How do hotels operate?

Answer 1

This is a very complex question. To begin, hotels are usually divided into several depaertments (mostly depending on what services the hotel offers and the size of the property). All department heads report to the General Manager who oversees all aspects of the operation, reporting directly to owners, franchisors and corporate offices.The departments in the hotel division could include any or all of the following department heads: Executive Housekeeper (in charge of the day-to-day upkeep of the hotel rooms and public areas), Front Office Manager (who oversees the guest services aspects of the operation including reception, concierge, bellmen and valet crew), the Chief Engineer (who oversees maintenance, preventative maintenance, construction and emergency systems), the Director of Sales and Marketing (who oversees the reservations, catering, banquet bookings and marketing), the Food and Beverage Director (who oversees the quality and availability of all food and beverage outlets, banquet and catering operations, room service, bars and kitchens), the Executive Chef (who oversees menus, food ordering, the culinary teams) and the Director of Security (in charge of the regular patrol and inspection of the property, its safety systems, emegency responses, internal and external theft and damage, surveillance and other related matters). Behind the scenes, there are Financial folks, Systems Folks, Retail folks (if there is a gift shop, for example), IT/Systems, Human Resources, Personnel, and more.Generally, a weekly meeting is held with department heads to establish goals and objectives, which the respective department heads are expected to carry out. On a daily basis, the priorities for the hotel departments are to provide the best service to the guests while preparing the rooms for the next round of occupancy. Department heads use occupancy to develop schedules and order supplies. At the end of the day, all guests are settled in their booked accommodations, room rates and incidental (extra) charges are posted, the Night Auditor closes the business day and financials are created. This process occurs every day the hotel has guests.This response is by no means all inclusive. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a General Manager at a hotel in your area so you can ask some specific questions. (If they ask, just tell them you are writing an article for your school paper or something.)Hotel/Hospitality is a great career experience and perfect for anyone that considers themself a 'people person'.

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