Career Guide: Hotel Manager
Here’s what you need to know.
Toggle Navigation
What Is a Hotel Manager?
Where there’s traveling, there’s a need for lodging. Hotel managers make sure operations run smoothly and guests are happy.
Also referred to as a hotel general manager, these individuals hire and supervise staff, manage budgets, solve problems and more. They work in conjunction with department heads who lead specific areas like guest services, housekeeping or dining. While their title sounds like hotels are their only setting, they can work in resorts, boutique hotels, cruise ships, casinos and other similar spaces.
If you’re passionate about the hospitality industry, hotel management could be the perfect fit for you. This guide gives you all you need to know about the career and how to get started.
Hotel Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Hotel management involves wearing many hats that may differ based on the setting, but there are key responsibilities and expectations that are the same across the industry.
- Hotel operations: Whether it’s ensuring an event runs smoothly or troubleshooting a technology issue at the front desk, they oversee various operations that must work smoothly to create a positive work environment and lodging experience for guests.
- Human resources: They recruit, hire, train, schedule and supervise staff.
- Revenue management: Monitoring budgets, controlling costs and cultivating strong financial health are among the most critical responsibilities.
- Business management: In addition to collaborating and coordinating with other teams within the establishment, they also create and maintain relationships with vendors and external parties.
- Guest satisfaction: Hotel managers are on the front lines of problem-solving. They must ensure guest satisfaction and handle complaints with compassion, kindness and effectiveness.
Education and Qualifications for Hotel Managers
- Degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields like business administration or hospitality management.
- Internships or entry-level role: Gain hands-on experience to start your hospitality career with strong foundational knowledge.
- Certification (optional): Complete a specialized program for hotel management, like the Certified Hospitality Administrator or Certified Hotel Administrator certifications. This boosts your skillset and qualification.
Skills You Need to Be a Successful Hotel Manager
For effective hotelier management, you’ll need advanced skills in specific areas.
- Leadership and communication: To successfully coordinate and collaborate with various teams and staff, you’ll need strong leadership and communication skills that involve taking initiative, providing direction, developing relationships and more.
- Problem-solving under pressure: When a problem arises, staff will turn to you to address crises professionally and effectively under pressure. You must have a solution-forward mindset as well as a flexible and open attitude.
- Time management and organization: The various responsibilities of hotel management require you to proficiently manage time and stay organized. Without this skill, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed and unable to effectively get the job done.
- Financial knowledge: Successful budgeting and forecasting require excellent financial acumen so you can ensure you’re meeting the fiscal needs of the hotel as well as achieving profitable outcomes.
- Customer service: Even though your role won’t always involve guests, you must know how to engage customers, build relationships with them and ensure they have a positive lodging experience.
Available Degree Programs
Hotel Manager Salary and Job Outlook
A hotel manager’s salary is commonly influenced by location, hotel type and experience. For example, a resort manager working at a luxury hotel or large resort will likely have higher pay. There are often bonuses and perks to a hotelier career, such as housing, travel discounts and food packages.
You’ll find that hotel management has many growth opportunities. You can start as an assistant manager and progress to be a hotel manager then a regional manager. Beyond management, you can work in corporate roles or hospitality consulting upon gaining the necessary experience. Vacation destinations and cities with heavy tourism need strong hospitality leaders.
FAQs
Do I need a degree to be a hotel manager?
What’s the difference between hotel management and hospitality management?
Sources:
Advance Your Business Career
The next level of your career is ready when you are. All you have to do is apply now!