Hostesses basically supervise and manage the activities in the dining area of a restaurant or hotel. They are an important part of the work force in a hotel though the position is often deprived of attention. However, good hotels know the importance of hostesses, while other hotels look at them as a mere formality. Hosts or hostesses in small hotels are also known as lodging desk managers, and work in small groups. Their main job, as mentioned above, is to look after the guests dining in the bar or restaurant. Let's take a look at the qualifications a person needs to become a host or hostess. Education Educational qualifications to become a hostess is not much; you should be a person with an adjustable nature and soft spoken skills. To be a hostess, basic high school graduation is required. An associate degree or diploma in hotel management would be an added advantage. Fluency in a foreign language, and a course in personal and facilities management, would be considered beneficial. Job description for hostesses begin with a formal dress. To be a professional, you must have the right attire. Good restaurants, hotels, and airlines will have a dress code for hostesses; the important thing here is you should look neat and sharp. Wear minimum jewelry and don't apply too much perfume. Your hair should be neat, clean, and tied. A hostess/host is a brand ambassador of an establishment, so make sure your first impression is a good one. Duties and Responsibilities The job responsibilities includes keeping the desk organized and clean at all times.

• Make sure all menus of the hotel are wiped and stain free.
• Check with housekeeping and ensure that doors are clean and stain free.
• Check with the telephone operator and answering machine to get an idea of all the reservations.
• Confirm with the manager about the parties and events that are going to be held in the hotel.
• Plan out the guest seating list and the reservations.
• Make a note of all the supplies in the kitchen.
• Give a warm welcome to the guests, escort them to their tables, pull out the chairs for the ladies, and present menus.
• Make sure that the guests have been seated at their respective tables.
• Make sure you interact with the guest while taking an order. Give and accept creative suggestions regarding the food menu; make the conversation with the guests lively.
• Make sure that the hotel lobby, dining room, bathrooms, and menus are kept clean throughout hotel operations.
• Say a warm good-bye to the guests. Check with every guest to see if everything was wonderful. Give them a comment card and ask them for their valuable feedback regarding the hotel.

The salary of a hostess ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 28,000 a year. Expect a USD 4 to USD 7 tip if the guest enjoyed the dinner and the ambiance of the hotel. A career as a hostess is a rewarding one, however, weigh all the options before you choose any career.