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Hotel manager

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

Hotel managers are responsible for running operations like guest services, housekeeping, bar and restaurant facilities, and conferencing and events.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 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

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, though a related course may give you an advantage. These 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 apply to do a Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, to train to become a hotel manager.

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 be able to get into this career by getting experience as a deputy manager in front of house, guest services or catering operations. With further training on the job, you could be promoted to a more senior managerial position.

More Information

Career tips

Experience in any kind of customer facing role will be useful for this career.

Some hotels offer live-in accommodation as part of their salary and benefits package.

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 motivate and manage staff
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • business management skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a hotel manager, you could:

  • provide leadership for hotel staff teams
  • promote the hotel and its facilities to bring in new business
  • plan rotas and organise cleaning and catering services
  • manage budgets, set sales targets and forecast income
  • 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

In a small hotel you may manage all of its operations. In a larger hotel, you may have more specific responsibilities, for example reservations or revenues management.

Working environment

You could work in a hotel or at a conference centre.

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

Assistant General Manager Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £30,000 a year Annually
  • Location: DH1 2RP

Assistant General Manager Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £30,000 a year Annually
  • Location: NE38 7RW
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Hospitality and Event Management (Harlow and Stansted Campus)

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

BTEC L3 Extended Diploma in Hospitality & Event Management

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Dartford
Find courses near you

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