins and seating.
• Answer phones, take reservations, take in-room dining orders, and maintain accurate records in reservation systems.
• Coordinate with restaurant and/or pool staff to optimize guest placements, avoiding overbooking and ensuring smooth flow.
• Assist with preparation of station charts, assign stations, and guide servers and support staff in optimal table set-up.
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the host station and assigned work areas.
• Monitor and update guest profiles, VIP arrivals, and special requests using reservation systems.
• Ensure menus and wine lists are clean, up-to-date, and well-stocked at all times.
• Resolve guest complaints promptly to ensure satisfaction.
• Familiarize yourself with all hotel services, local attractions, and respond accurately to guest inquiries.
• Collaborate with Food and Beverage Management to set a positive tone for the restaurant environment.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in customer service or hospitality, preferably in a high-end setting.
• Strong communication skills, positive attitude, and the ability to speak and write in English fluently.
• Must be of minimum age to serve alcohol.
• Flexibility to work a variable schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to obtain relevant state and local government certifications, such as food handlers certificate or alcohol training certifications, as applicable to the position.

Vanderbilt Hotel LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Vanderbilt Hotel LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Vanderbilt Hotel LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.