Hotel Lounge Server

Server Position at Elyse New York

Elyse New York is entering a new chapter as an intimate luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The hotel blends the elegance of a historic New York residence with the warmth and cultural spirit of a European luxury hotel, delivering a guest experience built on genuine hospitality, considered detail, and quiet discretion. Elyse New York by Wunderkind Hotels is managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, one of North America's leading hospitality management companies.

At the heart of Elyse New York is Salon Sanssouci, the hotel's intimate, residential-style lounge, inspired by the elegance and relaxed hospitality of Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Germany. More than a hotel lounge, Salon Sanssouci is the social and cultural living room of the hotel, which has been a New York City icon for 100 years. Salon Sanssouci is a place where guests begin their morning, gather throughout the day, and settle into evening conversation. True to its French meaning "without worries," Salon Sanssouci carries the details, so guests never have to. The experience is refined but never formal, handled with warmth and discretion.

Elyse New York is seeking an attentive, hospitality-driven Server to provide exceptional food and beverage service to guests across Salon Sanssouci and the hotel's food and beverage operations, creating a welcoming, efficient, and memorable dining experience. Reporting to the Food & Beverage Management and Director of Operations, this individual greets guests, guides them through menu offerings, recommends food and beverage pairings, and delivers service that reflects Elyse New York's considered, personalized standard of hospitality. The Server operates to Leading Quality Assurance and Forbes 5-Star standards, and depending on business needs, staffing levels, and outlet operations, may also support table maintenance, bussing, side work, room service, and banquet functions. This position requires a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Essential Job Functions

• Welcome guests promptly in a warm, professional, and engaging manner, escorting them to their table when appropriate.
• Present menus and explain daily specials, promotions, and featured items with genuine enthusiasm.
• Answer guest questions regarding menu items, ingredients, allergens, preparation methods, and portion sizes with confidence and accuracy.
• Make thoughtful recommendations for food and beverage selections, and offer appetizers, desserts, premium beverages, wine, and specialty cocktails throughout the meal.
• Build rapport with guests while anticipating their needs, recognizing returning guests and honoring known preferences without being asked.
• Maintain awareness of guest satisfaction throughout the dining experience, resolving concerns promptly or involving management when needed.
• Serves as the storyteller of Salon Sanssouci and Elyse New York.
• Thank each guest sincerely and invite them to return.

• Accurately enter guest orders into the point-of-sale (POS) system and coordinate with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely, well-paced service.
• Serve food and beverages according to established service standards, verifying presentation, quality, and accuracy before every plate reaches the table.
• Deliver multiple courses efficiently, refill beverages as needed, and monitor guest tables throughout the meal.
• Act as barista and coffee server throughout the day.
• Remove finished plates and utensils discreetly, and present guest checks accurately.
• Process cash, credit card, room charges, gift cards, and other approved payment methods, and balance the cash drawer and reconcile sales as required.

• Serve alcoholic beverages in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, verifying legal drinking age through acceptable identification.
• Monitor guest alcohol consumption, refuse service when legally appropriate, and notify management promptly of any intoxicated guest or potential safety concern.
• Follow all responsible alcohol service procedures and maintain required Alcohol Awareness or Responsible Beverage Service certification as required by state law and company policy.

• Prepare the dining room before service, setting tables to outlet standards, polishing silverware and glassware, and folding napkins.
• Refill condiments and service stations, and stock ice, beverages, coffee supplies, and service items.
• Maintain cleanliness of dining areas throughout the shift, and complete opening, running, and closing side work in accordance with sanitation standards.

• Remove used dishes, glassware, and silverware, and reset tables promptly.
• Clean and sanitize tables and chairs and sweep under tables as needed.
• Transport dishes to the dishwashing area and restock service stations.
• Assist hosts and teammates during busy periods to maintain efficient guest service.

• Comply with all local health department regulations, always following proper handwashing and safe food handling practices.
• Report unsafe conditions immediately, and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Work collaboratively with kitchen, bar, hosts, room service, and banquet staff, communicating guest requests accurately and participating in pre-shift meetings.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude and support teammates throughout each shift.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Genuine passion for hospitality and food and beverage service, with the ability to build rapport quickly and naturally.
• Strong product knowledge of food, wine, spirits, and beverage pairings, with the confidence to make thoughtful recommendations and upsell naturally.
• Clear, professional communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with kitchen, bar, and service teams.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tables and courses at once without sacrificing warmth or accuracy.
• Sound judgment and discretion, particularly regarding responsible alcohol service and guest well-being.
• Working knowledge of Toast point-of-sale systems, or the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous restaurant or hospitality experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required food handler certifications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required Alcohol Awareness/Responsible Beverage Service certification.
• Must meet minimum legal age requirements for serving alcoholic beverages under applicable state law.
• Basic computer and point-of-sale (POS) system experience.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as business demands require.
• Experience participating in wine programs within a Forbes Four-Star/Five-Star, Michelin-recognized, or luxury hospitality environment.
• Knowledge of spirits, cocktails, craft beer, and beverage trends.
• Experience within the New York City luxury hospitality market.
• Advanced Sommelier, WSET Level 3, or Diploma certification a plus.
• Multilingual capabilities are a plus, though not required.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods, up to eight hours or more per shift.
• Frequently bend, kneel, stoop, twist, and reach.
• Carry trays and food items weighing up to 30 pounds regularly and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Push and pull carts and service equipment and use hands for repetitive grasping and fine motor tasks.
• Work in hot, cold, wet, and fast-paced environments while communicating effectively with guests and coworkers.

Compensation and Benefits

• $17.00-22.00 per hour; benefits package, 401(k) eligibility, professional development opportunities, and hotel travel benefits available through eligible programs.

Why Join Elyse New York

Joining Elyse New York is an opportunity to help shape the re-emergence of a legendary New York hotel and to build a new standard of intimate, personalized luxury hospitality. The Server brings that hospitality to life at the table, work that is considered, genuine, and built to last, on a platform toward hotel leadership growth opportunities. We invite candidates who believe that luxury is defined not by formality alone, but by generosity, discretion, and the ability to make every guest feel genuinely seen, to join us and help build a place where every guest, and every team member, belongs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Elyse New York, managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.