Luxury Restaurant Host — Guest Experience Lead

The Vanderbilt; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vanderbilt is seeking a Restaurant Host to uphold the welcoming atmosphere of our Newport property. You will greet guests, manage reservations, and coordinate seating to ensure a smooth flow from arrival to departure.

Responsibilities include answering calls, maintaining reservation records, briefing staff on station setups, and keeping host areas clean. You will support guests with local information, and assist with VIP and special requests while collaborating with the F&B team.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in customer service or hospitality
• 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 certificates

Responsibilities

• 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
• Assist with preparation of station charts, assign stations, and guide servers and support staff in table setup
• 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

Skills

Customer service

English fluency

Excellent communication

Job description

The Vanderbilt is seeking a Restaurant Host to uphold the welcoming atmosphere of our Newport property. You will greet guests, manage reservations, and coordinate seating to ensure a smooth flow from arrival to departure.

Responsibilities include answering calls, maintaining reservation records, briefing staff on station setups, and keeping host areas clean. You will support guests with local information, and assist with VIP and special requests while collaborating with the F&B team.