How to Become a Hotel Manager

Learn how to become a hotel manager in this article. Did you know a new employment position appears in the hotel industry every 2.5 seconds? BLS.gov anticipates that the number of hotel management jobs will increase by more than 8% in the coming ten years. The minimum education requirement for entry into the hospitality industry is just a high school diploma or equivalent! However, many opt for a bachelor’s degree or certificate course in hospitality management.

With the industry’s unemployment declining remarkably, the question of how to become a hotel manager is increasing in popularity. The BLS shows that the unemployment rate reduced from 6.10% in 2010 to 2.5% in 2018. The gender disparity in hotel management jobs is next to zero, as the hospitality industry comprises 47.6% women and 49.4% males.

A hotel manager’s job description includes supervising all hotel services, including guest services, housekeeping, food services, and maintenance. The varied job duties make this an ideal career choice for those interested in hotel management. This article answers the burning question of “how to become a hotel manager?”. It delves into hospitality management careers, the intricacies of hotel management jobs, how to advance in the hotel industry, and more!

Let’s get started on this info ride!

Who is a Hotel Manager?

All hotels have various departments that require adequate supervision, and hotel managers are the professionals for this job. Hotel manager duties may seem uncomplicated, but these professionals have a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders. They are directly responsible for sales, budgeting, marketing, accounts, recruitment, and other domains. They are thus the prime supervisor of everything going on in a hotel. The fundamental job responsibilities of a hotel manager may be as follows:

Recruitment, deployment, and training of the new staff in a hotel
Complaint management and maintenance of customer service
Budget and accounts functioning maintenance
Cost control and revenue maximization
Maintenance, management, and reimbursement of hotel staff

A hotel manager’s job availability in the global hotel industry based on level of experience is as follows:

10% of employment positions: Less than one year of experience in the hospitality industry
60% of employment positions: About two or three years of experience in hotel management
40% of employment positions: About three to four years of job experience as a hotel manager

What Does a Hotel Manager Do?

Hotel managers are responsible for various tasks. Their duties vary depending on the scope and size of the facility they manage. They may have to undertake supervision rounds of the lodging facility to ensure the seamless functioning of various departments, coordinate multiple divisions as needed, and supervise hotel employees. They may also need to work out strategies that enhance the guest experience and often communicate with guests to analyze their feedback.

Typical hotel manager duties may include supervision and management of the following operations:

Security
Room reservations and front desk working
Finances
Housekeeping
Marketing and sales
Maintenance and Facilities
Restaurant and food services

Hotel Manager Job Description

Hotel manager job descriptions coincide with their managerial duties. Although the definition may differ depending upon the size of the lodging facility of the organization, these professionals generally work in an office-based environment that may require frequent interaction with employees and customers.

Hotel management employment positions typically require the following abilities:

Recruitment, training, and supervision of staff
Budget maintenance
Management of events, maintenance work, and room bookings
Control of financial and statistical records
Compliance insurance with licensing laws and health and safety legislation
Adequate customer queries and complaints handling
Marketing and promotion of the business

Who Can Become a Hotel Manager?

Training to become a hotel manager may require rigorous day and night shifts. However, this demanding journey comes after the educational requirements for a career in hotel management. These requirements are as follows:

A bachelor's degree or certificate program in hotel management or hospitality management
Adequate work experience after graduation from a hospitality degree or course
Substantial knowledge of hotel concepts, procedures, and practices
An MBA degree in hospitality or hotel management is an additional benefit

Hotel Manager Work Environment

Hotel managers generally work typical business hours in orthodox office settings. However, they may need to pay frequent visits to supervise and survey other departments in a non-office environment, such as restaurants and housekeeping. Since hotels operate continuously, some hotel managers may need to work on the weekends, holidays, and nights. Others may need to be available 24/7 for emergencies.

Overall, a hotel manager must be able to work for long periods in front of a computer and interact with guests and various employees simultaneously and regularly.

Professional Management Skills

Following is a list of skills that aspirants need to become successful hotel managers:

Customer Service

One of the primary traits for successful employment in the hospitality industry is customer service. Hotel manager duties involve frequent interactions with customers, employees, and guests and ensuring customer satisfaction. The most successful hotel managers can develop close professional relationships with guests, meet their expectations, and put out fires wherever necessary. These professionals must have a high level of emotional intelligence to perform their responsibilities effectively.

