Job Description

We’re Sonesta International Hotels.
The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast.

An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

The Food & Beverage Host/Hostess is responsible for creating a warm, welcoming, and professional first impression for all guests entering the restaurant. This position manages reservations, seating flow, and guest communication while ensuring an exceptional dining experience aligned with the property’s service standards. The Host/Hostess plays a key role in guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and team coordination within the outlet.

Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:

• Greet guests promptly with a friendly, professional demeanor.
• Manage wait lists and reservations using the designated reservation system.
• Accurately quote wait times and maintain communication with waiting guests.
• Escort guests to tables and present menus.
• Provide information regarding restaurant offerings, specials, and promotions.
• Address guest inquiries and escalate concerns to management when appropriate.
• Ensure guests departing the restaurant are acknowledged and thanked.
• Seating & Flow Management
• Maintain accurate seating rotation to ensure balanced server sections.
• Monitor table status and coordinate with servers and management for efficient turnover.
• Communicate closely with kitchen and service teams regarding large parties or special accommodation.
• Answer restaurant phone calls in a professional manner.
• Confirm and manage reservations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand and lobby area.
• Monitor lobby appearance, including lighting, music, and ambiance.
• Assist with menu presentation, signage, and daily specials communication.
• Support side work and opening/closing procedures assigned.
• Ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional; maintain confidentiality of proprietary information; protect company assets.
• Display daily professional, courteous, attentive, helpful, and positive attitude towards all guests, fellow employees, and managers.
• Ability to work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team to reach common goals.
• Perform other job duties as requested by supervisors/managers as other job duties may be assigned as needed.
• Understanding Sonesta’s company and safety policies and maintain compliance with OSHA and the health department requirements.

Qualifications and Skills:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous customer service or hospitality experience preferred.
• Experience with restaurant reservation systems (e.g., OpenTable, SevenRooms) is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-volume environments.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Work Environment:

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to stand for the entire shift.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to r each overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, pushing, and stooping. Climb ladders of various heights.
• Must be able to push, pull and lift to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand entire shift.

Expected Hours of Work:

• Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel.
• Must be flexible to work various days and various shifts of the week to include weekends, holidays, days, nights and overnight.
• Regular attendance in conformance with the standards which have been established by the hotel from time to time is essential to the successful performance of this position.
• Ten-to-twelve-hour shifts are sometimes required.

Travel:

• No travel required.

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

$28.71-$ 33.04- Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills, and job specific/overall experience.

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.