Host

La Bahia Hotel; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

La Bahia Hotel & Spa in Santa Cruz is seeking a polished Host to welcome guests, guide seating, and ensure seamless dining flow from arrival to table. You will master the dining room layout and work closely with servers to balance walk-ins and reservations.

The role emphasizes impeccable service, OpenTable/ResDiary proficiency, and elegant presentation. If you thrive in a high-end atmosphere and can maintain composure during peak hours, join our Food & Beverage team.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in upscale dining host role.
• Physical stamina for continuous standing (5+ hours) with elegant posture.
• OpenTable/ResDiary expertise.
• Fluent in English; additional languages preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute flawless greeting protocols with polished demeanor (standing posture, eye contact, personalized welcome).
• Master the restaurant's table map and server stations to optimize seating flow.
• Coordinate with bussers/servers for VIP arrivals and special requests.
• Remember and acknowledge returning guests with tailored recognition.
• Manage OpenTable/ResDiary with 100% accuracy.
• Balance walk-in traffic with reservations while maintaining ideal table turnover.
• Process last-minute changes with discreet professionalism.
• Maintain waitlist with estimated timing transparency.
• Communicate seating status to service team via silent signaling system.
• Time seating to kitchen capacity (consulting with chef expeditor).
• Present menus with proper orientation and lighting consideration.
• Escort guests to tables with pacing adapted to guest mobility.
• Maintain immaculate host stand organization and appearance.
• Uphold uniform standards and pin requirements.
• Demonstrate wine list familiarity for preliminary beverage inquiries.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Upscale dining host experience

OpenTable/ResDiary expertise

Table management

English fluency

Guest service orientation

Tools

OpenTable

ResDiary

Job description

ABOUT US

Nestled along the Pacific Coast, La Bahia Hotel & Spa celebrates its dramatic setting where the tip of Monterey Bay touches Sana Cruz's coveted Main Beach. Steeped in the romantic beauty of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, locals and travelers alike will savor globally influenced cuisine, cocktails and wellness rituals infused with the region's agricultural bounty and coast-cultured Spirit.

SUMMARY

The Host is a professional who is a master at operational efficiency and delivering personalized attention. This role is responsible for managing reservations while creating unforgettable initial encounters for our guests. The Host's innate sense of timing, discretion, and mastery of table management will elevate our guests' dining experience from the very first interaction. By delivering impeccable service, the Hostess will uphold La Bahia Hotel & Spa’s service standards (inspired by Forbes) while elevating our beachfront property.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute flawless greeting protocols with polished demeanor (standing posture, eye contact, personalized welcome)
• Master the restaurant's table map and server stations to optimize seating flow
• Coordinate with bussers/servers for VIP arrivals and special requests
• Remember and acknowledge returning guests with tailored recognition
• Manage OpenTable/ResDiary with 100% accuracy
• Balance walk‑in traffic with reservations while maintaining ideal table turnover
• Process last‑minute changes with discreet professionalism
• Maintain waitlist with estimated timing transparency
• Communicate seating status to service team via silent signaling system
• Time seating to kitchen capacity (consulting with chef expeditor)
• Present menus with proper orientation and lighting consideration
• Escort guests to tables with pacing adapted to guest mobility
• Maintain immaculate host stand organization (clean menus, straightened stationery)
• Uphold appearance standards (posture, uniform perfection, breath mints)
• Demonstrate wine list familiarity for preliminary beverage inquiries
• Maintain impeccable grooming standards, wearing the assigned uniform exactly as specified (proper fit, cleanliness, and presentation at all times)
• Wear the official hotel lapel pin prominently as part of the uniform requirement, unless embroidered onto uniform
• Perform all other duties that may be assigned as needed by your manager

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2–3 years of experience in upscale dining host role, luxury hotel and/or resort preferred
• Physical stamina for continuous standing (5+ hours) with elegant posture
• OpenTable/ResDiary expertise
• Table management system proficiency
• Fluent in English (additional languages highly preferred)
• Social intuition to assess guest moods/preferences
• Capable of maintaining composure during peak hours
• Comfortable in varying lighting conditions
• Capability to carry leather‑bound menus (up to 15 lb)
• Flexible to work in different shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Highly organized with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

This role offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the guest experience. If you are dedicated to personalized service, guest satisfaction, and enjoy working in a high‑end atmosphere, we invite you to join our Food & Beverage team at La Bahia Hotel.