Management Skills

Advanced management skills are the backbone of hotel manager responsibilities. These include interpersonal and leadership skills, as these professionals supervise various employees in different departments across the organization. Hotel managers must also have practical strategic thinking skills to run hotel operations seamlessly.

Communication Skills

Lodging managers must exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills to perform their job responsibilities. That is because their job entails constant interaction with employees to run hotel operations and executives to report the working of business operations.

Time Management

A hotel management job is likely to involve meticulous adjusting and planning. Most lodging facilities require 24/7 operations to deal with guests, which requires employees scheduled for each shift. Since a hotel is a high-paced environment, it may also necessitate the manager to make tough decisions, prioritizing certain aspects while intentionally pushing others in the background. Therefore, a hotel manager must have excellent time management skills to ensure the facility runs smoothly and determine which elements need the most urgent attention.

Operational Knowledge

Hotel managers oversee several departments within a facility, which is impossible without adequate operational knowledge. A hospitality facility manager must know the linking factors between all departments and how they come together to facilitate the lodging facility’s smooth functioning. Professionals with excellent operational knowledge are best at managing hotels and ensuring high customer satisfaction.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Ability

Making the right decisions in limited timeframes is crucial for a hotel management position. Hotel managers often require solid problem-solving skills to make the right decision and predict the possible outcomes of that decision. Therefore, in case of a problem, a hotel manager must develop solutions quickly and choose the best one through robust critical thinking and foresight.

Increasing Your Skill Set

A hotel management position requires constant improvement in the skills you have. Suppose you are interested in augmenting your skill set for this position. In that case, you must develop the hotel manager skills and qualities mentioned above. Adopt the following tips if you want to know how to advance in the hotel industry:

Become a better communicator
Improve your listening skills
Work on problem-solving abilities
Develop a higher level of emotional intelligence
Augment your memorization skills
Learn how to become a true leader
Adopt a calm and respectful demeanor even when talked to rudely or insulted
Become detail oriented
Don’t overlook the managerial aspects of your business, no matter how trivial
Avoid procrastination
Appreciate employees for their good and hard work
Become better with money
Develop quick mathematics skills
Maintain a cordial relationship with vendors and guests
Be focused, motivated, and loyal
Don’t ask an employee to undertake a task that you wouldn’t do yourself
Work both intelligently and strongly
Stay up-to-date with the best industry practices and trends

This section answers the burning question of how to become a hotel manager for aspirants looking to work in hospitality management careers. Hotel manager jobs entail constant supervision of the everyday activities of a lodging facility, including staffing, maintenance, and guest services.

Let us look at the most comprehensive guide to how to become a hotel manager:

Earn An Undergraduate Degree

Aspirants who wish to pursue a hotel management career can pursue a bachelor’s degree or diploma in hospitality, business management, or hotel and restaurant management. Those who want to pursue a different degree can opt for similar degrees in marketing, administration, or operations management.

Although most hotel management jobs do not require a degree, having one can earn you a higher status and prove your expertise and knowledge in this field.

An undergraduate hospitality degree fosters the skills to monitor finances, provide guest services, organize maintenance, and manage hotel employees. Some typical courses in a hotel management degree program may include the following:

Managerial Accounting
Food and Beverage Operations
Service Management
Marketing for Hospitality
Human Resources
Finance

GetEducated's Picks

Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
University of West Alabama Bachelor of Business Administration / Agri-Tourism
Brenau University Bachelor of Business Administration / Hospitality Management

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Find An Employment Position In The Hospitality Industry

Try to attain experience relevant to a hotel manager role before or after graduation. Employment in customer management or service can make your resume stand out from other hotel manager applicants. For instance, you can work in a restaurant to enhance your customer service skills or gain relevant experience through a career in food service, administration, travel, retail, or clearing.

Work In Different Hotel Positions

Try to score an entry-level position in a hotel to have the opportunity to move up the corporate ladder. Working in several functions in a hotel offers expertise and insight into different departments, which can help you effectively manage them. A professional with ample experience in various positions is ideal for a hotel manager role.

Working in a hotel also offers networking opportunities with experts in the industry, including a potential hotel manager to mentor you. You can also find employment opportunities for managerial positions within the current managing team.

Attain Managerial Experience

Managerial experience is a crucial qualification for a hotel manager role. You can act as a manager for various departments within a hotel before advancing to the position of a hotel manager, such as dining, front desk, maintenance, or food services. Working as the manager of these departments can help you upgrade your career by supervising other employees, learning about leadership, and developing critical skills. You will learn how to assign and manage tasks, create schedules, and solve problems whenever they arise.

