Hostess

A Hostess (or Host) acts as the “Face of the Establishment.” Unlike general servers, the hostess is the first and last person a guest interacts with, making the role critical for brand reputation and the flow of the entire restaurant or hotel lounge.

📋 Role Overview

• Job Title: Restaurant Host / Hostess

• Department: Food & Beverage / Front of House

• Reporting to: Restaurant Manager

• Primary Goal: To manage the “front” of the house, ensuring every guest is welcomed warmly and seated efficiently to maximize the restaurant’s capacity.

✅ Key Responsibilities

1. The Welcome & First Impression

• Warm Reception: Greeting guests by name (if known) and managing the cloakroom or umbrella stands.

• Escorting: Leading guests to their tables, pulling out chairs, and ensuring the table is perfectly set before leaving them with a menu.

• Menu Presentation: Offering the initial menu, explaining the “Special of the Day,” and introducing the designated server.

2. Digital & Physical Flow Management

• Reservation Control: Managing booking platforms (like Tableo, OpenTable, or Micros Simphony). In 2026, this involves balancing online bookings with walk-ins in real-time.

• Table Planning: Strategically assigning tables to ensure an even workload for the waitstaff (avoiding “slamming” one section while others are empty).

• Waitlist Management: Providing accurate wait times and inviting guests to wait at the bar to encourage pre-dinner drink sales.

3. Communication Hub

• The “Gatekeeper”: Acting as the link between the guest, the kitchen, and the servers.

• Special Occasions: Noting birthdays or anniversaries in the system and ensuring the team is alerted for “special surprises.”

• Departure: Thanking guests as they leave and soliciting feedback to ensure total satisfaction.

🎓 Requirements & 2026 Compliance

In accordance with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) standards for 2026:

• The Skills Pass (Mandatory): * All hostesses must possess a valid Skills Pass.

  • This involves an English proficiency test, a “Maltese Tourism Product” course, and a 20-minute interview to verify professional etiquette.

• Language Skills: English is mandatory. In 5-star Valletta or St. Julian’s hotels, a second European language (Italian, French, or German) is highly preferred.

• Tech Savvy: Ability to quickly learn and operate tablet-based reservation and POS (Point of Sale) systems.

• Physical Presence: High standard of grooming and the ability to remain standing for shifts of 6–8 hours.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Typical Perks in Malta:

• Service Charge/Tips: While hostesses don’t always get direct “table tips,” most luxury hotels in Malta include hostesses in the Tronc system (shared tip pool).

• Uniform & Duty Meals: Usually provided by the employer.

• Shift Patterns: Unlike servers, hostesses often work “split shifts” (Lunch 11:00–15:00, then Dinner 18:30–23:00).