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Hotel manager

Alternative titles for this job include Guest house manager, hotel general manager

Hotel managers are in charge of the day-to-day running of a hotel.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Hotel manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can complete a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree and enter hotel management through a management trainee scheme.

This role is open to graduates of all subjects. Particularly relevant subjects include:

  • hotel management
  • hospitality management
  • hospitality business management
  • international hotel management
  • travel and tourism

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can train to be a hotel manager through an advanced apprenticeship in hospitality or a higher apprenticeship in hospitality management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may get into this job by starting in a junior position like front of house manager or events manager. You could apply for promotion as you get more experience.

More Information

Career tips

Work experience in any kind of customer facing role can be useful for this career.

It may give you an advantage if you can speak another language fluently.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Hospitality for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a hotel manager from Caterer.com.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to motivate and manage staff
  • business management skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In a small hotel you may plan and organise all of its services. In a larger hotel you may have more specific responsibilities.

You could:

  • set budgets, sales targets and forecast income
  • promote the hotel through different types of marketing
  • plan and organise accommodation, catering and any other services offered
  • make sure the hotel meets licensing and health and safety laws
  • oversee fire safety, building security and site maintenance
  • manage corporate bookings and events
  • recruit, train and organise staff
  • meet and greet customers and deal with complaints

Working environment

You could work in a hotel.

You may need to wear smart business clothes.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

Your career prospects will depend on the size of the business, your experience and whether you are willing to relocate.

In larger hotel chains, you could move into regional management or specialise in areas like corporate finance or training. You may also have the chance to work overseas with an international hotel group.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Team Leader

  • Wage: £11,310 a year Annually
  • Location: , ,

Apprentice Team Leader

  • Wage: £16,770 a year Annually
  • Location: , ,

Courses In England

FD in Hospitality Management - Middlesbrough College

  • Provider: MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: Middlesbrough

Hospitality and Event Management (Harlow and Stansted Campus)

  • Provider: HARLOW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Harlow

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