How to hire a Hotel Manager

How to hire a hotel manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step hotel manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a hotel manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new hotel manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a Hotel Manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the hotel manager you need to hire. Certain hotel manager roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A hotel manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, hotel managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents hotel manager salaries for various positions.

   Type Of Hotel Manager	Description	Hourly Rate
   Hotel Manager	Lodging managers ensure that guests on vacation or business travel have a pleasant experience at a hotel, motel, or other types of establishment with accommodations. They also ensure that the establishment is run efficiently and profitably.	$20-53
   Director Of Front Office	A director of front office supervises and leads the daily activities of an establishment's front office, ensuring clients receive optimal services. They are primarily in charge of setting goals and guidelines, establishing protocols and timelines, recruiting and training staff, monitoring operations to ensure the workforce functions efficiently, and solving issues and concerns if any would arise... Show More	$23-59
   Rooms Director	A Rooms Director ensures smooth operation of valet services, housekeeping, communication, uniformed and concierge services, and guest services. Rooms directors provide guests with quality service with maximum productivity and room revenue... Show More	$24-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • PET
   • Hotel Management
   • Reservations
   • Payroll
   • Guest Service
   • Cleanliness
   • Guest Rooms
   • Customer Service
   • Hotel Operations
   • Culinary
   • Hotel Policies
   • Human Resources
   • Hotel Guests
   • Employee Development

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Achieve solid market position for emerging property, setting the stage for outstanding results encompassing ADR, occupancy, and profitability.
   • Open up a campground that are purchased out of bankruptcy.
   • Maintain Mobil and AAA standards for the arrival and departure experience.
   • Handle the day to day operations of a multimillion dollar RV resort.
   • Oversee all operations within the resorts to ensure that quality and excellent customer service is provided.
   • Confer regularly with (HOA) community association members to ensure their needs are being meet.

   More Hotel Manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your hotel manager job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A hotel manager salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a hotel manager in Alabama may be lower than in Utah, and an entry-level hotel manager usually earns less than a senior-level hotel manager. Additionally, a hotel manager with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average hotel manager salary

   $69,364yearly

   $33.35 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level hotel manager salary

   $43,000 yearly salary

   Updated March 29, 2025

   Average hotel manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
   1	California	$94,541	$45
   2	District of Columbia	$88,220	$42
   3	Virginia	$83,057	$40
   4	New York	$80,127	$39
   5	Connecticut	$78,701	$38
   6	Nevada	$76,962	$37
   7	Wisconsin	$76,941	$37
   8	Hawaii	$76,639	$37
   9	Washington	$76,248	$37
   10	Ohio	$74,089	$36
   11	New Mexico	$70,434	$34
   12	Arizona	$70,335	$34
   13	Mississippi	$69,058	$33
   14	Massachusetts	$69,006	$33
   15	Texas	$67,207	$32
   16	Missouri	$65,813	$32
   17	Indiana	$65,280	$31
   18	Georgia	$64,621	$31
   19	Florida	$61,383	$30
   20	Illinois	$60,825	$29

   Average hotel manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average Salary	Hourly Rate	Job Openings
   1	Booking Holdings	$133,203	$64.04	2
   2	Private Practice	$113,528	$54.58
   3	Wynn Resorts	$112,174	$53.93	9
   4	Indus Capital Partners	$97,736	$46.99
   5	Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants	$89,514	$43.04	19
   6	HEI Hotels & Resorts	$89,446	$43.00	40
   7	Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts	$89,107	$42.84	14
   8	Hyatt Hotels	$88,153	$42.38	86
   9	Wyndham Hotels & Resorts	$88,000	$42.31
   10	SRI International	$86,048	$41.37	2
   11	Rosewood Hotels & Resorts	$85,326	$41.02	1
   12	Montage Hotels & Resorts	$84,397	$40.58	18
   13	The Peninsula Chicago	$84,118	$40.44
   14	Parker Palm Springs	$84,037	$40.40	1
   15	Aspen Snowmass	$83,875	$40.32	1
   16	Radisson	$82,968	$39.89	2
   17	Wind Creek Hospitality	$82,600	$39.71	1
   18	Huntington Hotel Group	$80,277	$38.59
   19	Highgate Hotels	$79,959	$38.44	96
   20	A & B	$79,843	$38.39

