Hotel Bartender
💰 $18 - $28 per hour + tips
HospitalityFood & BeverageCustomer Service
🎯 Role Definition
As a Hotel Bartender, you are more than just a drink maker; you are a master of first impressions and a curator of guest experiences. You will be the central figure of our bar, responsible for crafting a wide array of high-quality beverages while fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Your role is crucial in upholding our hotel's reputation for luxury and outstanding service. This role requires an individual with an engaging personality, a deep knowledge of mixology, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding guest expectations from the moment they take a seat.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Barback
- Restaurant Server
- Banquet Bartender
Advancement To:
- Head Bartender / Lead Mixologist
- Bar Manager
- Food & Beverage Supervisor / Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Sommelier
- Fine Dining Server
- Corporate Beverage Trainer
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Craft and serve an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails with precision, consistency, and a creative touch to meet the highest quality standards.
- Provide an elevated and personalized guest experience by warmly engaging with patrons, offering insightful recommendations, and anticipating their needs.
- Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of our full beverage menu, including spirits, wine varietals, craft beer, and non-alcoholic options.
- Confidently articulate the flavor profiles, origins, and stories behind our beverage selections to enhance the guest's journey.
- Process all guest orders and financial transactions accurately and efficiently using the designated Point of Sale (POS) system.
- Uphold impeccable standards of cleanliness, organization, and sanitation for the bar counter, service areas, glassware, and all bartending tools.
- Conduct daily and weekly inventory counts, diligently track spoilage, and assist the Bar Manager with placing orders for all bar-related supplies.
- Meticulously prepare fresh garnishes, house-made syrups, unique infusions, and other cocktail ingredients daily to ensure premium quality.
- Strictly adhere to all local, state, and federal laws regarding responsible alcohol service, including the diligent verification of legal drinking age.
- Proactively manage the bar environment, ensuring a safe, sophisticated, and comfortable atmosphere for all hotel guests and visitors.
- Handle guest inquiries and resolve any service-related complaints with professionalism and grace, escalating to management when necessary.
- Collaborate effectively with the kitchen, servers, and other hotel staff to ensure a seamless and integrated service flow for guests dining at the bar.
- Actively participate in daily pre-shift meetings to stay informed about hotel events, occupancy, daily specials, and VIP guest arrivals.
- Skillfully upsell and cross-sell premium spirits, signature cocktails, and food pairings to enhance the guest experience and maximize revenue.
- Execute all setup and breakdown duties for opening and closing shifts, meticulously following all procedural checklists to ensure readiness.
- Monitor guest alcohol consumption and behavior discreetly, confidently refusing service to intoxicated patrons to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
- Contribute creative ideas to the development of new cocktail recipes and seasonal menu updates in collaboration with the beverage management team.
- Maintain a polished, professional appearance and positive demeanor at all times, acting as a key brand ambassador for the hotel.
- Perform cash-out procedures at the end of each shift, ensuring all transactions are reconciled and the cash drawer is balanced accurately.
- Mentor and provide constructive guidance to barbacks and junior staff, fostering a supportive, educational, and high-performing team culture.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Expert Mixology: Deep knowledge of spirits, liqueurs, and classic/contemporary cocktail construction, including precise measurement and technique.
- POS System Proficiency: Hands-on experience with modern POS systems such as Micros, Aloha, Toast, or Squirrel for order management and payment processing.
- Inventory Control: Competency in conducting stock takes, managing par levels, minimizing waste, and controlling beverage costs.
- Responsible Beverage Service Certification: A valid TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or equivalent state-required certification is mandatory.
- Extensive Wine & Beer Knowledge: Familiarity with major wine regions, varietals, and beer styles to make confident recommendations and facilitate pairings.
- Sanitation Standards: Strong understanding of health and safety protocols for food and beverage handling and bar cleanliness.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build natural rapport with a diverse clientele and create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
- Grace Under Pressure: The capacity to remain calm, focused, and efficient during high-volume service periods and stressful situations.
- Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to precision in every aspect of the role, from drink presentation to order accuracy and bar cleanliness.
- Upselling & Sales Acumen: An innate ability to guide guests toward premium experiences and products in a genuine and non-intrusive manner.
- Advanced Multitasking: The ability to simultaneously manage multiple drink orders, engage with guests, and maintain operational flow.
- Proactive Problem-Solving: The skill to anticipate potential issues and resolve guest concerns swiftly and diplomatically.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: A positive, cooperative attitude and a strong desire to support all members of the F&B team.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- State-mandated food handler and responsible beverage service certifications (e.g., TIPS).
Preferred Education:
- Certificate or diploma from a recognized bartending or mixology school.
- Associate's degree in Hospitality Management.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Culinary Arts
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- A minimum of 2-3 years of bartending experience in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.
Preferred:
- 3+ years of bartending experience within a 4/5-star hotel, resort, or high-end, craft cocktail-focused restaurant.
- Proven experience working with a sophisticated clientele and managing a demanding bar setting.