Mara Nichols
@maranichols
I’m a hospitality professional specializing in guest experience, reservations, and customer relationship management.
What I'm looking for
I’m a hospitality professional and recent University of Redlands graduate with a BS in Global Business and a minor in Psychology. My experience spans guest-facing roles across hotels and restaurants, where I focused on customer relationship management, leisure travel services, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
In my most recent role as an Assistant Restaurant Manager at Port Fish and Chop House, I managed opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and health & safety standards. I also coordinated weddings, promotions, and special events for up to 130 guests, led front-of-house hiring and training, and fulfilled host responsibilities by managing reservations and resolving issues within the RESY system.
I’ve built strong reservations and front-desk expertise through roles including Reservations Agent at TFE Hotels and Front Desk Receptionist at Hyatt Regency, including working with Opera and handling conference, group, and FIT bookings. I consistently maximize revenue through upselling, contracts, and revenue-generating service strategies—while keeping guest satisfaction, creative problem solving, and attention to detail at the center of my work.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
• Manage opening/closing procedures, cash handling and adherence to food and health safety standards
• Coordinate with our sales department and the kitchen to set up, organize and execute weddings, promotions, and special events of up to 130 guests
• Fulfill host duties managing reservations, seating guests, optimizing seating flow, and identifying/fixing problems within our RESY system when they
• Remained knowledgeable about restaurant menu and drink items, especially with regard to allergens
• Tended to guests’ needs in an efficient and friendly manner
• Created and executed cocktails with efficiency and took pride in great presentation
• Increased revenue through the upselling of cocktails, specials, and desserts
• Set up conference, group, and FIT reservations promptly, ensuring the highest caliber of attention to detail
• Coordinated with Weddings, Conferences, and Reception in group reservations, making sure all packages were organized and preferences were met
• Maximized revenue through upselling, group reservations, and contracts
• Multitasked phone queries while addressing direct email correspondents
• Worked in tandem with all other departments to ensure guests received top-tier service
• Effectively managed reservations through the Opera software system
• Assisted with guest complaints, requests, and inquiries
• Completed daily reports and performed Checks and Balances on Cash Drop
• Liaised with housekeeping and engineering
• Provided guests with information regarding the hotel's services, amenities, local tourist events, and attractions
• Performed PBX duties such as redirecting calls to the desired department, taking down and relaying important messages, and completing daily reports
• Set up and handled the specialty package purchases
• Utilized effective sales techniques to upsell guest rooms and packages, while
• Worked the 3-11 pm shift single-handedly
• Coordinated with police on security issues
• Thoroughly cleaned and maintained common areas in accordance with COVID-19 policies and procedures
• Taught basic team play for children 3 to 5 years of age
• Selected daily activities and provided guidance for peer coaches and parents
• Served/prepared food, cleaned dishes and unloaded food trucks for 300 campers
• Took and prepared food orders in a timely and friendly manner
• Stocked and organized merchandise, and maintained a clean and safe work environment
• Packaged and shipped marketing bundles
• Organized contact spreadsheets
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Redlands
Bachelor of Science - BS, Global Business with a Minor in Psychology
2019 - 2024
University of Redlands
Bachelor of Science, Global Business (Minor in Psychology)
2019 - 2024
Earned a B.S. in Global Business with a minor in Psychology at the University of Redlands.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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