What is a Restaurant Host/Hostess? Duties, Responsibilities, Skills & Salary in UAE

If you are looking for the host or hostess career in the United Arab Emirates, you first need to understand these terms. What is host/hostess actually, what are their responsibilities, what they need to have to succeed in the job role, what are salaries offered, what are career growth options, where can you get these jobs and many more things.

Host and Hostess are the first point of contact for the incoming guests. They represent the smiling face of the hotels or restaurant industry. When a guest enters into a hotel or restaurant they are received by the host or hostess. In this guide we will cover all things about the host and hostess roles in the United Arab Emirates.

What is the Restaurant Host or Hostess?

A restaurant host and hostess are the first point of contact for the guests, welcoming guests, managing reservations, and ensuring guests receive smooth start at their beginning. Their role is customer focused and its highly responsible field in the hospitality industry.

Their task is to ensure each of the guest is treated warmly, guided correctly and professionally and seated comfortably at the start of their dining experience. It makes host and hostess a key part of the restaurant customer satisfaction and reputation.

Key Responsibilities of a Restaurant Host/Hostess

Let’s dive into detail and discuss the major roles and responsibilities of a host and hostess in the hospitality industry.

1 - Greeting & Welcoming Guests

The first impression matters a lot. The first and the main important duty of a host/hostess is to welcome the incoming guests and present a smooth experience. Welcome guest with friendly smile and polite greetings. Their duty is to ensure that the customer feel comfort and valued at their entry into the restaurant.

2 - Handling Reservations

A restaurant host or hostess manage;

·        Online reservations

·        Phone booked reservations

·        Booking appointments

·        Bookings confirmations

·        Updation of reservations lists

·        Assisting late or rescheduled guests

These things ensures smooth flow and minimal waiting time for the guests.

3 - Managing the Waitlist

If a restaurant is not taking reservations or its fully booked in this case a host and hostess do;

·        Maintain and organize wait list for reservations

·        Take guests names and contact details

·        Provide an estimated waiting time to the guests

·        Notify the guests when their table is ready

Good organization keeps the guests experience positive even if the restaurant is busy at some times.

4 - Organizing Seating Arrangements

A host and hostess ensures that;

·        All tables are allocated correctly according to reservations

·        No single waiter is overloaded with all works or tables

·        Seating is arranged properly and balanced across each section

Smart seating helps in running the operation smoothly and support the entire restaurant system perfectly.

5 - Escorting Guests to Their Tables

When its time to dine in the host and hostess;

·        Helps in walking the guests to their tables

·        Ensuring all guests are comfortable

·        Providing menus to the guests

·        Coordination with the waiting staff for smooth operations

The hand over a guest to the sever ensuring the smooth and comfortable experience.

Skills Required to Become a Great Host/Hostess

To become successful in the host/hostess career journey you need to have these necessary skills.

·        Excellent communication skills

·        Friendly and welcoming in nature

·        Polite and professional

·        Attention to detail

·        Problem Solving

·        Good organization and time management

·        Ability to handle busy environments

·        Professional attitude

·        Basic Computer skills and reservation software knowledge

If you are naturally smiling, love to talk to the people and enjoy it, than this role is for you!

Host & Hostess Salary in UAE

Host and Hostess salary in the UAE depends on following things.

·        Restaurant /Hotel Brand

·        Experience

·        Benefits

·        Location

On an average a host and hostess earn around.

·        Entry Level: AED 2,000 – AED 3,500 per month

·        Experienced Level: AED 3,500 – AED 5,500 per month

·        High-End Restaurants / Hotels: Even higher + tips & benefits

Many companies or brands also provides;

·        Accommodation

·        Free meals during work

·        Transport

·        Medical Insurance

·        Employment Visa

Host & Hostess Career Growth Opportunities

A host and hostess is a well-organized and excellent start in the hospitality industry. If you got experience you can grow.

·        Senior Host/Hostess

·        Head Host / Reception Supervisor

·        Restaurant Supervisor

·        Restaurant Manager

·        Hotel Front Office Roles

Many successful Hospitality managers start their first role as host/hostess. It serves as the powerful stepping role in the hospitality industry.

Why This Role is So Important?

A great host/hostess does not just seat guests. They create experience like.

·        Builds customers first impressions while they enter

·        Maintain smooth restaurant experience

·        Reduce stress on the service team

·        Increase guest satisfaction and loyalty

A positive start means a positive dining experience. That’s why a Host and hostess is very important role in the hospitality sector.

Looking for Host/Hostess Jobs in UAE?

Stay tuned on UAEQuest.com Jobs Section for the latest UAE hospitality and restaurant job opportunities.

Final Thoughts

A Host/hostess job is the excellent opportunity as a beginning for the entry into the hospitality industry. If you love talking with people, communication and interacting with people than this role is for you. It is respected, rewarding, and offers a great career growth.

If you are planning to start or boost your career in the hospitality industry, this role is a great choice to start.