What Makes a Great Hotel Manager?

What makes for a great hotel manager? Going far beyond the job description to help the hotel succeed! If you are a hotel manager or hope to become one, you need to put the needs of the hotel and its guests first. Here are few tips to help you make an asset of yourself in your hotel management job.

Look at the numbers.

Analyze all data available to you to see what areas are the most and least profitable, so that you can take steps to improve your hotel’s bottom line.

Monitor (and Improve) Online Reviews.

With a number of options available for customers, one important piece of information used during the reservation process is online review websites, especially TripAdvisor. If five hotels become an option, having a 4.5 rating compared to a 3.8 rating could make a significant difference in occupancy rates. Monitoring the feedback, reaching out to dissatisfied customers (and thanking happy customers), and addressing internal issues will lead to a better rating (and increased revenue) for your hotel.

Engage with the community.

Often out-of-towners ask locals for hotel recommendations. It’s tough for them to help, because typically, they haven’t stayed there. Network with local businesses and participate in community activities so that people will know what you have to offer. Host a networking event at your location to show locals the facility and amenities.

Know your competition.

Benchmarking is an important method of identifying ways to improve. Have local venues updated their common areas? Do they offer free wifi or a continental breakfast? Don’t fall short when potential guests compare you with others in the area.

Up sell to existing clients.

Go above and beyond for your current or regular guests. If someone comes on vacation, might they be interested in using your facility for their next business conference? If people are in town for a conference, can you market your area as a vacation area to them so that they return with their friends and family?

Lead your team.

Employees look to you to set the tone. Foster a culture of ownership – hard work and pride in the hotel to give each guest a positive experience. Have regular meetings with your staff and solicit ideas from them so that they are invested and you hear ideas you may not have come up with on your own.

Remain up to date.

Go out of your way to learn about developments in the industry so that you’ll always know what trends you should adopt, and what guests are likely to expect.

Need more tips on being a great hotel manager? Contact the expert hospitality recruiters at Horizon Hospitality. Our hotel executive search firm can connect you with positions throughout the country in restaurants, hotels and resorts. Contact us today to take the next step in your career.

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