At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, handle requests, and create memorable experiences.
- Company: Join a caring team at room2, part of Lamington Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extra leave, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be the warm face that makes guests feel at home.
- Qualifications: 1+ years in hospitality or customer service preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Care, made daily. Room2 Hometels is part of Lamington Group. Hometel is a term created and owned by Lamington Group. We design and operate hometels, combining practicality with feeling. It responds to how people actually travel and live. We also recognise the importance of the sense of being properly looked after. A team that pays attention to what guests actually need, not what a script tells us they should.
We are looking for people who care about the work in front of them and the people around them.
THE ROLE
You are a Host at room2. That means you are the first face, the warm welcome, the person every guest sees when they arrive. You set the tone for their entire stay. You greet guests with genuine warmth, handle their needs with calm professionalism, and connect them to what they need. You’re part of a team that takes pride in hospitality. You notice what guests need before they ask, remember their preferences, and go beyond the expected to make them feel at home. Your work is visible and important. The way you welcome a guest directly shapes how they feel about room2. You represent our values with every interaction. You’re reliable, friendly, and genuinely interested in making people’s stays special.
Who You Are
These are the room2 Values. We use them across every role in the Group, from Maintenance to Front of House to the kitchens. If three or more of these read like you on a good day, this is your kind of place:
- Use Instinct. You read what’s needed and act on it.
- Own It. You finish what you start.
- Include All. You build trust quickly with guests, colleagues and partners.
- Stay Curious. You ask why.
- Think Big. You reject ‘good enough’.
What You’ll Do
- Welcome guests at check‑in and check‑out, learn names, answer questions, and make people feel at home from the first hello.
- Keep guest conversations moving, reply quickly to messages, whether it’s a HiJiffy request for extra towels or a question about local restaurants.
- Share local knowledge, recommend neighbourhood spots, events, and places guests might not discover on their own.
- Spot needs before guests ask, notice a family that needs extra space for luggage or offer help when someone looks unsure.
- Handle guest concerns calmly, listen, take ownership, and work towards a fair solution instead of passing problems on.
- Keep the team in the loop, flag special requests, maintenance issues, or feedback so everyone knows what matters today.
- Keep the front desk running smoothly, answer calls quickly, manage guest details accurately, and make sure the space feels welcoming and organised.
What You’ll Bring
- 1+ years of experience in hospitality, customer service, or another guest‑facing role where creating a great experience was part of the job.
- Experience working in a hotel, guesthouse, serviced accommodation, or similar environment, with confidence handling guest interactions from arrival through to departure.
- A proven ability to create positive guest experiences, building rapport, solving problems, and making people feel genuinely looked after.
- Comfortable with everyday admin tasks, handling phone enquiries, and keeping guest information accurate and organised.
- Warm, naturally friendly, and a strong listener, someone who remembers names, notices details, and helps guests feel recognised rather than processed.
- Calm under pressure, proactive by nature, and willing to take initiative when guests need support or situations need quick action.
- Experience with PMS check‑in/check‑out systems, billing processes, OTA platforms (Booking.com, Expedia, etc.), guest messaging tools or upsell platforms such as Revinate.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- A team that means it. You’ll work alongside leaders who are present, supportive, and part of the day‑to‑day operation.
- Regular check‑ins focus on your development, ideas, and where you want to go next.
- Growth that’s real. We believe in promoting from within.
- Learning, built in. You’ll receive structured onboarding and hands‑on training that helps you build confidence from day one.
- Time off that respects you. Additional annual leave that grows with length of service, company benefits, two paid volunteer days each year, and a Company Sick Pay Scheme.
- Stay with us, on us. Access friends‑and‑family rates across our hometels and wider group properties.
- The day‑to‑day. Competitive benefits package including pension contributions, team support, wellbeing initiatives, Cycle to work scheme and use of gym facilities in our hotels.
For Everyone
Room2 and Lamington Group are an equal opportunities employer. We hire based on attitude and ability. We welcome applications from every background, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief. If you need any adjustments to take part in our hiring process, tell us when you apply. We’ll work with you.
Skills
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Confidence
Host in Southampton employer: Lamington Group | B Corp™
At room2 Hometels, part of the Lamington Group, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and welcoming environment where every team member plays a vital role in shaping guest experiences. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through structured training and clear career progression opportunities, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and valued. With competitive benefits, additional annual leave, and a commitment to work-life balance, room2 is an exceptional place for those who are passionate about hospitality and making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Host in Southampton
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Lamington Group | B Corp™. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lamington Group | B Corp™
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lamington Group | B Corp™ directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Host in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Lamington Group | B Corp™ and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lamington Group | B Corp™
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!