Hotel and Motel Managers

Career summary

Hotel and motel managers may also be called lodging managers.

#checked 2/10/15 lh

Hotel and motel managers oversee business operations and supervise employees. Managers of small hotels and motels generally have more duties than managers of larger businesses because there are fewer employees. For example, they may occasionally clean rooms, take reservations, check guests in and out, or make general repairs.

Managers have many administrative tasks. They interview, hire, and train new staff. They schedule laundry service deliveries and order supplies. They keep track of income and expenses.

General managers are in charge of the entire hotel. They often help create budgets, policies, and advertisements. They also may set room rates and fees.

Assistant managers may run departments in large hotels. There are several types of assistant managers, including:

• Executive housekeepers supervise the workers who clean the hotel. They inspect the hotel to make sure that all areas are clean.
• Front office managers are in charge of reservations and room assignments.
• Food and beverage managers oversee restaurants and banquets. They plan menus, set prices, and order supplies.
• Convention services managers coordinate all hotel activities related to meetings.

Assistant managers hire, train, and supervise the members of their staff. They assign duties to workers and schedule their shifts. They solve customers' complaints and answer questions about their departments. They also order food or supplies and may negotiate contracts with vendors.

Assistant managers work closely with the general manager. They also talk to other assistant managers when coordinating large events, such as weddings.

Related careers

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Administrative Services Managers
• Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
• Food Service Worker Supervisors
• General and Operations Managers
• Janitor and Housekeeper Supervisors
• Meeting and Convention Planners
• Office Managers
• Restaurant Managers
• Sales Worker Supervisors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to hotel and motel managers.

• Coordinate front-office duties. May greet and register guests and show rooms.
• Answer questions about hotel policies and services. Resolve customers' complaints.
• Assign duties to workers and schedule shifts.
• Observe and monitor workers' performance to make sure that procedures are being followed.
• Meet with clients to plan conventions, weddings, and banquets.
• Keep track of money earned and spent.
• Confer and cooperate with other managers to coordinate hotel activities, such as weddings.
• Interview, hire, and train staff.
• Inspect hotel for cleanliness and appearance.
• Purchase supplies or services, such as laundry, repair, and trash, from outside vendors. Negotiate contracts.
• Write reports about department functions. Use computers to keep track of information.
• May set room rates and develop budgets, policies, and procedures for hotel operations.
• May design marketing and advertising campaigns.

Common work activities

Hotel and motel managers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Teach others
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Use computers
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Perform for or work with the public
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Coach others
• Think creatively
• Schedule work and activities
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Recruit, interview, or hire others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Develop and build teams
• Assist and care for others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Process information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Analyze data or information
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Document and record information
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor and control resources
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Explain the meaning of information to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, hotel and motel managers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of contact with staff and customers.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They communicate less often by letters and memos.
• Are responsible for the work of the employees they supervise.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations with guests who may be angry or unhappy.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of staff and customers.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors. Managers at lodges or hotels with gardens or grounds may spend some time outdoors.
• Work near others, usually within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Managers work hard to make customers feel at home. Any mistakes could cause customers to stay at other hotels in the future.
• Regularly make decisions that have a strong impact on their employer's reputation.
• Make decisions that affect clients and employees on a daily basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most tasks and goals for the day without consulting a supervisor. Because they are managers, they often direct the tasks and goals of others.
• Work under moderate job pressures. Hotels and motels often compete to attract new customers.
• Abide by weekly deadlines.
• Repeat the same activities, such as meeting customers and operating a computer.

Hours/travel

• Generally work a set schedule.
• Most work 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime is common.
• May work evenings and weekends, since hotels are open around the clock.

Physical demands

Hotel and motel managers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for hotel and motel managers to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for hotel and motel managers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Skills and abilities

Hotel and motel managers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Hospitality Management

Other programs of study to consider

• Business Management and Administration
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Marketing
• Recreation and Parks Management
• Restaurant and Food Services Management
• Travel Services Management

Training

To work as a hotel or motel manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have one to five years of related work experience.

Education after high school

Some hotel and motel managers learn their skills through formal training programs. Community and junior colleges and some universities offer two- or four-year degree programs in hotel and motel management. Technical institutes and professional-vocational schools also offer formal programs. These programs may be from one to two years long. Most formal programs include courses in accounting, marketing, and food service management.

Employers also hire people who have a degree in another field, such as business or liberal arts.

Work experience

Many employers promote outstanding employees into management positions. You usually need several years of work experience. Some employers require formal training in addition to years of work experience.

Most graduates, especially those who have a liberal arts degree, need work experience. An internship or a part-time job in the hotel industry is a good way to gain experience.

On-the-job training

Larger hotels often provide training. New managers rotate through various departments to learn the business. Other hotels may pay for formal training in hotel management for their outstanding employees. Training may last up to three months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Food Service
• Hospitality
• Travel and Tourism

Many hotel and motel managers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer to applicants with several years of related work experience. Some employers prefer to hire managers who have graduated with a degree or certificate in hotel or restaurant management. However, some employers also hire applicants who graduate from college with liberal arts degrees. These employers look for college graduates who have experience working in hotels.

Employers prefer to hire managers who get along with many types of people. They also prefer to hire managers who can handle stressful situations. Managers need to be able to solve problems and concentrate on details. They also need to be motivated and organized, and encourage those skills in their staff.

Tips

Specialization in a closely related field such as restaurant management, business administration, or sales can be helpful. Computer experience is beneficial. People who enter this profession should enjoy working with people and being of service to others.

Costs to workers

Managers may have to buy suitable work clothes. They also may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Lodging Managers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for lodging managers is $3,078 per month ($17.76 per hour).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Wages vary by the manager's duties and the size of the hotel. Managers who work at large hotel chains generally earn more than those who work at smaller hotels. Some managers earn bonuses of up to 25 percent of their salary.

Hotel and motel managers usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation. Some hotels pay for formal training programs. Others may give managers a percentage of the hotel's profits. In addition, some hotels provide managers with lodging, meals, parking, and laundry. Managers who are self-employed must provide their own health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that for lodging managers there will be 12 openings annually due to new positions and 23 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of hotel and motel managers are self-employed. These managers usually own a small hotel or motel.

Major employers:

• Hotels and motels

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change. Growth in tourism and travel will contribute to this growth. However, reduction in the number of full-service hotels may limit growth. Limited-service hotels require fewer employees and managers. In addition, some hotels and motels assign a single manager to oversee multiple properties within a region.

Competition for jobs at large hotels that offer the highest level of guest services is expected to be strong. Opportunities at smaller hotels should be better. Job prospects will be best for those who have a college degree in hotel or restaurant management and experience in customer service.

Other resources

American Hotel and Lodging Association 
1250 I Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
202.289.3100

American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute 
(Certification options in the hospitality industry)

American Management Association 

Hospitality Careers Online 

International Live Events Society 
330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60611
800.688.4737
312.321.6853

National Recreation and Park Association 
22377 Belmont Ridge Road
Ashburn, VA 20148
800.626.6772
703.858.0784

National Restaurant Association 
2055 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.5156
202.331.5900

Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management 
328 East Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502.574.9931

Washington Hospitality Association 
510 Plum Street SE, Suite 200
Olympia, WA 98501
800.225.7166
360.956.7279

References

Career cluster

• Hospitality and Tourism

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Lodging Managers (11-9081.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Manager, Front Office (187.137-018) 
• Manager, Hotel or Motel (187.117-038) 
• Manager, Lodging Facilities (320.137-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Enterprising/Conventional/Social

COPSystem

• Business Professional