The Parlour Restaurant Hostess - IC New York Barclay

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Host at The Parlour Bar & Restaurant serves as the first and last impression of the dining experience, acting as a key ambassador of InterContinental New York Barclay’s luxury service standards. This role is responsible for managing guest arrivals, reservations, and seating flow while delivering a warm, personalized welcome to every guest.

The Host plays a critical role in shaping the guest journey, ensuring operational efficiency, maximizing seating opportunities, supporting revenue optimization, and maintaining the refined atmosphere of the restaurant. This position requires exceptional guest engagement skills, strong organizational ability, and close collaboration with restaurant leadership and service teams.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Guest Experience & Arrival Management

• Welcome guests with professionalism, warmth, and genuine hospitality, using guest names whenever possible and recognizing IHG One Rewards members and VIP guests.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all arriving guests, ensuring a seamless and gracious arrival experience.

• Escort guests to tables in a timely and thoughtful manner, anticipating guest needs and preferences.

• Provide accurate information regarding menus, promotions, and restaurant offerings.

Reservations & Dining Room Flow Management

• Manage reservations through OpenTable and internal systems, ensuring accuracy, proper pacing, and optimal table utilization.

• Maintain accurate and detailed guest profiles to support personalized service and guest recognition.

• Monitor dining room activity and collaborate with management and service staff to balance seating flow and maximize operational efficiency.

• Manage waitlists professionally, providing clear communication and thoughtful guest recovery when needed.

• Answer phone calls promptly and professionally, assisting with reservations and guest inquiries.

Luxury Service & Guest Recovery

• Demonstrate confidence, professionalism, and composure when handling guest concerns, resolving issues independently whenever possible or escalating appropriately.

• Anticipate guest needs and proactively contribute to exceptional service experiences.

• Support the achievement of Guest Love and service excellence goals.

Restaurant Presentation & Atmosphere

• Maintain a pristine and organized host stand and entrance area at all times.

• Monitor and support the overall ambiance of the restaurant, including lighting, music, cleanliness, and presentation standards.

• Ensure menus and collateral are clean, accurate, and properly presented.

Operational & Administrative Support

• Support daily operational readiness, including opening and closing host stand responsibilities.

• Assist with administrative tasks including menu printing, reservation audits, and guest communication.

• Monitor guest request platforms and communicate guest needs to appropriate departments.

• Work collaboratively with restaurant leadership, culinary, and service teams to ensure seamless operations.

• Support operational initiatives that drive guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and revenue performance.

Compliance & Standards

• Follow all company policies, health and safety regulations, and brand service standards.

• Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and adherence to luxury hospitality expectations at all times.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Previous host or guest-facing experience in a luxury hotel or upscale restaurant preferred

This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds (plates, utensils, menus, etc.)

• Handling food objects, products and utensils

• Using a keyboard

• Bending, stooping, kneeling

Other:

• Strong int