Seasonal Host

BENCHMARK; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

BENCHMARK is seeking a driven professional to serve as a Hostess at the Renaissance Newport Beach property. This role involves warmly greeting and seating guests, managing reservations, and ensuring a clean and welcoming environment.

Ideal candidates will have at least 6 months of experience in a restaurant setting, with a preference for fine-dining knowledge. The position requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends, offering a dynamic work atmosphere.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of hostess or restaurant experience.
• Previous fine-dining knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly and confirm seating preferences.
• Assist guests with seating and alert servers of special needs.
• Maintain accurate seating chart and monitor menus.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a driven professional passionate about delivering the first impression for our guests at the Renaissance Newport Beach property.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly, introduce yourself, confirm party size, and confirm seating preferences.
• Assist guests with seating, walk with them to the table, and alert the server of special needs.
• Maintain accurate seating chart and cover tallies for the restaurant.
• Monitor and restock menus, wine lists and ensure they are clean and crisp.
• Communicate reservations accurately and courteously to guests.
• Coordinate daily communication and compensation payments, including tracking slips and third‑party payments.
• Provide phone assistance, answer guest inquiries, and direct callers to appropriate staff.
• Handle guest questions and concerns, resolve issues with empathy, and follow up with management.
• Ensure a clean, safe environment; conduct closing inspections and prepare for the next day.
• Support emergency safety measures and general housekeeping requirements.
• Maintain positive atmosphere with guests, vendors, co‑workers, and management.
• Maintain and update the communication book with group resumes, holiday menus, upcoming events and resort activities.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Restaurant Manager and/or Assistant Manager.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and lifting trays weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Work outside during exposure to sunlight while working at the pool outlet.
• May require overtime during certain shifts according to business demands.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of hostess or restaurant experience.
• Previous fine‑dining experience and/or knowledge of wines and spirits is a plus.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Grooming: must maintain a neat, clean and well‑groomed appearance.
• Must be able to greet and serve guests in a warm, friendly manner.

Equal Opportunity Employment

In the United States, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer – veterans and persons with disabilities. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance or an accommodation to apply for a position should contact the People Department directly at your preferred location.