At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure guest well-being and deliver exceptional service from arrival to departure.
- Company: Join The Ickworth, a stunning hotel in the heart of Suffolk.
- Benefits: Earn £14 per hour plus generous service charge and fantastic perks.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth, training opportunities, and discounts across Luxury Family Hotels.
- Why this job: Shape memorable experiences in a beautifully refurbished luxury hotel.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality leadership and a passion for guest service.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £14 per hour plus generous service charge and great benefits
About Us: The Ickworth, part of Luxury Family Hotels, is entering an exciting new chapter following its refurbishment. Join us as a Guest Experience Host and play your part in shaping the future of this much-loved Suffolk retreat.
Pay rate: £14 per hour + service charge
Role Purpose: As a Guest Experience Host, you will ensure the well-being of all guests, maintaining a high level of host presence and delivering bespoke guest service. You will exceed guest expectations from arrival to departure, drive sales opportunities, and develop your team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational leadership across the full hotel during shift
- Ownership of the guest journey from arrival through to departure
- Maintaining pace, flow, and service standards during peak periods
- Real time decision making and problem resolution
- Cross departmental coordination and collaboration
- Driving revenue through service excellence and operational efficiency
- Clear and effective communication across all teams
- Strong and structured shift handovers
Skills & Attributes:
- Senior departmental leadership experience, or an Assistant Head ready to step up
- Strong record of team leadership and consistent operational performance
- Broad operational experience across Rooms and Food & Beverage
- Confident leading busy services with full accountability
Highly Desirable:
- Background in luxury or premium hospitality
- Experience in complex, multi-outlet operations
- Exposure to family-focused or resort environments
- Familiarity with Simphony, OPERA Cloud, and ResDiary
Other information:
- 40 hours per week across a rota including day, evening, and night shifts, with availability required across all seven days
- Own transport essential due to remote location of hotel
Personal Development: Stay industry-leading through events, training, and professional growth.
Why work with us?
- Training and development is central to life at LFH, it’s something we truly value.
- An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
- EarlyPay – Need to access some of your monthly salary a little early sometimes? No problem!
- Cycle to work scheme
- Help@Hand – Our online health and wellbeing service – Get same day remote GP appointments, Mental Health support and Physiotherapy on us.
- Life Assurance Benefit for peace of mind for your loved ones.
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity packages
- Paid day off for any volunteering or fundraising you would like to get involved in once a year
- The LFH Benefit Hub – Easily accessible employee discount platform for you to take advantage of at your favourite high street and online retailers
- 50% off Food and Beverage and the Spa across Luxury Family Hotels.
- Incredible discounted hotel stays for you, friends and family
Please ensure you check the hotel location as some of our hotels are hidden away and you will have to use your own transport to locate us!
Who are LFH? The Ickworth is entering a remarkable new era following an exciting refurbishment, thoughtfully designed to celebrate both its heritage and its future. Set within the breathtaking Suffolk countryside, this iconic hotel, surrounded by sweeping parkland and rich history, has been carefully refreshed to create even more memorable experiences for modern family escapes.
As a proud member of the Luxury Family Hotels collection, The Ickworth is dedicated to creating meaningful moments for every generation, combining warm hospitality, thoughtful touches, and spaces where families can truly reconnect and unwind.
Here at LFH we are an equal opportunities employer and strive to create a diverse and accessible workplace for all. We believe in a culture and inclusive team member experience that values people from all backgrounds, race and religions. We respect, value and embrace diversity and ensure everyone is recognised and respected, we celebrate our differences.
Guest Experience Host employer: Luxury Family Hotels
Luxury Family Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and passion for childcare thrive. With competitive pay and the opportunity to work in a picturesque setting like Woolley Grange, employees enjoy meaningful engagement with families while developing their skills in a supportive environment. Join us to make a difference in children's holiday experiences and grow within a company that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Guest Experience Host
✨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 Luxury Family Hotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Luxury Family Hotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to Luxury Family Hotels 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 Guest Experience Host
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 Luxury Family Hotels 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 Luxury Family Hotels
✨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!
