Lafayette Restaurant Host

Steeped in rich history and surrounded by the most iconic institutions of our nation, The Hay-Adams is the downtown Washington, D.C. hotel for discerning guests. Enveloped by views of the White House, St. John’s Church, and the scenic Lafayette Park, the 5-star accommodations at The Hay-Adams are the embodiment of refined residence. Marked by Washington, D.C.’s most accommodating amenities and dedicated services, The Hay-Adams is the boutique hotel of choice for the modern luxury traveler. The Hay-Adams offers an exceptional guest experience that goes beyond a good night’s sleep.

The actual base pay offered is determined by several variables, including, as appropriate, the applicant's qualifications for the position, years of relevant experience, distinctive skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held.  Base pay is one component of B. F. Saul Company & Affiliates total compensation package, which also includes access to or eligibility for healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, bonus plans and more 
The Hay-Adams is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring diverse professionals.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Position Scope
Coordinate, organize, manage, and execute all reservations for the dining room. Welcome and seat patrons as well as handing all "door activities" at the Lafayette Restaurant
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Hay-Adams Handbook, the departmental Standard Operating Manual and our policies and procedures are part of this Job description 
Adherence to the Hay-Adams Hotel grooming and appearance standards is imperative for this position
Provide information and answer questions with regards to the product and offerings of the Lafayette Restaurant and Private Dining
Be knowledgeable with regards to operating hours of all food & beverage outlets and any promotions or events
Learn and be familiar with VIP reports and hotel environment
Answer the phone in accordance with hotel standards
Accept reservations for the Lafayette Restaurant and the Private Dining Room, by taking information such as guest name, time of reservation, party size, a phone number, and a credit card number 
Prepare a seating assignment before each meal period which considers the special requests and preferred needs of guests
Welcome and greet all guests at the front door of the restaurant in a timely manner and follow all Hotel service standards and procedures
Seat patrons by escorting them to their assigned table, pulling out chairs, placing napkins, and handing out menus. Answer any questions from the guest, especially regarding menu or hotel items
Walk through the dining room to ensure guests are satisfied; answer questions and advise servers and bus persons of any specific service needs
Handle any guest request or complaints within reason or coordinate with the Manager on shift if needed
Maintain work area in a professional manner and ensure that the noise level in all work areas is kept to a minimum
This position requires excellent guest service skills and an understanding that customer care has the highest priority
Perform any other reasonable duties as required and directed
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
Supervisory Responsibility
This job has no supervisory responsibilities
Education and Experience
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or three to six months related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Language Skills
Must have goof working knowledge of the English language - ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence and effectively present information in a one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees for the organization
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide. Ability to perform these operations using USD as a unit.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. 
Physical Ability
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics describes here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.