Host

Pezula Hotel; Knysna; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff housing

Staff facilities access

Career development

Training opportunities

Job summary

Pezula Nature Retreat in Knysna is seeking a Host to be the first point of contact for guests, delivering warmth and attentive service. You’ll manage daily front of house operations and coordinate with teams to reflect Pezula’s standards across the property.

You’ll guide and mentor staff, supervise shifts, handle reservations and guest enquiries, and support other departments during busy periods while maintaining health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in front of house or guest-facing hotel roles.
• Luxury or boutique hotel experience is advantageous.
• Strong communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• Confident host with attention to detail and composure under pressure.
• Hands-on, proactive approach and team player.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
• Opera Cloud or Micros/Simphony POS experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist guests with a friendly, professional approach.
• Manage front of house operations, including check-ins, check-outs, reservations and guest enquiries using Zoho and transfer.
• Respond promptly to guest requests, feedback and concerns, ensuring satisfaction.
• Support and mentor front desk staff to uphold service standards and Village n Life culture.
• Supervise shift operations, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate room allocations based on guest preferences and special requests.
• Maintain a visible presence across the property, engaging naturally with guests.
• Assist other departments during high-volume periods and special events.
• Conduct property walkabouts, reporting operational or maintenance issues.
• Promote hotel amenities, programs and local attractions to guests - sister property Camps Bay Market.
• Support rostering, staff development, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene standards.
• Manage cash transactions, open accounts and other financial duties as required.
• House account handling and room drops for special occasions.
• P/M account management and cover duty manager shifts.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organisational skills

Team player

Customer service

Tools

Opera Cloud

Micros/Simphony POS

Job description

This role forms part of the Operations team, based at Pezula Nature Retreat in Knysna.

The Role

As Host, you’ll be the first point of contact for guests, setting the tone for their stay with genuine warmth and attentive service. You’ll manage daily front of house operations, coordinate with teams across the property, and ensure every guest interaction reflects the personality and standards of Village N Life.

Your focus will be on creating seamless, welcoming experiences, anticipating guest needs and supporting team members to deliver consistently high service levels. You’ll act as a visible, approachable presence throughout the property, guiding your team and supporting operations to keep the hotel running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist guests with a friendly, professional approach
• Manage front of house operations, including check-ins, check-outs, reservations and guest enquiries using Zoho and transfer
• Respond promptly to guest requests, feedback and concerns, ensuring satisfaction
• Support and mentor front desk staff to uphold service standards and Village n Life culture
• Supervise shift operations, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures
• Coordinate room allocations based on guest preferences and special requests
• Maintain a visible presence across the property, engaging naturally with guests
• Assist other departments during high-volume periods and special events
• Conduct property walkabouts, reporting operational or maintenance issues
• Promote hotel amenities, programs and local attractions to guests - sister property Camps Bay Market
• Support rostering, staff development, and performance management
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene standards
• Manage cash transactions, open accounts and other financial duties as required
• House account
• Room drops, special occasions, special request
• P/M account management
• Cover duty manager shifts

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years’ experience in front of house or guest-facing hotel roles
• Previous experience in luxury or boutique hotel settings advantageous
• Strong communication, leadership and organisational skills
• Confident host with attention to detail and composure under pressure
• Hands-on, proactive approach and team player
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays
• Opera Cloud or Micros/Simphony POS experience beneficial

What We Offer

• Competitive package aligned with experience
• Career development and training opportunities within Village n Life
• Supportive, dynamic team environment
• Staff housing options and access to staff facilities