Located in the heart of Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore and just a few steps from the lakeshore, the Grand Hotel Locarno returns as a stylish oasis of elegance, well-being, and new discoveries. Since its opening in 1876, the hotel has been closely linked to the history of the town and of Europe-as the host of the 1925 European Peace Conference and the venue for the first Locarno Film Festival in 1946. In the spring of 2027, the legendary Grand Hotel will celebrate its reopening, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of its Belle Epoque heritage. Timeless grandeur blends with modern luxury; time slows down and becomes a way of life. Nestled in alpine landscapes, surrounded by sweeping views of the lake and the hotel's expansive grounds, the hotel offers a rare balance of refined tranquility and restorative relaxation. The 110 elegantly designed rooms and suites combine historic character with contemporary comfort; many feature private terraces or balconies overlooking Lake Maggiore. Wellness is an integral part of the experience-with an indoor pool in historic vaulted ceilings, an outdoor pool, areas for yoga and fitness, and rooms for relaxation. Culinary offerings range from Mediterranean cuisine to refined Asian dishes, complemented by a lobby bar set beneath historic frescoes. With elegant event spaces and a spectacular event area that opens onto the 4,000-square-meter park, the Grand Hotel Locarno is both a retreat and a stage.
● Lead the Front Office department through pre-opening, launch and ongoing operations, ensuring an impeccable guest experience across reception, guest relations, concierge coordination, switchboard and lobby presence.
● Establish and implement elevated service standards, operating procedures and luxury guest journey touchpoints that reflect the positioning and ambition of Grand Hotel Locarno as a five-star destination.
● Recruit, onboard, train and inspire our Front Office team, creating a culture of excellence, discretion, emotional intelligence and genuine hospitality.
● Maintain a strong and highly visible leadership presence in the lobby and Front Office areas, supporting the team in daily operations, and acting as an ambassador of the hotel at all times.
● Oversee arrivals, departures, VIP movements, room allocations and guest preferences with meticulous attention to detail in order to deliver personalized and intuitive service at every stage of the stay.
● Collaborate closely with Housekeeping, Reservations, Revenue, Spa, F&B and other operational departments to ensure flawless coordination, accurate communication and a seamless luxury experience throughout the property.
● Drive guest satisfaction, quality assurance and upselling performance while maintaining operational efficiency, team productivity and compliance with hotel standards and procedures.
● Support the implementation of systems, reporting tools and organizational structures relevant to the Front Office function and contribute actively to the successful positioning and opening of this landmark hotel.
● Several years of progressive Front Office experience in luxury hospitality, including proven leadership experience in a Front Office management role within an upscale or five-star environment.
● A strong understanding of luxury guest expectations, refined service culture and the importance of detail, presence and personalization in creating memorable experiences.
● Pre-opening experience is highly desirable, as is the ability to build structures, rituals and team culture from the ground up with both professionalism and passion.
● An inspiring and hands-on leader with excellent organizational skills, a calm and professional manner and the confidence to lead by example in a dynamic, high-expectation environment.
● Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage naturally with discerning international guests and to handle sensitive situations with empathy, discretion and confidence.
● Commercially aware and quality-driven, with a clear understanding of guest satisfaction, departmental performance and the contribution of Front Office to the overall success of the hotel.
● Proficiency in common hotel systems and Front Office technologies is expected; experience with Opera PMS or similar platforms is an advantage.
● Fluent German and English are required; Italian is highly desirable.
● An exciting role and varied responsibilities within a forward-thinking and long-established company with a unique portfolio of hotels
● Participation in the Arabella Hospitality Commercial Bonus Scheme
● Flat hierarchy and a collegial team spirit
● Permanent contract
● Attractive benefits, including supplementary company health insurance, discounted hotel rates with our partner Marriott International, and contributions towards staff meals
● An open and appreciative corporate culture in which we actively promote personal development
Have we piqued your interest? Then please send your detailed application materials