Hotel Manager

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Become A Hotel Manager

When friends and relatives come to town, does your house automatically become an informal bed-and-breakfast? Would you enjoy the challenge of combining business skills with your knack for hospitality? Consider putting your talents to good use as a hotel manager.

Hotel Management in a Nutshell

Above all else, you must be an enthusiastic people-person to be a successful hotel manager. Hotel managers are fired up by the daily challenge of running a clean, efficient home-away-from-home for guests, all of whom have unique tastes and expectations.

While the perks of the job include meeting fascinating people on a daily basis, the pitfalls include interacting with grumpy people on a daily basis. For this reason, you'll need an uncrackable poise to allow you to be polite and flexible with staff and guests through good days and bad. Hotel managers work well when stressed and thrive under pressure.

Education Requirements for Hotel Managers

Employers looking for competent hotel managers increasingly desire vocational training in hotel, restaurant or hospitality management. High schools in 45 states offer programs created by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, which teaches students basic management principles and allows them to become Certified Rooms Division Specialists after successful completion of the program.

However, previous hotel work experience and a bachelor's degree in business will satisfy some employers. Hotel internships and work-study programs are also a major asset to people in this field.

Day in the Life of a Hotel Manager

Hotels are open 24 hours a day, which means that you will seldom work a typical 40-hour workweek. You may often work overtime at night and on weekends directing your staff, soothing ruffled guests, attending to tourist groups and problem-solving your socks off.

Job Growth for Hotel Managers

Employment for hotel managers is expected to grow at the same pace as the national employment average through 2014. Additional jobs openings will be available as experienced managers switch to other occupations.