Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Head Host / Hostess - Lobster Bar & Grill
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Head Host or Hostess is responsible for leading the reception team at Lobster Bar & Grill, managing reservations, welcoming guests, coordinating seating, and maintaining a smooth front-of-house experience. Candidates should have several years of experience in a premium restaurant or hotel, strong knowledge of guest service standards, and excellent communication skills in English. Cantonese and Mandarin would be advantageous. The role requires confidence, polished presentation, attention to detail, sound knowledge of reservation systems, and the ability to handle busy services, special requests, and guest concerns professionally. The successful candidate is expected to coach junior hosts, work closely with restaurant management and service teams, and consistently deliver warm, efficient, and personalised hospitality.
Can I work in Hong Kong?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Hotel line jobs only via the Labour Department's import scheme: 4-week local test, median wage, 2 local staff per import; managers get a General Employment Policy visa.
Watch for: Since 16 June 2026 kitchen and table-service jobs need a 6-week local test and 3 local staff per import; the hotel applies, you cannot apply yourself.
Official source: Labour Department: Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in Hong Kong
Usual for Hong Kong, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Not for local hires; imported line staff are housed by the hotel, at most 20% of pay deducted (scheme rule) |
|---|---|
| Meals | Staff canteen or duty meals common; free for imported workers when provided (scheme rule) |
| Flights | None for local hires; imported workers get free flights both ways (scheme rule); managers negotiate |
| Service charge | Varies by hotel; ask how the service charge is shared before you accept |
| Contract | Imported workers: 24 months at most, then 7+ days home leave and a new approval (scheme rule) |
| Leave | 7 days a year, rising to 14 after 9 years, plus 15 statutory holidays (by law) |
| Income tax | 0% up to HKD 145,000 a year (about USD 18,600), then 2% to 17%; pension (MPF) 5%, max HKD 1,500 a month |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong is a luxury five-star hotel located in Admiralty, above Pacific Place and close to the city’s business, shopping, and cultural districts. It is part of Shangri-La Group, an international hospitality company known for Asian-inspired service, elegant accommodation, premium dining, and strong guest care. The hotel offers extensive rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, meeting facilities, a health club, and luxury amenities. Lobster Bar & Grill is one of its signature dining venues, recognised for seafood, grilled specialities, an energetic atmosphere, and professional service. Employees typically work in a multicultural environment with structured hotel standards, training opportunities, staff benefits, and opportunities for career development within Hong Kong and the wider Shangri-La network.