Hotel Management Careers - Find Out About Options, Education & Jobs

From hosting rock stars to being viewed as one by patrons, hotel managers hold the keys to a never-boring, always fulfilling career.

With over an estimated 17.5 million hotel rooms within somewhere between 205,000-500,000 hotels, not including motels, bed and breakfasts, and other forms of hospitality establishments, there’s a lot of room for hotel managers. For all aspects of hotel operations to run smoothly for both staff and guests, a hotel manager (or sometimes, more than one manager) is employed. That means there are a lot of positions all over the world needing your expertise. Managing a hotel can be an exciting and rewarding career. Learn more about hotel management and how to climb that career ladder.

HOTEL MANAGEMENT HISTORY 101

For as long as humans have been traveling, there have been places for them to rest and refuel. Inns throughout the United States started popping up in the 1700s when pioneers were making their way across the country. In Europe, however, monasteries had been doing similar hospitality related services since the Middle Ages. Back then, only the basics of food and bed were provided on both continents. As competition grew, so did the amenities offered in these establishments. By the late 1700’s, hotels were being built to provide a place of rest to a larger quantity of guests.

In the 1920’s, corporations started taking over these mom and pop hotels, and the earliest hotel chains began to emerge. By the time hotels evolved into something similar to what we have today, hotel management training courses were recommended, providing only the essentials of education to interested students.

A MANAGER'S JOB IS NEVER DONE

A hotel manager, also referred to as Lodging Manager or Hospitality Manager, is the backbone of the hotel’s operations. Whether it’s a bed and breakfast, or a corporate chain, hotel managers are there to oversee staff, guests, and all hotel operations and projects.

Smaller hotels don’t usually have as stringent hiring policies as larger hotel conglomerates. Diploma/certificates or associate degrees are typically what hiring personnel look for in management.

Responsibilities of hotel managers include but are not limited to:

• Make sure the lobby, room, and hotel grounds are neat and aesthetically pleasing
• Ensure employees are meeting industry and brand standards
• Knowledgeable and prepared to answer guests questions
• Keep track of hotel finances
• In charge of hiring, firing, and training employees
• Make sure establishment is well run
• Able to solve problems with staff or guests
• Set room rates, designate funds to particular departments, and approve spending

PERKS OF THE PROFESSION

There are many benefits to becoming a hotel manager:

• Some hotel chains offer bonuses that could be equivalent to 30% of your salary. A great pay-bump.
• Friends and family (and you) generally get discounted rates at hotels within your chain. Anywhere in the world they have properties.
• The fancier the hotel, the better chances you have of meeting famous guests. So, keep your eyes peeled!
• There’s something to be said for wearing a uniform. You don’t have to spend a fortune on work clothes, and you don’t need to plan out what you’re going to wear. Many employed in the hospitality industry enjoy uniforms for this reason.
• Some hotels also offer car and gas allowance, gym memberships, free food, insurance, and so much more.

A QUALITY CANDIDATE

To be an asset to the hotel industry and prove you’ll be a great return on their investment, you’ll need to have certain skills. Not only will these skills be necessary to impress employers, but they'll also be invaluable when you’re hired and on the job dealing with guests and staff.

• Critical Thinking: Hotel managers need to be decisive. Problems do arise, so if you're skilled with quick decision making, then you'll find yourself more comfortable during times of conflict resolution.
• Organizational Skills: If your knee-jerk reaction is to color code and alphabetize, then you’ll fit right in as a hotel manager. Because the position comes with so many responsibilities, you will need to keep it all cataloged, documented, and coded.
• Communication Skills: Communicating clearly across a variety of mediums such as letter writing, speaking with hotel guests, staff, and executives, is an imperative skill for hotel management.
• Computer Skills: Computer systems and software are part of the job. Hotel managers must have computer savvy skills to work in today’s market. Everything is done via a computer, from creating a work schedule to billing and payroll, and beyond.
• Financial Skills: Hotel managers are in charge of the budget, setting room rates and specials, and tracking of all the money coming in and out of the corporation.

WHAT IT TAKES

To work in a large hotel chain, you’ll most likely need a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or hotel management. Smaller hotels may not require as much advanced education. Associate or certificates in hospitality may be all that is needed.

In addition, many hotel managers get their start simply by graduating high school and working their way up the hotel management's chain of command. Some high schools across the country offer a two-year Lodging Management Programs of the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute Lodging Management Programs of the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute.

Common classes in a hotel or hospitality associate degree program:

• Business Principles
• Marketing Principles
• Math for the Workplace
• Management for Conventions and Events
• Intro to Hospitality Management
• Tech and Computer Skills for Hospitality Management

Common classes in a hotel or hospitality bachelor’s degree program:

• Hospitality Law
• Hospitality Financial Management
• Hotel and Restaurant Sales and Marketing
• Security
• Facilities Management
• Hotel Operations
• Restaurant Management
• Business Computing
• Human Resource Management
• Communications
• Economics
• Finance and Accounting
• Strategic Management

Internships:

Some programs offer internships. These paid training opportunities are important because, to get hired as a hotel manager, you’ll need to have related experience listed on your resume. Hotel chains like Marriott, Hyatt, and Starwood offer internships.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certifications for Hotel Managers are not required. However, it could give you a competitive edge in the job market. The Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) certificate offered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute is one that’s highly recognized worldwide.

Members of the AHLEI pay $525.00 to take the exam, and non-members are charged $700.00. The AHLEI offers other certifications within the lodging industry for professionals in the food and beverage, education side, hotel suppliers, and revenue management and sales.

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

An associate degree is usually a more cost-effective route, but the degree doesn’t necessarily come with as many open doors as a bachelor’s degree in the same field does. Associate degrees in hospitality management run, on average, around $3,100 annually.

A private four-year university could potentially run over $30,000 per year, putting a $120,000 price tag on that degree. A bachelor’s degree from a public college, for an in-state student, is less costly at an average of $9,000 per year. These costs are tuition and fees only. You should also take room and board, food, and school supplies into consideration.

Scholarships can help reduce the cost of school. There are a few out there that are unique to hospitality degrees such as the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Foundation Scholarship, The Hospitality Industry Network Scholarships, American Bus Association, and the IFAEF. Find out more information about financial aid here.

TAKING IT TO THE BANK

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for hotel managers in 2023 was $76,790, with the top 10 percent making $127,090 or more. Hotel managers work full time, and sometimes have to be on call 24-hours per day because hotels never close.

States with the highest salaries in 2023

THERE'S PLENTY OF ROOM

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for hotel managers will increase 7 percent by 2032. This growth is faster than that of the national average of all occupations. People will continue to enjoy traveling through the years, which contributes greatly to the increasing need for hotel management.