Hostess – what kind of profession is this?

A hostess has long ceased to be just a job. It is rather an art, a kind of symbiosis of hospitality and elegance, which is hidden behind impeccable charm. The position in question is not limited to one encyclopedic answer to the question “What kind of profession is a hostess?”. Today they have become an integral part of the entourage and atmosphere of comfort, be it a fashionable restaurant in the center of a metropolis or a seething nightclub in the lobby of a shopping center.
A hostess is not just a person who needs to meet and see off guests of an establishment with a welcoming smile. She is a guide in the world of entertainment and gastronomic pleasures, a magician who creates an atmosphere out of nothing, like a wizard who extracts a rabbit from a top hat. Let's reveal all the secrets of the profession, find out what the task of a hostess is, who it is, how much they earn and what problems they face.
Pros and Cons of Being a Hostess
A hostess is a specialist in restaurant service, the “face” of the establishment, the “hostess of the hall”. In English, a hostess means a hotel administrator, and in a broader sense of the word, a woman who entertains visitors.
The need for hostesses in entertainment venues is becoming increasingly important in light of the growth and improvement of customer service culture. Many establishments have made hospitality an integral part of the visitor experience. The hostess should:
Lobby hostess – what is it?
Lobby hostesses are women (and sometimes men) who work in hotels, restaurants, night clubs, and other catering or entertainment establishments to greet and serve visitors at the entrance, in the lobby, vestibule, or at the reception desk. The role of such a person varies depending on the type of establishment, its functionality, and size, but in general they play an important role in ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of guests.
Typically, a lobby hostess should greet customers and direct them to the place where they can wait for service or make a reservation if necessary, handle registration and reservations, inform users on issues of interest, create an atmosphere of care and high level of service.
Hostess administrator – who is it?
The hostess of the hall with the rights of the administrator, as a real keeper of the first impression, the commander of the detachment of greetings and cozy tables, coordinates the hostess team, being its integral part and the main figure. She is the first to meet the guest at the threshold of the establishment, manages the work of the service personnel and is responsible for solving organizational issues.
The hostess administrator's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- checking readiness for opening;
- maintaining reporting documentation;
- holding planning meetings with department heads and hall employees;
- handling complaints, etc.
Yes, a hostess administrator is the most responsible form of work in the hierarchy of this profession, but it is also paid accordingly.
What does a hostess do in a restaurant?
A hostess in a restaurant is a person who greets and seats customers, solving complex puzzles about seating arrangements and reservations. Her job is to ensure a comfortable start to the visit and pay attention to details so that guests have a good time, feel important, and want to return. Sometimes, but not necessarily, the hostess must take steps to prevent conflict situations.