Hotel mangers are typically involved in the day-to-day operations of hotel-type establishments, which can include smaller motels as well as larger resorts. The particular responsibilities fluctuate depending upon the size and requirements of the company, and therefore, the exact hotel management qualifications vary also. In general, though, qualifications in hotel management include a degree or certificate in hospitality management as well as some experience in the industry. Many hotels also have their own in-house management and subspecialty training programs.
The sizes and styles of hotels, motels, and resorts vary widely. Some, like the privately owned roadside motels, are very small and have one or two general managers who take care of all operations. Others, like the large-chain hotels, have management positions that are divided into many categories, such as guest services, housekeeping, and events managers. Consequently, acceptable hotel management qualifications often differ.
With regard to qualifications for chain hotels and larger resorts, many require their managers to have college degrees in hospitality management. Numerous colleges and universities offer associate's, bachelor’s, and even master’s degree programs in the field. These courses of study usually include classes in business administration, accounting, and economics. They might also include specialized classes in areas such as food service and general maintenance.
While many of the larger hotels require college degrees, quite a few smaller hotels and motels accept certificates in hotel management. Certain colleges and trade schools offer these types of certificate programs both online and in person. The length of time it takes for a person to complete a certificate program typically varies depending upon where and when the course is taken. Like the college degree courses, these certificate programs focus on business management skills as they relate to the hotel industry.
Oftentimes, hotel management qualifications will include some amount of experience within the industry. In fact, some hotels might be less concerned with college education and more concerned with practical, hands-on experience when evaluating a person’s hotel management qualifications. Again, the degree of experience varies depending upon the specific requirements of the hotel, but most expect a manager to have at least one to three years working in the hotel or hospitality field in some capacity.
Regardless of what type of hotel management qualifications a person has, many hotels require potential managers to go through in-house management training programs. While outside education, training, and experience are helpful, each hotel generally has its own policies and procedures that every manager needs to be familiar with in order to be effective. Furthermore, as many of the larger hotels have divided management responsibilities according to department, a person might need to be trained in the specific duties associated with his or her particular position.