Guest Experience Lead – Rooftop Host

Job Overview: Guest Experience Lead – Rooftop Host

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is seeking an energetic and professional Guest Experience Lead to serve as a Rooftop Host at one of Phoenix’s most vibrant social destinations. Known for celebrating “unique personalities,” Kimpton is looking for a host who can manage the high-energy flow of a rooftop environment while maintaining a sophisticated, welcoming atmosphere.

In this role, you are the face of the rooftop experience. You aren’t just seating guests; you are the “Director of First Impressions,” orchestrating the transition from the elevator to the high-altitude hospitality that Kimpton is famous for.

Key Responsibilities & Social Orchestration

The Welcome & Flow

• Vibrant Greeting: Provide a warm, personalized welcome to every guest, reflecting Kimpton’s “Stay Human” brand philosophy.

• Seating Strategy: Expertly manage the floor plan to balance server sections and maximize seating capacity without compromising the guest experience.

• Reservation Command: Manage digital and walk-in reservations, ensuring wait times are accurately quoted and guests are engaged while they wait.

Atmosphere & Multitasking

• Environment Management: Monitor the rooftop’s aesthetic and cleanliness, ensuring the “vibe” is consistent with luxury social standards.

• Communication Hub: Act as the primary link between guests, servers, and management to ensure special requests or VIP arrivals are handled seamlessly.

• Efficiency: Exhibit a high level of multitasking, shifting between the host stand, guest inquiries, and phone reservations during high-volume periods.

Requirements & Qualifications

Core Competencies

• Hospitality Passion: A genuine love for meeting new people and creating “unscripted” memorable moments.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal skills with the ability to navigate complex social situations with poise and wit.

• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency with modern reservation platforms (e.g., OpenTable, Resy) is a significant plus.

Candidate Profile

• Personality: Outgoing, authentic, and comfortable in a fast-paced, high-visibility social environment.

• Availability: Must be available for evening and weekend shifts, including holidays, as the rooftop is a peak destination during these times.

• Experience: Previous experience in a high-volume host or guest service role is preferred.

Compensation & Kimpton Culture

• Location: Phoenix, AZ.

• Culture: A diverse, inclusive work environment that encourages you to “be yourself” at work.

• Perks: Competitive pay, access to Kimpton’s employee travel rates, and opportunities for growth within the IHG Hotels & Resorts network.

• • Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix: Located at CityScape in the heart of Downtown (2 E. Jefferson St.), this 242-room “urban retreat” is the brand’s local anchor. In 2026, it remains the go-to destination for those wanting to be steps away from the Footprint Center and the Convention Center.

  • Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas (NEW for 2026): Opening in early 2026, this massive 42-acre luxury resort in Paradise Valley represents Kimpton’s first desert resort in the market. Nestled between Camelback and Mummy Mountains, it features over 400 rooms and villas, six on-site pools, and a “modern desert” design that emphasizes self-discovery and connection to the landscape.

  • The “sbe” Culinary Partnership: A key strategic shift in 2026 is the collaboration with hospitality group sbe to develop four distinct dining venues at the new Miralina property, including a flagship restaurant led by a celebrated culinary talent.

    Environment: A stylish, outdoor-centric workspace with some of the best views in the city.

    The Organization & Culture

    In 2026, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants—part of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle collection—remains a pioneer in the boutique hospitality space. The culture is built on the philosophy that “Human relationships are the driving force to improve people’s lives.” It is a workplace characterized by “playful sophistication” and a “come as you are” mentality, where employees are encouraged to bring their authentic personalities to work. Kimpton is consistently recognized as a “Great Place to Work,” with staff highlighting an inclusive environment, approachable management, and a shared sense of pride in delivering “unscripted” moments of delight for guests.

    The Phoenix Expansion: A New Era of Luxury

    2026 marks a transformative year for Kimpton in Arizona as it doubles its footprint, moving from a single urban landmark to a diverse regional presence:

  Workplace & Strategic Highlights (2026)

  • Beyond the Yoga Mat: While every room still features a signature yoga mat, the 2026 strategy at Spa Miralina focuses on “desert rhythms,” offering immersive sound installations (Canyon Echoes) and stargazing experiences that blend traditional wellness with environmental connection.

  • Social Rituals: Kimpton has reimagined its signature “Social Hour” for the Arizona market. At the new resort, it is a “Sonoran Ritual” where guests and staff raise a glass to the sunset against the mountain backdrop