How to Become a Hotel Manager? Qualifications and Steps

Key Takeaways

• The steps to becoming a hotel manager include earning a relevant degree, gaining practical experience, developing essential skills, networking, and pursuing certifications.
• Pursuing a degree is a more structured and faster option to becoming a hotel manager, as it provides you with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
• SHMS combines education, real-world experience, and valuable networking opportunities to ensure your success in the hospitality industry.

The hotel business is inherently a people business, with a large human component at the center of its operations. From the moment guests walk through the door, their experience is influenced by the attitudes and actions of hotel associates. Their work, particularly making sure it aligns with the hotel’s standards and guest expectations, is often closely guided and supervised by managers.

A career in hotel management is particularly rewarding for those passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences. As a hotel manager, your role directly influences the success of the business by shaping customer satisfaction, team performance, and operational efficiency. However, before committing to this path, it’s crucial to understand the specific skills, industry experience, and specialized training needed to excel in this dynamic and fast-paced field.

How to Become a Hotel Manager

The path to becoming a successful hotel manager can vary widely, shaped by individual opportunities, career goals, and the evolving demands of the hospitality industry. Despite these unique journeys, one thing remains consistent: the need for a strong foundation in hospitality knowledge, a mastery of essential management skills, and hands-on experience in the field. If you aspire to lead in this dynamic industry, these steps can guide you toward achieving your goal:

1. Get a hospitality degree

The first and arguably most reliable step to becoming a hotel manager is earning a degree in hospitality management. A formal education in hospitality equips you with the knowledge needed to understand hotel operations, customer service, business management, and the responsibilities of a leadership role.

The importance of a degree lies in academic learning paired with practical experience and skill development, as most renowned programs nowadays offer. For example, the Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management at Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) provides a hands-on approach to learning, where students study the traditions of Swiss hospitality before innovating for today’s global industry. 

Synne Gjermundsen Mørk, an SHMS student who has benefited from this approach, says:

"The school offers a thorough learning style that is recognized throughout the world because of its emphasis on practical training in addition to a theoretical program."

Beyond the undergraduate degree, SHMS also offers master's programs like the Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management and Master of Science in International Hospitality Management, which can help you further refine management and leadership skills in order to be qualified to take on the top executive roles in hospitality companies.

Students in such programs develop key skills like team leadership, strategic thinking, financial management, and operational efficiency—all of which are crucial for effective hotel management. They also gain exposure to real-world challenges through internships, live projects, and case studies, often under the mentorship of experienced industry leaders.

2. Gain experience

In addition to education, the more experience you have, the better prepared you will be to manage and lead. Internships and work placements during studies are excellent options that allow students to begin gaining experience and practice applying all they've learned in real-world settings. SHMS provides students with opportunities to work in some of the world's leading hotels, gaining invaluable insights into how top-tier hospitality businesses function. As Zohab Dhebar has shared :

"As an SHMS student, I have gained lots of experience in hospitality and made connections from all over the world."

Nikola Nikolov, another one of our students, supports that statement and adds that what SHMS offers "is a distinct advantage over other universities." According to him, this experience is what helps graduates reach professional success and development.

It’s important to choose internships or work placements that provide diverse experiences across multiple departments, such as guest services, marketing, housekeeping, or event coordination. Understanding the operations of various areas within a hotel helps build a well-rounded perspective, which is essential for effective leadership as a general manager.

For example, completing two internships in different departments during your time at SHMS can give you a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations. By combining this diverse experience with your education, you will be much better positioned to secure higher-level management roles after graduation.

3.  Gain the necessary skills

Hotel managers require specific skills to handle the wide range of tasks and responsibilities associated with their role, such as overseeing daily operations, managing staff, ensuring guest satisfaction, handling budgets, and implementing marketing strategies. These skills encompass leadership, communication, problem-solving, and multitasking, among other essential qualities.

Hotel managers must be able to oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel, manage staff, resolve customer complaints, and ensure guest satisfaction. They also need to understand the complexities of customer service and build strong relationships with both guests and employees through clear communication.

Carla Vallet, another one of our students, points to SHMS being particularly suitable for helping students develop such skills, as the "diverse cultural immersion" significantly helped enhance her English proficiency and increase her knowledge of and adaptability to different cultures.

4. Build a network

Building a network through relationships with peers, mentors, and industry professionals can provide valuable career opportunities and insights.

SHMS alumni are part of a global community actively working in top hospitality and management roles, making it easier to connect with professionals who understand the industry's dynamics. Additionally, participating in SHMS-organized events, such as hospitality conferences, career fairs, and alumni meetups, helps you build relationships with peers and industry leaders.

Explore the SHMS alumni network further on our alumni page, where you can learn about the success stories of graduates and find opportunities to engage with this influential community. SHMS's global community of students, faculty, and alumni offers excellent opportunities to connect with individuals from around the world.

Gjermundsen Mørk points to this fact, stating that :

The school's multicultural environment is "perfect for networking and learning from colleagues worldwide."

