The Ultimate Hotel General Manager’s Guide
Unlock hotel success with our tailored insights for new managers!
The Ultimate Hotel General Manager’s Guide
Unlock hotel success with our tailored insights for new managers!

How to become a hotel general manager
Becoming a hotel general manager is a rewarding career journey.
Here's a streamlined guide to achieving that goal:
1. Obtain the Necessary Education
While not always required, a degree in Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, or Business Administration can be beneficial.
2. Gain Experience
Start in entry-level roles like housekeeping or front desk to understand hotel operations. Progress to positions like front office manager or director of sales for a well-rounded experience.
3. Build a Network
Networking is crucial. Attend industry events, join professional organizations like HSMAI, and connect with industry professionals.
4. Develop Essential Skills
Hone skills in communication, leadership, problem-solving, financial management, and customer service to excel in your role.
5. Look for Job Opportunities
Explore job boards, industry sites, and hotel chain websites for openings. Consider recruitment agencies and job fairs.
6. Prepare for Interviews
Research prospective hotels, understand their operations and culture, and prepare to discuss your experience and skills.
7. Continuously Learn
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices through events, publications, and professional development.
With dedication and hard work, you can become a successful hotel general manager, ready for growth and advancement.
Skills and traits to be successful

Lead with passion and enthusiasm, creating a happy and motivated team that thrives in hospitality. Here are 3 strategies to reduce hotel employee turnover and to build a happier, more engaged team.

Dive deep into data, spotting trends and insights to craft appealing offers and strategies.

Pair analytical skills with creativity to innovate and deliver unique guest experiences.

Embrace change and be open to new ideas, pivoting strategies as necessary in a dynamic industry.

Set long-term goals, staying ahead by understanding market trends and guest needs.
Be the general manager who leads with vision, adapts with agility, and inspires excellence.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Get your job description template
Key Hospitality Acronyms
In Hospitality, we encounter various terms daily. Key ones to know include Average Daily Rate (ADR), Property Management System (PMS), and Global Distribution System (GDS).
For a full list, check out our Hospitality Acronyms Dictionary.
Guest welcome letter templates

In today's competitive hospitality landscape, a warm welcome can boost guest engagement and loyalty. A personalized welcome letter is a great start! Here's how it can help:
- Share key stay details and recognize repeat guests
- Enhance communication during and post-stay
- Provide vital health & safety tips
Dive into our blog for tips and three free templates to elevate your guest experience!
Guest Management email templates
Unlock the power of email to elevate your guest experience! With over 4 billion daily email users, it's a strategy you can't ignore. Many hoteliers miss out by not leveraging well-crafted emails to engage guests before, during, and after their stay. Automate this with your Guest Management System for seamless communication.
Best practices for impactful emails:
- Relevant content
- Clear call-to-action
- Balanced design of images and text
RevPAR
What is it, and why is it important?
Boost your hotel's success with RevPAR! Discover this key metric to enhance your Revenue Management Strategy. Learn how to calculate RevPAR and explore alternatives like TrevPAR in our blog.
Unlock the power of BEOs
Streamline your event planning
Banquet Order Templates (BEOs), or event orders, are essential for any venue offering event space. They capture crucial details like dates and catering requests to ensure seamless event execution. While implementing new processes can be time-consuming, we've got you covered with our free BEO template. Ready to elevate your operations further? Explore the Amadeus Sales & Catering software for a game-changing upgrade.