Host/ Hostess
1. Our Brand Mission & Culture –
Nestled in Nashville’s heart since 1910, “the Hermitage Hotel”—Nashville’s original million‑dollar landmark and the storied backdrop of generations of gatherings—continues to uphold its timeless motto: “Meet me at The Hermitage.” A National Historic Landmark since 2020, our iconic Beaux Arts architecture connects history and modern luxury under one welcoming roof.
Guided by Our Mission—our commitment to exceptional hospitality through highly personalized service delivered by exceptional staff—and shaped by six core values, we set the gold standard across luxury hospitality:
- Excellence – we continually raise the bar, surprising and delighting guests with poise and polish.
- Accountability – we take ownership of our goals, informed decisions, and guest satisfaction.
- Integrity – we act with consistent character, in every interaction, whether seen or unseen.
- Teamwork – we support one another in service, honesty, and respect, attending thoughtfully to every guest and teammate.
- Tradition – we honor the hotel’s legacy by ensuring our historic reputation grows brighter.
- Community – we are invested in Nashville’s well-being and continue our role in civic enrichment.
Our century‑plus evolution includes a respectful 2021–2022 restoration that refreshed our 122 suites while preserving arresting features like the marble lobby and stained-glass ceiling—alongside the debut of refined dining experiences shaped by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Why you'll thrive here:
When you join us, you become part of a team committed to preserving a cherished landmark and shaping its future—offering competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a professionally rewarding environment where growth, collaboration, and pride in legacy go hand in hand.
2. Position Overview
As a Host or Hostess at The Hermitage Hotel, you are the embodiment of gracious hospitality—the guest’s first impression and the warm welcome that sets the tone for every dining experience. From the moment a guest steps through our doors, your presence ensures a seamless and memorable transition into refined service. With an unwavering commitment to courtesy, knowledge, and poise, you orchestrate the rhythm of the dining room while reflecting the elevated standards of Nashville’s most historic and luxurious hotel. Your attentiveness transforms each greeting into a gesture of genuine care and timeless Southern hospitality.
3. Key Responsibilities
- Guest Reception & Warm Welcome
Greet every guest with warmth, elegance, and discretion—offering a poised and personalized welcome that reflects the hotel’s exceptional service ethos.
- Seating Management & Guest Flow
Escort guests to their tables with attention to preference, timing, and flow—ensuring a balanced dining room and a relaxed guest experience.
- Menu & Property Knowledge
Demonstrate fluency in menu offerings and property highlights, responding to guest inquiries with confidence and professionalism.
- Telephone Etiquette & Reservations Handling
Answer all incoming calls with elevated verbal finesse; manage inquiries, reservations, and takeout orders with precision and hospitality.
- Reservation Platform Mastery
Manage the digital reservation system with accuracy—monitor seating capacity, special requests, and timing to ensure optimal service readiness.
- Collaborative Departmental Support
Offer gracious assistance to restaurant and hotel colleagues alike—whether supporting servers, relaying guest needs, or facilitating back-of-house communication.
- Event & Banquet Integration
Contribute to broader hotel and banquet operations when needed, ensuring smooth guest transitions between restaurant and event settings.
- Consistent Professional Presence
Maintain a polished, welcoming appearance and comportment in accordance with The Hermitage Hotel’s aesthetic and service standards.
4. Competency & Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 1 year experience in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment.
- Proficient verbal communication skills in English.
- Familiarity with restaurant reservation systems (e.g., OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms).
- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, and to escort guests throughout the restaurant.
- Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Exemplary grooming and uniform presentation, in line with five-star standards.
Soft Skills & Behavioral Competencies
- Poise Under Pressure – Maintain grace and composure during high-volume service times.
- Attentiveness to Detail – Ensure every guest’s preferences and requests are acknowledged and respected.
- Guest-Centric Mindset – Prioritize guest satisfaction with an instinctive sense of empathy and discretion.
- Multitasking Ability – Seamlessly balance greeting, managing reservations, and supporting staff without compromising service.
- Team Spirit – Foster a culture of mutual respect and support across all departments.
- Professional Communication – Engage with guests and colleagues in an articulate and courteous manner.
Preferred Extras
- Previous experience in a Forbes-rated or Michelin-starred establishment.
- Familiarity with high-touch guest service protocols.
- Conversational knowledge of additional languages is an asset.
- Training or certification in hospitality or service excellence programs.
5. Why This Role Shines at The Hermitage Hotel
As a Host or Hostess at The Hermitage Hotel, your role is a cornerstone of the guest’s journey—from their first impression to their final farewell. Within the historic grandeur of our Beaux-Arts setting, you serve as both guide and ambassador, embodying the spirit of timeless hospitality. Your ability to anticipate needs, honor traditions, and elevate the ordinary into the exceptional speaks directly to our values of Excellence, Tradition, Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability, and Community. In welcoming each guest with authentic warmth and precision, you become a vital part of the enduring legacy of The Hermitage Hotel.
6. Benefits
At The Hermitage Hotel, we value our team members and offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and professional growth for Full Time Employees:
- Health & Wellness: Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance, with options to extend coverage to spouses, children, or domestic partners.
- Financial Security: Company-provided life insurance and a 401(k) plan with a 3% annual match.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid time off starting at 15 days per year after initial 90 day probationary period, increasing with tenure up to 30 days per year.
- Employee Support: Access to mental and behavioral health services, telehealth consultations, and an employee assistance program.
- Additional Perks: Complimentary meals in the employee cafeteria, subsidized on-site parking, and generous discounts at our retail and restaurant outlets.
- Professional Development: Ongoing education support, including industry training.
- Exclusive Rates: Special hotel rates for employees and discounted rates for friends and family.
7. Schedule:
· Flexible Schedule
· Must be available for Weekends/ Holidays
· Morning/Day/Night Shifts
· Shift Length 4-8 (+) Hours
· Part Time range up to 28 Hours per week
· Full Time range up to 40(+) Hours per week
· Location: In Person
8. Compensation
· Hourly rate starting at $19.00
· Paid Biweekly
NOTICE
It is the policy of The Hermitage Hotel to employ the most qualified individuals. Promotion from within will be given priority whenever possible thus providing for growth, advancement, and increased responsibility for employees. All candidates are required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check prior to beginning employment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Hermitage Hotel is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against associates or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other condition protected by applicable state and federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Luxury Fine Dining: 1 year (Required)
- Hosting: 1 year (Required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
