Job Description of a Hotel Hostess
Hotel hostesses, also known as lodging or front desk managers, manage the daily operations at hotels. They work in small, medium and upscale lodging facilities. A hotel hostess manages the property itself, oversees its employees and serves as the point of contact for hotel guests and visitors. Guest service knowledge, communication and management skills are key traits in this job.
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Function
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Hotel hostesses manage people and properties. Hotel hostesses manage a variety of lodging properties. They hire, fire and train bell persons, front desk associates, housekeeping staff, night auditors and shift managers. They ensure that the needs and desires of guests are met. Hotel hostesses interact with head chefs, maintenance, security and transportation managers. They order supplies and coordinate services from outside vendors.
Job Requirements
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A broad skill set is needed. A high school diploma is required. An associate degree or certificate in hospitality management is a minimum requirement. A bachelor's degree is beneficial. Proficiency in a foreign language is helpful and completion of courses in facilities and personnel management is beneficial. Hotel hostesses need good interpersonal skills to deal with a variety of guests, employees and vendors. Flexibility, tact and patience are essential qualities. They often work irregular hours and are on call during weekends.
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Anticipated Salaries
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The mean annual wage for a hotel hostess was $52,550 in 2008. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean hourly wage for lodging managers was $25.26 as of May 2008. The mean annual salary was $52,550. They earned annual salaries of $34,970 to $84,270.
Future Outlook
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The future is precipitous. Future employment prospects are not favorable for lodging managers. According to a 2010 report from the BLS, the projected job growth rate is 5 percent from 2008 to 2018. This anticipated rate is slower than average as compared to all other occupations. Acute competition for lodging management jobs and the trend to employ fewer full-service managers were reasons for the pessimistic outlook.
Expert Insight
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AH&LA offers special programs. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) offers the "Women in Lodging (WIL) Connect." At its website, the association details this initiative: "This first industry-wide forum exclusively for female hospitality professionals is your opportunity to connect with some of the industry's top professionals nationwide and gain career momentum."
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References
Resources
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