Bell Captain

Full-Time

Set The Tone For An Iconic Carmel Stay

At La Playa Hotel, every arrival is an occasion. Set along Carmel-by-the-Sea’s storybook streets—where white-sand beaches, world-class galleries, and the Pacific’s dramatic coastline are all part of the daily landscape—we create the kind of gracious, effortless hospitality guests remember long after checkout.

We’re looking for a polished, people-first hospitality leader to orchestrate exceptional first and final impressions for our guests. This is a highly visible role for someone who thrives in motion, leads with warmth, notices the details others miss, and understands that luggage is never just luggage—it is the first touchpoint in a guest’s escape.

You’ll lead the bell experience with confidence, precision, and genuine care while helping shape the welcoming spirit of one of Carmel’s most celebrated hotels.

What You’ll Bring To The Guest Experience

• Create a warm, poised, and memorable welcome for every guest arriving at or departing from La Playa Hotel.
• Lead, guide, schedule, and support the bell team, setting a high standard for service, presentation, urgency, and professionalism.
• Anticipate guest needs throughout public areas and bell posts, ensuring no guest is overlooked and no request goes unanswered.
• Assist guests with luggage, transporting belongings safely and efficiently between vehicles, guest rooms, storage areas, and other designated locations.
• Offer informed, thoughtful recommendations for Carmel-by-the-Sea’s restaurants, galleries, boutiques, beaches, scenic walks, and local experiences.
• Provide clear information about hotel amenities, services, and the surrounding Monterey Peninsula.
• Answer incoming calls promptly and graciously, using established hotel phone standards to deliver accurate, polished assistance.
• Complete basic check-in and check-out functions within the hotel’s property-management system.
• Use the property-management system to locate reservations, update guest contact details, and send guest receipts as needed.
• Partner closely with the front desk and other hotel teams to coordinate requests and deliver seamless service from arrival through departure.
• Deliver packages, messages, amenities, and other guest items with discretion, timeliness, and attention to detail.
• Conduct regular property walks to maintain the hotel’s ambiance, cleanliness, safety, and elevated presentation standards.
• Keep the bell stand, lobby, luggage storage, and surrounding public spaces immaculate, organized, and guest-ready.
• Escalate service opportunities, guest concerns, and operational issues to management with sound judgment and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned in support of an exceptional guest experience.

The Kind Of Professional Who Will Thrive Here

• You have prior experience in a bell, valet, front office, luxury hotel, or guest-service environment; leadership experience is strongly preferred.
• You bring a naturally warm presence, excellent communication skills, and the confidence to engage with discerning travelers from around the world.
• You are organized, observant, dependable, and able to remain composed and gracious in a fast-paced environment.
• You know how to lead by example—hands-on when needed, calm under pressure, and always focused on the guest.
• You have a current, safe driving record.
• You are comfortable learning and using hotel property-management systems and related technology.
• You have familiarity with Carmel, Monterey County, and local attractions—or the curiosity and enthusiasm to become an informed local expert.
• You can work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, when hospitality is at its most vibrant.
• You maintain a polished, professional appearance and bring a positive, can-do attitude to every shift.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull luggage and other guest items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to navigate stairs and assist guests with luggage in a multi-story setting.

Why La Playa Hotel

La Playa Hotel is more than a place to work—it is a place to practice the art of hospitality. Here, historic charm meets fresh energy, and each day brings the opportunity to create meaningful moments in one of California’s most enchanting coastal destinations.

Our team is united by a shared purpose: Making Space for Genuine Hospitality. We live our values every day: Hands On & Heartfelt, Sincere & Focused, Collaborative & Curious, and Conscientious.

We believe genuine hospitality is both an instinct and a craft. It means treating every guest, colleague, and partner with respect; being fully present in the moment; and creating service so personal that guests feel as though they are our only guests.

If you are ready to lead with warmth, move with purpose, and help create unforgettable Carmel arrivals, we invite you to join us.

La Playa Hotel's and Hotel Carmel’s leaders and team members believe each guest should be treated with respect and professionalism. We create a heartfelt experience of genuine hospitality, enticing our guests to return again and again. In order to be successful at La Playa Hotel and Hotel Carmel, associates must share both our Purpose (Making Space for Genuine Hospitality) and Pillars (Hands On & Heartfelt, Sincere & Focused, Collaborative & Curious, & Conscientious). This includes possessing and demonstrating a high level of courtesy and respect for both internal and external guests. Our forward-thinking, fun, friendly, engaging and enthusiastic associates treat every guest as if they were our only guest. A true customer focus is essential to success with our property.