Host / Hostess - Summer Palace

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Host/Hostess welcomes guests to Summer Palace, manages the reception area, coordinates seating and reservations, and helps create a polished dining experience. Requirements typically include previous experience in a luxury hotel or fine-dining restaurant, strong communication and customer-service skills, a professional appearance, and good spoken English. Cantonese and Mandarin are highly advantageous. The successful candidate should be courteous, attentive, organised, and confident handling guest requests, complaints, and busy service periods. Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays is expected. Familiarity with restaurant reservation systems and knowledge of Cantonese cuisine or luxury hospitality standards would be beneficial.

About the employer

Shangri-La Group is a leading luxury hospitality company founded in Hong Kong, operating hotels, resorts, and related businesses across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and other regions. Its brands are known for refined service, strong local identity, and a focus on warm, personalised guest experiences. In Hong Kong, Shangri-La operates prestigious properties including Island Shangri-La and Kowloon Shangri-La. Summer Palace, located at Island Shangri-La, is an award-winning Chinese restaurant recognised for Cantonese cuisine, elegant surroundings, and attentive service. Employees generally work in a high-standard international environment with structured service procedures, training opportunities, and exposure to luxury hospitality operations. Benefits may include staff meals, medical coverage, service charge, discounts, and career development, depending on the employment contract and role.

Working in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers strong opportunities in hotels, restaurants, tourism, retail, finance, technology, and professional services. The city combines Chinese traditions with international influences, and Cantonese is widely spoken alongside English and Mandarin. Life is fast-paced, highly urban, and convenient, with excellent public transport, dense shopping and dining districts, beaches, hiking trails, and nearby islands offering a quieter escape. Hospitality employees should expect long or irregular shifts during peak seasons and a competitive service culture. Foreign employees generally need an employer-sponsored visa before starting work; the employer normally handles the application, while requirements include a valid job offer, suitable qualifications or experience, and proof that the role cannot easily be filled locally. New arrivals should budget carefully for rent, deposits, transport, and healthcare. Shared accommodation or living outside central districts can reduce costs. Check current immigration rules with Hong Kong Immigration Department before relocating.