Gaining managerial experience also offers various networking opportunities with the current hotel operations manager and other department managers. You may also learn more about hotel operations and ways to improve guest services by working in a domain that supervises some of the facility’s services.

Apply For A Hotel Manager Position

When you attain enough experience in the hospitality industry, it is time to apply for a hotel manager position. You can apply to a hotel where you currently work as a manager of a particular department or another hotel. When applying, ensure you develop a strong cover letter and resume to submit to the employer. Include all relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order. This order means that you must list your most recent position first.

Also include a list of the practical skills you gained through your work experience, making sure that they align with the hotel manager job description that the employer put out. Your resume must also include a professional summary that covers your qualifications for the role you are applying to.

Education To Become A Hotel Manager

What To Expect from Hospitality Degrees

The content and structure of hospitality degrees vary depending on your university, degree program, and concentration. Students will begin their studies with introductory courses targeting aspects of the hospitality industry and offering a birds-eye view of hospitality careers. As the program continues, students may have the option to choose one or more concentrations leading up to a dissertation or culminating final-year project.

It is wise to choose a hospitality degree that includes an internship, as it provides hands-on industry experience while studying. Some hospitality degree programs may also offer two or three internship opportunities during the degree.

Timeline

The course length varies depending on the institution and program format. Still, undergraduate degrees in hospitality generally take three to four years. Degrees with internships may take longer, especially if the work experience spans a whole year – also known as “sandwich year” or “placement year” in some schools.

Courses

Hospitality degrees focus on customer comfort and security in a restaurant, hotel, or entertainment facility. They also emphasize customer satisfaction as it directly leads to increased revenue generation. The courses also integrate relevant theoretical principles from disciplines such as Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, and Commerce. The standard topics in a hospitality degree include the following:

Travel and Tour Operation
Hotel Operation
Hotel and Restaurant Financial Management
Hospitality Management Communication
Applied Foodservice Sanitation
Catering and Banquet Management

A hospitality management degree teaches students quality management strategies and business development tools. Students attain the fundamental administrative abilities to plan and schedule activities and events and maintain an organization. They also develop excellent communication and customer service skills.

Careers

Graduates with a hospitality management degree are eligible for employment in hotels, restaurants, casinos, clubs, and contract food services. They can also work as travel agents, hotel managers, cost controllers, clerks, cruise line personnel, or restaurant managers.

Common skills that students develop from a hospitality degree include the following:

Thorough understanding of relevant cultural and international contexts
Problem-solving and analytical skills
Attention to detail
IT skills to effectively collect, monitor, analyze, and present data
Organizational skills
Time management
Oral and written communication skills
Holistic knowledge of the hospitality industry

Certifications & Licenses

Certifications are crucial to upgrade your career, attain primary education to enter a new work field, or remain up-to-date with the changing dynamics in an industry. Several certifications in hospitality management can provide aspirants with a comprehensive overview of the industry. It is suitable to undertake a certification program before opting for a degree in hospitality as it can help you determine if this career choice is the right fit for you. Professionals already working in a hospitality career can add an extra layer of expertise through such certifications.

Following are the top three hotel management certifications that you should consider:

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

A Certified Hotel Administrator certification depicts your ability to undertake advanced management functions. Aspirants of a CHA must pass an online examination and possess two years of practical experience as a hotel manager or a relevant position. Certificate holders must renew their credentials every five years and maintain their work in the industry. They can also earn expertise points by completing relevant online courses and attending conferences that keep them up-to-date with changing industry trends.

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Like CHA, a Certified Hospitality Supervisor certificate demonstrates your fundamental knowledge of hospitality management. Aspirants of this credential must have 90 days of experience in a supervisory position in the hospitality industry. They must also pass an online examination that contains 100 multiple-choice questions.

Certified Hospitality Department Trainer (CHDT)

A Certified Hospitality Department Trainer credential shows that the holder understands all hospitality departments and can train various employees. Aspirants of this credential must complete a training program, serve as hospitality employees with training duties, and pass an online examination containing 50 questions. Holders must renew their certification every five years, during which they will need to provide evidence of their continuing hospitality employment and education.