4. Writing a Hotel Manager Job Description

   A good hotel manager job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a hotel manager job description:

   Hotel Manager job description example

   Manages the Hotel Front Desk, Concierge, and Retail areas to achieve customer satisfaction and quality service while assuring compliance with policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
   GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
   
   Three (3) to five (5) years supervisory experience required. Experience in resolving guest complaints and in dealing with the public required. Must have strong organizational, administrative and communication skills required. Public Relations, interpersonal skills and employee motivational skills required. Ability to analyze a variety of technical problems resulting from diverse nature of factors. Computer skills required Word, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and Excel. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
   
   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
   
   Creates and ensures a fun filled, entertaining and exciting environment where the flawless execution of excellent four-star service is paramount. Responsible for the efficient operation of the following functions: retail, front desk, VIP services, concierge, doorperson, and bell staff, ensuring 100% guest satisfaction. Works closely with the front office, housekeeping, and related areas. Serves as a leader for employees while fostering teamwork, employee morale, motivation and open communication. Coaches and develops employees using a consistent approachable demeanor and clearly articulating expectations. Strives to improve and streamline departmental operations through the continuous assessment of policies and procedures, work processes and program effectiveness/value. Allocates resources to areas that create value to our guests and to Caesars. Endorses business objectives, ethics, and values of Caesars Entertainment Inc. Helps maintain and enhance a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for our guests and employees. Resolves guest complaints relating to all areas of hotel, retail, and bell services. Executes arrangements for all casino and VIP guests such as greeting, pre-registration, baggage handling and bell service treatment. Responsible for cost center and capital expenditures including budgeting, project planning and execution. Supervises training of all Front Services staff including front desk, VIP services, retail and bell staff, with an emphasis on detail to provide service levels consistent with the "premier" concept, coordinates cross-training between all Front Services Departments. Responsible for thorough investigation of lost/misplaced baggage problems and accurate recording of investigation and final disposition. Coordinates recovery efforts with Security and Risk Management. Ensures guest complaints are handled in an effective, courteous manner. Grants complimentaries for hospitality purposes only. Acts as a role model to other employees and always present oneself as a credit to Caesars and encourage others to do the same. Adheres to regulatory, departmental and company polices and procedures. Spends the majority of time interviewing, training, and selecting employees. Conducts Performance Reviews. Makes or recommends wage increases. Makes or recommends promotions. Provides for safety and security. Handles employees' complaints or grievances. Recommends disciplinary action or disciplines employees. Plans work. Supervises and monitors work. Monitors legal compliance with federal, state, and gaming laws.
   
   DEMANDS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
   
   PHYSICAL & MENTAL:
   
   Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, ascend and descend stairs. Maintain equilibrium; ability to stand and walk for entire shift. Repetitive bending and lifting. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects. Ability to reach for specific objects at short distances in local working areas. Sufficient manual dexterity of hand to utilize a computer keyboard and calculator. Must present a well-groomed appearance.
   
   WORK ENVIRONMENT:
   
   Must be able to work at a fast pace and in stressful situations. Must be able to maneuver to all areas of the casino, including all food and beverage service areas.
   
   CAESARS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THIS JOB DESCRIPTION WHENEVER NECESSARY
   
   Hotel Operations Manager (Bossier) Full Time Manages the Hotel Front Desk, Concierge, and Retail areas to achieve customer satisfaction and quality service while assuring compliance with policies and Standard Operating Procedures.

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right hotel manager for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your hotel manager job on Zippia to find and recruit hotel manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting hotel managers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new hotel manager

   Once you have selected a candidate for the hotel manager position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new hotel manager. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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