Hotel and Motel Managers

Employers

There are approximately 52,600 hotel and motel managers working in the United States. Nearly 28 percent of these workers own their own hotel or motel.

Some major employers in the industry are Inter-Continental Hotels Group (Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn), Choice Hotels International Inc. (Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge, Sleep Inn), and Wyndham Hotel Group (Days Inn, Super 8, Ramada, Howard Johnson, Travelodge). These companies have properties located nationwide and abroad. 

Long-term experience is important in this industry. It is wise to work at least one year at a company before moving to another. Employers are likely to question applicants who have had more than four employers in less than two years.

Starting Out

The position of general manager is one of the top rungs on this career ladder. It's unlikely this would be your first industry job. In today's highly technical age, experience, though still important, is not enough for job advancement. Most candidates have some postsecondary education; many have at least a bachelor's degree in hotel, business, hospitality, or restaurant management. Graduates entering the hotel industry usually pay their dues by working as assistant managers, assistant departmental managers, or shift managers. Many hotels and motels have specific management training programs for their management-bound employees. Employees are encouraged to work different desks so they will be knowledgeable about each department.

Your school's career center, the local library, and the Internet can all be helpful when researching college programs or specific businesses.