Career Paths In The Hospitality Industry

Jobs

Hospitality management is a challenging yet rewarding career choice. Many employers offer hospitality jobs in restaurants, fast food chains, hotels, airlines, conference and exhibition centers, events venues, bars and pubs, and even the public sector.

Hospitality management salary varies depending upon your academic qualification, professional experience, certifications, status and scale of your organization, geographical location, and more. A five-star hotel manager’s salary is considerably more than hotel managers at lower-level hotels or enterprises. However, a degree in hospitality management and the necessary skills can pave the way for different career choices, including:

Finance/Accounting
Marketing and Sales
Tourism
Public Relations
Customer Services
Human Resources

How Much Do Hotel Managers Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for lodging managers was $59,430 per year or $28.57 per hour in 2021. The typical entry-level requirement for this position was a high school diploma or equivalent educational experience. Hotel manager jobs do not require on-the-job training. They often need less than five years of work experience in a managerial position. The BLS predicts a promising job outlook for these professionals, with an 18% increase between 2021 and 2031, considerably faster than the average across occupations. With the number of jobs standing at 51,200 in 2021, an employment increase of 9,200 jobs may occur in the next ten years.

Hospitality Jobs in Guest Relations

Guest relations is a specialized customer-service-oriented industry for professionals who prefer interaction and collaboration with people. Such careers are available in various sectors, including hotel management.

1. Front Office Managers

Front office managers have various day-to-day responsibilities, such as coordinating hotel sales, supervising employees, managing guest accounts, etc.

2. Directors of Housekeeping

Directors of housekeeping generally work in hotels and are responsible for supervising the appearance and cleanliness of the hotel, maintaining supplies, managing and controlling labor costs, and performing various other related tasks.

3. Sommeliers

Refined restaurants and high-end hotels can offer employment opportunities to sommeliers as experts in wine. They may be responsible for recommending food and wine pairings, promoting wine-based events, or assisting chefs in creating up-to-date wine listings.

Hospitality Food Jobs In The Food And Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry is categorized into two prime segments:

Production of edible goods
Distribution of edible goods

Food and beverage occupations related to hospitality management may be present in settings such as event centers, breweries, restaurants, and more.

Some common employment positions in this domain are as follows:

1. Restaurant Manager

Restaurant managers ensure a restaurant’s seamless and effective operation by supervising various restaurants, ranging from fine dining establishments specializing in international delicacies to local taverns.

2. Catering Assistant

Catering assistants can work directly for a catering company – in-house in a restaurant- or at a hotel establishment to manage bookings, supervise productions, and oversee other related tasks.

3. Sous Chef

An essential job in the food and beverage industry is a sous chef: the second-in-command position in a kitchen. A sous chef works under the head chef and supervises various kitchen operations and meal preparations.

Hospitality Jobs In Tourism Management

Hospitality management is a branch of tourism management that offers diverse employment opportunities for recent graduates. Some unique positions, such as flight attendant and ship director, can take you around the globe. Still, this industry also offers roles with a consistent home base.

Some suitable options are as follows:

1. Travel Agents

A travel agent researches and plans trips for groups, couples, or individuals. Their primary job responsibilities may include booking excursions, finding suitable lodging, and sharing flight deals.

2. Tour Guides

Tour guides offer public or private tours of museums, famous towns, historical sights, or other places of importance. They also prepare itineraries for their clients and hold extensive knowledge of the locations they offer guidance on. These guidance professionals can answer all questions related to their particular tour.

3. Marketing and Public Relations

A marketing and public relations career is associated with tourism and hospitality management. Marketing and public relations are significant to a location because they decide its public image. This aspect may affect the number of people traveling to a hotel, touristy town, or other sightseeing areas.

Hospitality Jobs In Event Planning

Event planning is crucial in hospitality management and involves functional interaction and organization. Successful professionals in the event planning sector may possess skills such as effective multitasking, flexibility, and managing budgeting.

Some common employment positions in this sector are as follows:

1. In-House Event Planner

In-house event planners may undertake any aspects of an event, including holding regular meetings, booking clients, arranging post-program clean-up, and putting out fires in event details.

2. Conference Organizer

Conference organizers generally work in-house to arrange seating, itineraries, keynote speakers, and other in-venue needs for a conference, expo, trade show, or another related event.

3. Bridal Consultant

Bridal consultants, also known as wedding planners, supervise various aspects of a reception and wedding ceremony. Their responsibilities may range from finding a suitable venue to deciding the seating chart and menu.

