Where will I be working?
Local Hosts are usually allocated to one workplace team for the entire season, usually dictated by where they live. Hotel Local Hosts work in small teams, providing cover at 1 or 2 hotels. Airport Local Hosts are based at London Heathrow Airport.
Does it matter where I live?
Hotel Local Hosts should be able to access public transport as all our London contract hotels are located close to convenient transport links. Hosts must be mindful of weekend shifts, as most train and underground services don't start until 7am.
Airport Local Hosts must live near London Heathrow Airport, and have easy access by public transport or car.
This ensures that Local Hosts can reliably and punctually reach their assigned locations, contributing to the smooth operation of meet-and-greet services and transfers for guests.
What is the period of work?
Local Hosts returning for a subsequent season with us re-join in stages from March onwards.
In 2025 the initial training for our new Local Hosts is Monday 14th April to Friday 25th April with a break of 4 days off for the Easter holidays, 18th to 21st April, with rotas commencing on Monday 28th April.
The contract termination date is 6th October 2025, although this may be extended, depending on business levels.
What hours will I work?
A schedule of individual rota days on and off for the whole season is provided at the end of the training period. Rotas detailing daily shift times and work location are issued on a weekly basis. All Local Hosts are scheduled one full Saturday and Sunday weekend off in four and all other days off will generally be on weekdays.
Hotel Local Hosts work 40 hours per week, with shifts tending to start at either 7am or 11am.
Airport Local Hosts based at London Heathrow Airport work a 40-hour week with shifts normally starting at 6am or 7am.
We also have part-time seasonal roles available with flexible working hours and days.
Will I be able to take a holiday?
1 week's holiday can be taken during the main summer period subject to agreement with the company. Bank Holidays are worked normally according to rota. A day in lieu is given to compensate for this.
Do I sign a contract?
Yes, upon receipt of satisfactory references and successful completion of the training course.
Earning potential
Basic monthly salary for first year Local Hosts, working a 40-hour week, is £2,120 (gross annual equivalent £25,440). Local Hosts returning for a second or subsequent season receive a higher basic salary.
There is ample scope for overtime shifts, paid monthly in arrears. Many Local Hosts also choose to host our popular theatre evening excursions, and these hosts receive an overtime payment of £110 per evening, plus dinner.
Those Local Hosts that complete the full term of their contract receive an end-of-season bonus. This bonus is calculated as a percentage of the total sales of London excursions, made by the Local Hosts, shared equally between the team. The first year Local Host bonus equates to 5% of these London sales, Local Hosts in their second and subsequent seasons receive 7.5%. The end of season bonus commission is not a predetermined amount, as sales of our in-house optional excursions programme are the only source of this payment - the greater the sales, the higher the bonus!
Any Local Host who fails to complete the contract of employment, for whatever reason, automatically forfeits their entitlement to any share of the end-of-season bonus.
Salary and overtime payments are paid directly into your UK bank account on the 25th of each month, and all remunerations are subject to normal PAYE deductions.
Local Host benefits
• End of contract bonus based on excursion sales during the season.
• Generous benefits including discounts on our products and services.
• Pension scheme enrolment.
• Monthly membership of Club Pret giving you 50% discounts on Barista-made drinks at Pret during the period of your employment.
• Smart uniform provided as well as allowances for a fortnightly dry cleaning and hosiery.
• An excellent opportunity to start or continue a career in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry with a reputed company.
• Company funded social events during the main season.
• Opportunity to join and participate in our in-house London excursions during your training period and beyond.
• Experience dinner and a West End show as part of your product knowledge.
• Participate on one of the full day out of London tours via our partner company.
• Local business discounts via Star Card and Privilege Card schemes.
Uniform
Your overall smartness and appearance reflect the professionalism of our company, and also your attitude to the job.
It is important for uniforms to be worn in a clean, sharp, and consistent manner.
Progression
Having committed so much time and effort to the initial training, it is in our best interests to keep this knowledge within the company! Many of our Local Hosts relish the opportunity to work from March/April until October/November and then take time out to travel during the winter months.
Senior members of the Local Host team who have progressed 'through the ranks' take responsibility for the quality day-to-day servicing at our hotels and airport workplaces.
Our core of 20 operations and accounts staff at our London office include many ex-Local Hosts. Other employees have progressed on to successful careers within the travel and leisure industry as airline staff, as London Blue Badge Guides, or as tour escorts in Britain, Ireland and overseas.