Guest Service Expert

huntington-hotel-group; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Huntington Pacific Hotels LLC seeks a Guest Service Expert to create a warm dining experience, take orders, serve food and beverages, and coordinate with kitchen to ensure timely service.

This non-exempt role emphasizes safety, guest satisfaction, and professional appearance; must be 21+ to serve alcohol (where applicable) and available weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Must be able to provide friendly, personalized service.
• Excellent communication and guest service skills are required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, genuine guest experience from greeting to farewell
• Engage guests to understand preferences and make recommendations
• Accurately take and enter food and beverage orders into the POS system
• Prepare beverages and food items using Bistro equipment
• Coordinate with the kitchen to ensure timely service
• Maintain dining areas, restrooms, and dining surfaces clean and stocked
• Process payments and close out tables efficiently
• Assist with opening, running, and closing side duties as assigned
• Support teammates with food running, restocking, cleaning, and other tasks
• Thank guests and invite them to return
• Follow applicable alcohol service guidelines and laws
• Maintain safety and sanitation standards

Skills

Guest service

Communication

POS systems

Multitasking

Time management

Alcohol knowledge

Professional appearance

Team collaboration

Tools

POS system usage

Job description

Join the Huntington Team

Huntington Pacific Hotels LLC manages and develops Marriott- and Hilton-branded hotels with a focus on strong operations and memorable guest experiences. If you enjoy helping people, solving problems, and working with a team in a fast-paced environment, this role is a great fit.

Why Huntington

• Career growth: Learn the business from experienced leaders and build skills that transfer across hotels and departments
• Supportive culture: Work with a team that values accountability, service, and doing the right thing
• Variety and opportunity: Exposure to multiple brands, systems, and day-to-day operations
• Guest-first mindset: Be empowered to take ownership and make things right for guests

Job Title: Guest Service Expert

Reports To: Restaurant Manager / Bistro Supervisor

Position Summary

The Bistro Attendant / Server (Guest Service Expert) creates a memorable and welcoming dining experience—where food and drinks support the bigger goal: great hospitality. This role takes initiative to deliver fast, friendly, and personalized service from start to finish. Responsibilities include taking orders, preparing and serving food and beverages, communicating with the kitchen, maintaining a clean and organized Bistro, and completing transactions in a way that feels like part of the guest experience.

Success in this role also means maintaining a safe workplace, following company policies and procedures, upholding quality standards, and presenting a professional appearance and communication style at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Create a warm, genuine guest experience from greeting to farewell
• Engage guests in conversation to understand preferences and make thoughtful recommendations
• Accurately take and enter food and beverage orders into the POS system
• Prepare coffee beverages, specialty drinks, and food items using Bistro equipment (e.g., espresso machines, TurboChef ovens)
• Coordinate with the kitchen and team to ensure accurate, timely service
• Set up and maintain dining areas as needed (tables, condiments, supplies, cleanliness)
• Check in with guests throughout the meal and resolve concerns quickly and professionally
• Process payments, handle cash and credit transactions, and present checks in a timely manner
• Complete opening, running, and closing side duties based on shift assignments
• Keep work areas clean, organized, stocked, and sanitary (workstations, dining areas, supplies)
• Support teammates with food running, restocking, cleaning, and other operational needs
• Thank guests, use names when possible, and invite them to return
• Follow responsible alcohol service guidelines and applicable laws (when serving alcohol)
• Follow all safety and sanitation standards and report hazards or concerns promptly
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned to support the operation

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old if serving alcohol
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and special events (unless approved by management)
• Strong communication, guest service, and time-management skills
• Knowledge of alcoholic beverages and standard drink recipes (as applicable)
• Comfortable with POS systems and basic math for handling transactions
• High integrity, reliability, and accountability
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to a positive team environment

Lifting & Physical Requirements

• Stand, sit, and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift)
• Move safely across potentially sloping, uneven, or slippery surfaces
• Read and visually verify menu items, tickets, and order details
• Use a hands-on approach: bend, reach overhead and below the knees, twist, pull, and stoop
• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs without assistance and up to 50 lbs with assistance
• Carry multiple plates and trays with balance and control
• Perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning, stocking, food prep, and beverage service
• Work in a fast-paced environment with varying noise levels and temperature changes
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

ADA: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

California & Federal (FLSA) Wage/Hour Notes

• This position is Non-Exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with federal FLSA and California wage and hour requirements.
• Meal and rest periods are provided in accordance with California requirements.
• Scheduling, timekeeping, and all hours worked must be accurately recorded; no off-the-clock work.
• Paid sick leave and other required benefits are provided in accordance with California and any applicable local ordinances.

Employment Statements

• Huntington Pacific Hotels LLC/Huntington Atlantic Hotels LLC and Huntington Hospitality Management LLC are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Employment is at-will (unless otherwise required by law or written agreement).
• This job description is not a contract and may be modified based on business needs.