Overview
The general manager of a luxury hotel takes responsibility for the entire running of a 5-star hotel, palace hotel or boutique/design hotel.
What is a luxury hotel general manager?
They are supported by department heads, front office managers, a rooms division manager and an executive housekeeper. They are responsible for managing the running of the property and for its results. To grow the property's revenue, they keep a close eye on the hotel's occupancy rate in order to generate turnover while keeping guests satisfied. To achieve this, they put in place a commercial policy in keeping with the values of the property and devise a strategy for attracting new guests and building loyalty, applying the principles of revenue management. They also keep costs under control and lead the property's financial strategy.
What does a luxury hotel general manager do?
At the top of the company's organisation chart, the luxury hotel general manager must first and foremost safeguard the reputation and prestige of their property. To do so, they know how to lead their staff in order to satisfy their guests. A true conductor of the orchestra, they oversee and administer every aspect that makes up their property.
To guarantee service of the highest order, the luxury hotel general manager recruits the most qualified and most capable staff possible. As the property's foremost ambassador, the general manager is the guarantor of excellence in the service provided and in the quality of the welcome.
Able to guarantee the smooth running and profitability of their property, they regularly assess and analyse the sector and keep a close watch on the competition.
In short, here is a sample of the duties a luxury hotel general manager takes on:
- Analysing the market and the competition
- Business development
- Increasing the hotel's profits
- Supervising the work of department heads
- Recruiting and training staff
- Defining the room configuration
- Setting a pricing policy
- Working with tourist offices
- Drafting and approving documents
- Human resources management
- Leading the team (receptionists, chefs, sommeliers, porters, maitres d'hotel, bartenders, and more)
- Maintaining guest relations
With irregular hours, a hotel general manager occasionally works evenings, weekends and public holidays. To be ready for any eventuality, the manager must be available and attentive.
What skills & qualities does a luxury hotel general manager need?
To stand out in their profession, a luxury hotel general manager must possess exceptional qualities and skills.
- Showing maturity and drawing on past experience
- Unwavering determination to meet the targets set
- Recognised expertise in business management, leadership, marketing, finance, communications and human resources
- Strong leadership
- Command of several foreign languages (English required)
- Excellent interpersonal skills – a real gift for communication
- Good stress management
What career prospects and salary can a luxury hotel general manager expect?
The general manager of a luxury hotel works in properties of the very highest standing :
5-star hotels, palace hotels and boutique/design hotels. International mobility and running a property abroad are among the career moves open to senior managers. That said, positions are hard-won and candidates are numerous: experience carries the day.
The salary of a luxury hotel general manager varies according to the organisation, the size and the standing of the hotel. On average, a junior luxury hotel general manager earns from €4,000 gross per month, while a more experienced profile can command up to €12,000 gross per month.
How do you become a luxury hotel general manager?
Students who wish to become a luxury hotel general manager will need to join a leading business, management or hotel school.
These three types of leading school prepare young adults for demanding careers by giving them the personal and professional tools to succeed. Respected and well regarded, these institutions are important gateways.
It is nevertheless advisable to opt, straight after the baccalaureate, for a hotel school such as CMH Academy.
With placements and assignments abroad, students get a first view of the world of work and are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the job market. Proud to have placed 100% of its students on work-study contracts, CMH Academy offers bilingual programmes so that students can become familiar with English easily and quickly. On graduation, the school awards an RNCP Level 7 qualification recognised by the French state.
Having a range of experience in the hospitality sector will be a significant asset in reaching the position of luxury hotel general manager. Whatever the nature of your experience (fixed-term contract, work-study, placement, permanent contract, etc.) or of your roles (bartender, receptionist, porter, reservations manager, restaurant manager, etc.), your experience will stand you in good stead during your job search.