Hospitality Jobs In the Entertainment and Leisure Industries

Employment positions in the entertainment and leisure industries associated with hospitality management are similar to the ones mentioned above. For instance, it is common for entertainment employment positions to crop up in abundance in tourist towns such as New York City or Las Vegas.

Some typical jobs that both these sectors may offer include:

1. Casino Hosts

Casino hosts work in a casino to ensure the utmost customer satisfaction. Their day-to-day responsibilities may include establishing cordial relations with regular customers and offering incentives that maintain a positive experience, prompting visitors to come again.

2. Spa Directors

Spas are the epitome of relaxation and leisure worldwide, and spa directors supervise appointments and scheduling to ensure a fulfilling experience for customers. They may also maintain the inventory and supplies and perform other related tasks.

3. Theme Park Manager

Theme parks are more than just fun rides and rollercoasters. Specifically, they must ensure the seamless running of their organization. Their primary job responsibilities may include planning promotional events, supervising employees, maintaining smooth and safe rides, booking shows, etc.

Professional Organizations, Associations, & Resources

Students with a hospitality degree can join professional organizations while in school to familiarize themselves with the industry and develop crucial professional relationships through networking. Organization members generally obtain access to job boards, newsletters, and other opportunities apart from professional support. Following are the top professional organizations for hospitality careers:

AMC Institute

The AMC institute is a non-profit, international trade association comprising companies offering professional and association management services to volunteer-governed organizations and for-profit companies.

American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)

The AH&LA voices the interests of the U.S. lodging industry at the national level through research groups, regulatory affairs and federal legislation, the national media, the general public, and the educational community.

ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership

ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership is a membership organization serving as the voice of the association profession. The organization has more than 22,000 staff professionals, consultant members, association CEOs, and industry partners.

Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International (ACCED-I)

The ACCED-I comprises over 1,500 campus professionals who market, design, plan, and coordinate special events and conferences on the campuses of universities and colleges worldwide.

Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADME International)

ADMEI seeks to improve the effectiveness and professionalism of destination management. Professionals can hone their craft through the availability of information to the general public, meetings, and conventions. The organization provides incentives for the general public and the travel industry, promotion of ethical practices, and education.

Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA)

The CEMA has a mission to:

Promote knowledge sharing and professional networking
Advocate the value of event marketing and apply it to other marketing disciplines
Drive industry standards
Provide thoughtful education and leadership

The organization offers knowledge sharing, professional networking, thought leadership, and education for senior event marketing professionals.

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI)

The Destination Marketing Association International contains over 1,500 professional members from over 600 destination-marketing organizations through thirty countries. DMAI enhances the effectiveness, professionalism, and image of tourism boards and CVBs.

Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA)

The ESPA was formerly known as ACOM. It is an international organization for convention professionals committed to elevating professional standards and values. This organization provides needs-directed continuing education and advances customer service to promote recognition and growth of the convention services profession.

FAQs

What qualifications do you need to be a manager of a hotel?

Although the typical entry-level academic requirement for this industry is a high school diploma or equivalent, most hotel managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, hotel management, business administration, or a relevant field. Other candidates may have a high school diploma but several years of professional hospitality experience.

What Skills Do You Need To Be a Hotel Manager?

Customer Service
Management
Communication
Time Management
Operational Knowledge
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Are hotel managers paid well?

Yes, hotel managers’ salaries are pretty reasonable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lodging managers make about $59,430 per year or $28.57 per hour.

Which course is best to become a hotel manager?

A qualification such as a high school diploma or a foundational degree can help you kickstart a hotel management career through a management trainee program. Although this role is available for graduates of all disciplines, a particularly relevant subject is hotel management or hospitality management.

Is being a hotel manager hard?

A hotel manager’s job is a liaison between the staff and the owners and thus can be pretty demanding and isolating. However, professionals who can deal with a high level of responsibility, long hours, and various job responsibilities can attain a robust sense of satisfaction and motivation to continue in the profession.

So What’s Next?

A hotel manager’s job is incredibly diverse, as two days are hardly the same for a leading hotel manager. Although this makes this career a highly attractive one, it also makes it a challenging choice requiring a broad skill set.

Now that we have answered how to become a hotel manager, it is time to look into yourself and determine whether you will be the right fit for this role. You can also head to GetEducated.com to learn about more career options and make an informed decision about your future!

How to Become a Hotel Manager – Education & Salary