5. Achieve certifications

Earning industry-recognized certifications can greatly enhance your credentials and help you stand out to potential employers. At SHMS, students have the opportunity to pursue specialized certifications like the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certification, which offers in-depth knowledge of wine and spirits—a key asset in upscale hospitality settings.

6. Work in hotel management

Once you have gained the necessary education, experience, and skills, you can continue growing into the profession by stepping into hotel management positions and eventually leading an entire hotel as the general manager.

It’s common for professionals in the industry to start in lower-level roles where they can refine their skills and demonstrate their leadership potential. A formal education in hospitality gives you opportunities to do this as part of your studies through semester internships; at SHMS, every program has at least one optional internship, and also career coaches to help you land those internships and jobs. As you gain more experience and prove your capabilities, you'll have opportunities to move into higher-level positions with greater influence, making strategic decisions and overseeing the overall operations of the hotel.

7. Continue improving

Continuous learning is essential to stay ahead of industry trends, new technologies, and evolving customer expectations. One way to keep growing professionally is by enrolling in advanced programs like the online Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management offered by SHMS.

This program allows you to continue working while pursuing higher education, providing the flexibility to enhance your leadership and management skills at your own pace. In addition to formal education, you can also attend industry conferences, complete professional development courses, and seek out leadership opportunities within your company to stay competitive in the field.

Great hotel managers know there is always more to learn and, therefore, strive to improve by embracing continuous learning and using the new knowledge gained to drive their careers forward.

Hotel Manager Types

Because there are many sectors within a hotel, filled with dedicated staff trained to provide various services that ensure exceptional guest experiences, there are also different types of managers needed to oversee the work in each area of the hotel's operations.

Some hotel manager types include:

• General manager
• Food & beverage manager
• Restaurant manager
• Housekeeping manager
• Front office manager
• Property manager
• Banquet manager
• Marketing manager

Work Environment

The work environment for hotel managers can vary significantly depending on the size, type, and location of the hotel. In small independent hotels, managers often have a hands-on role, handling everything from guest services to staff management and overseeing maintenance. These environments tend to be more intimate, allowing managers to engage in close, personal interactions with both guests and staff, which can create a more personalized and flexible atmosphere.

In medium-sized hotels, managers typically have more specialized roles, focusing on specific departments while maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the overall operations. These environments offer a more structured approach, with managers working alongside larger teams and enjoying a balanced workload with clearly defined responsibilities.

In large international chains, hotel managers oversee larger teams and play a more strategic and operational role, ensuring consistency across multiple locations. The work environment here is often more structured, with a strong emphasis on systems, processes, and global branding. While working in a large chain can come with higher expectations and increased responsibilities, it also provides stability and ample career advancement opportunities due to the scale and reach of the brand.

Location plays a significant role in shaping the work environment as well. The culture and expectations of the country in which a hotel operates can greatly influence the management style and guest interactions. For instance, a hotel in a region with a strong focus on personalized service may require more direct involvement with guests, while hotels in more corporate or fast-paced settings may prioritize efficiency and streamlined operations. Understanding the cultural nuances of the location is key to successfully managing a hotel.

Managers in these roles typically work long hours, especially in larger properties where the hotel operates 24/7. They may be expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the peak seasons and guest demand. However, this flexibility can also provide managers with opportunities for time off during off-peak periods.

Salary and Job Outlook

The size and location of a hotel, along with the manager’s experience and qualifications, can significantly impact their salary. Entry-level managers, particularly those without a degree or formal qualifications, may start with modest compensation. However, those who have a degree in hospitality management or relevant certifications can expect higher starting salaries due to their specialized training.

As managers gain experience, especially in larger or luxury establishments, their earning potential increases substantially. Managers working in high-demand locations, such as major metropolitan areas or popular tourist destinations, also tend to earn more, as these areas often offer higher rates of pay to attract top talent and compensate for the cost of living.

The job outlook for these managers is promising, thanks to the growing global tourism industry and increasing demand for unique travel experiences. Employment of lodging managers, for example, is projected to grow by 10% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Your Journey Starts Here

Although there are different paths to a career in hospitality, pursuing a degree in hospitality management is generally the smartest and most efficient choice to jumpstart a hotel management career. While some people opt for work experience alone, enrolling in a program like the one at SHMS allows you to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing you to manage a variety of hotel operations effectively.

At SHMS, we want to give you the tools you need while also giving you exposure to the industry, valuable networking opportunities, and real-world experience. Apply to SHMS and benefit from a program that considers all aspects of your future career. 

As long as you're committed and ready to put in the work, the opportunities we provide you lead to the perfect combination for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a career as a hotel manager a good choice?

Certainly! Hotel management offers many rewarding career prospects with opportunities for advancement in a growing global industry.

Which degree is best for a hotel manager?

A bachelor's or master's degree in Hospitality Management or Hotel Administration is typically the best choice for aspiring hotel managers.

What is the highest salary for a hotel manager?

Hotel manager salaries generally exceed six figures, particularly in high-end or large establishments, depending on factors such as location, hotel size, and the manager’s level of experience.