Guest Experience Associate (Front Desk / Café / Lounge)

Guest Experience Associate (Front Desk / Café / Lounge)

Full Time / Part Time / Seasonal
Pay: $18/hour tip pool participation ($20–$24/hour total estimated)

About Dexter

Dexter is a 29-room boutique hotel in Elk Rapids that brings together thoughtfully designed accommodations, a neighborhood café, and an evening lounge under one roof.

The property was conceived with a strong emphasis on craft, materiality, and a sense of place. Interiors layer custom furnishings, vintage pieces sourced locally, and objects created by regional makers to create an environment that feels collected, warm, and intentional.

At the center of the hotel is Noble Lounge, a refined but approachable gathering space offering cocktails, wine, and a thoughtfully prepared food menu for both hotel guests and the local community. During the day, the café provides espresso, coffee, and light fare—creating a welcoming rhythm from morning through evening.

Dexter was created to feel less like a traditional hotel and more like a well-lived home—where design, food, and hospitality come together naturally.

Working at Dexter

Dexter is a small, collaborative team where attention to detail and pride in craft matter. Every role directly shapes the guest experience, and team members regularly move across functions to support the overall rhythm of the property.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in both hospitality and food & beverage service, and values being part of a highly collaborative environment.

Position Overview

This is a blended hospitality role designed for team members who enjoy working across multiple aspects of guest service.

As a Guest Experience Associate, you will serve as the primary point of contact for guests while also supporting the café and Noble Lounge. Depending on the shift, this role transitions between front desk operations, morning barista service, and evening lounge hosting.

The goal of this position is to create a seamless, thoughtful experience across every guest touchpoint—from morning coffee to evening service to overnight stay.

Schedule & Role Structure

Scheduling will vary based on operational needs and seasonality.

Typical shifts include:

Morning Shift (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

• Barista service (coffee, espresso, light food)
• Guest interaction and light front desk coverage

Afternoon / Evening Shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

• Front desk operations (check-in, concierge support)
• Host responsibilities for Noble Lounge (greeting, seating, managing flow)

Peak season runs May through October, with increased need for weekend and evening availability.

Compensation

• Base Pay: $18.00/hour
• Tip Pool Participation: Café and Noble Lounge shifts

Based on typical service volume, team members can expect an additional ~$2–$6/hour in tips during service periods.

Estimated Total Hourly Range:
$20–$24/hour (blended average including tips)

Earnings will vary based on shift mix, seasonality, and overall service volume.

Responsibilities

Guest Services (Core Responsibility)

• Welcome guests and manage check-in / check-out
• Anticipate guest needs and provide thoughtful, proactive service
• Manage reservations and respond to guest inquiries
• Provide local recommendations and concierge support
• Coordinate with housekeeping regarding room readiness
• Maintain organization and presentation of front desk and lobby areas

Café (Morning Barista)

• Prepare coffee, espresso drinks, and light menu items
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of café space
• Deliver warm, efficient, and knowledgeable service

Noble Lounge (Evening Host)

• Greet and seat guests
• Manage flow and pacing of the lounge
• Communicate with bar and kitchen teams to support service
• Ensure a welcoming and well-paced guest experience

General

• Maintain awareness of all guest-facing spaces (lobby, café, lounge)
• Support team members across departments as needed

Qualifications

• Strong hospitality mindset and positive attitude
• Experience in customer service, café, or restaurant environments preferred
• Comfortable working across multiple roles within a shift
• Organized, reliable, and able to multitask effectively
• Friendly, approachable, and professional with guests

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs when needed
• Ability to move efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work both indoors and occasionally outdoors

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $2 - $6