Pool Server/Bartender

Make Waves At Carmel’s Most Iconic Hideaway

At La Playa Hotel, the Pacific is practically our neighbor, the gardens are always in bloom, and poolside service is an art form. We’re looking for a magnetic, detail-obsessed hospitality professional to bring effortless energy, polished service, and great cocktails to our Food & Beverage team.

This is a part-time, pool-forward role for someone who can make a sunny afternoon feel even more memorable—whether that means delivering a chilled glass of rosé, recommending the perfect bite, or anticipating what a guest needs before they ask. You’ll primarily serve guests around our pool, with occasional opportunities to support restaurant service.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is no ordinary beach town. It’s a storied, design-minded coastal village where art, architecture, incredible food, and ocean air meet. La Playa Hotel has been part of that picture for generations—and every interaction should feel as warm, distinctive, and unforced as the setting itself.

The Vibe

• Sunny pool days, ocean-breeze energy, and a guest experience that feels relaxed yet impeccably considered.
• A role with autonomy: you’ll confidently manage the pool service station while staying seamlessly connected to the kitchen, bar, and hotel team.
• A polished hospitality environment where personality, pace, product knowledge, and genuine care all matter.
• A chance to represent one of Carmel’s beloved landmark hotels in a setting that is equal parts historic, stylish, and distinctly California.

Your Service Signature

• Create a warm, welcoming, personalized experience for every pool guest.
• Open, set, maintain, and close the pool service station with precision and pride.
• Take accurate food and beverage orders, answer menu questions, and make thoughtful recommendations.
• Deliver food and beverages promptly, gracefully, and with an eye for the details that elevate service.
• Pour and serve wine, beer, and other beverages with confidence and responsible service standards in mind.
• Prepare classic, approachable cocktails and refreshing poolside beverages.
• Stay current on food, wine, cocktail, and beverage offerings—because a great recommendation can transform a guest’s afternoon.
• Anticipate guest needs, follow up naturally, and offer additional service without interrupting the moment.
• Communicate special requests, dietary needs, and timing priorities clearly with kitchen and bar teams.
• Keep the pool service area clean, stocked, organized, and ready for its next beautiful moment.
• Process guest checks and payments accurately and efficiently.
• Step into restaurant service as needed, bringing the same calm confidence and elevated hospitality.
• Follow all hotel policies, food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service requirements.

What You Bring

• A natural instinct for hospitality and a genuine enjoyment of making people feel cared for.
• The ability to work independently, stay organized, and keep pace when the pool deck is buzzing.
• Comfort serving both food and beverages in a refined, fast-moving outdoor environment.
• A polished, personable communication style and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Strong attention to detail—from an accurate order to a perfectly timed second round.
• A respect for the craft: great service is never just transactional; it’s part of the guest’s Carmel story.

Schedule

• Thursday–Sunday: 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Monday: Scheduled as needed based on business levels and operational needs.
• Primary assignment is pool service, with occasional restaurant shifts as needed.

If you’re ready to spend your workdays bringing bright, intuitive service to one of California’s most charming coastal destinations, we’d love to meet you.

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.