Hotel Manager vs. General Manager: What Are the Differences?

A hotel manager is responsible for the overall operation of a hotel, while a general manager oversees multiple properties or businesses. Both positions require leadership skills, but the scope of responsibility differs. If you’re interested in a management career in the hospitality industry, learning more about hotel and general management can help you decide which path is right for you. In this article, we compare and contrast hotel management and general management, including job duties, salary and career outlook.

What is a Hotel Manager?

Hotel Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a hotel property. They oversee all departments to ensure that they are running smoothly and efficiently. Hotel Managers develop and implement policies and procedures to improve guest satisfaction and increase profitability. They also develop marketing and sales strategies to boost hotel occupancy rates. Hotel Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field. They must also have several years of experience working in the hotel industry in progressively responsible roles.

What is a General Manager?

A General Manager is responsible for the overall operations of a business or organization. They develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and profitability. They also establish and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and partners. General Managers typically oversee a team of managers and may be responsible for hiring, training and development. They also create and implement policies and procedures. General Managers may also be responsible for financial planning and budgeting. In some cases, they may also be responsible for marketing and sales.

Hotel Manager vs. General Manager

Here are the main differences between a hotel manager and a general manager.

Job Duties

General managers and hotel managers share some job duties, but each position has unique responsibilities as well. Hotel managers oversee the daily operations of a hotel, such as guest services, staff management and financial matters. They work closely with front-line employees to ensure guests have a positive experience. General managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an establishment type or department. For example, a general manager at a restaurant company may manage the sales figures for all locations or a retail general manager may monitor customer service scores and employee performance.

Job Requirements

The job requirements for hotel managers and general managers vary depending on the size of the hotel or company they work for. In smaller establishments, hotel managers might only need a high school diploma or equivalent, while larger hotels or chains may require a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field. Additionally, many hotel managers and general managers have several years of experience working in the hospitality industry before being promoted to a management position. Some hotel managers and general managers also pursue certification through organizations like the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

Work Environment

Hotel managers typically work in the hotel they manage. They may spend time on site to ensure that all employees are performing their duties and that guests have a positive experience. General managers often travel between different locations, so they may not be present at each location every day. However, general managers usually visit sites regularly to provide guidance and support for employees.

Skills

The specific skills used on the job by hotel managers and general managers can differ depending on the size of the hotel and the type of guests it caters to. However, both hotel managers and general managers typically need excellent customer service skills to ensure that their guests have a positive experience. They also need strong communication skills to interact with employees and resolve any issues that may arise.

Organizational skills are important for both hotel managers and general managers, as they need to be able to juggle multiple tasks at once and keep track of various details. Hotel managers may need additional skills related to managing rooms, such as reservations and housekeeping, while general managers may need to be more adept at handling finances and budgeting.

Salary

The average salary for a hotel manager is $66,209 per year, while the average salary for a general manager is $63,331 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the manager has.