From boutique to big chain, which type of hotel should you work for?

Deb Ward

Feb 14, 2017

Working in hospitality can be hectic, consuming and stressful, but, in the end, it’s all about customer service and making your guests happy. To do that, you have to find the right setting where your skills and personality really shine, where you feel the most comfortable, have the best chance to advance and enjoy the team(s) you work with. Here are 5 different types of hotels/resorts and what it’s like to work there. There is a wide variety of hotel settings classified according to their target markets. For example, business hotels, resort locations, airports, suites, timeshares, convention centers, etc. Also, there are varied levels of expected customer service: World Class service (luxury, 5-star hotels and resorts), Mid-Range service (3 – 4-star hotels that serve the majority of travelers) and Budget or “Limited Service” (inexpensive rooms that meets the basic needs of your guests.)

To find your best fit, make sure you know what to expect, where you’ll be living and details of your shifts and pay before signing on. Understand what your career goals are and how each job will help you get to the next level.

1. 5 Star-Hotels and Resorts

Typically, a 5-star hotel is a well-oiled machine: classic beauty and exceptional customer service. The attention to detail is legendary and at all hours of the day, there’s peace and tranquillity.Behind the scenes, it’s anything but serene. Hundreds of hotel workers are servicing, prepping, cleaning, cooking and meeting every guest’s expectations around the clock. Working in this environment has its pros and cons. Is it the right fit for you?

The Pros	The Cons
Everyone exudes professionalism. You do your job with confidence, care and experience.	You’re often dealing with elite guests who are used to the best of everything and can be demanding.
High end hotels offer fabulous perks to employees who deliver exceptional service.	The pay at resorts is not always the highest and you often work long shifts.
Healthy meals are complimentary and employees may enjoy some of the amenities at no cost.	It can be difficult to separate your work life from your personal life.
Formal development programs are offered as well as mentorship programs to further your career.	In a resort, the work can be tiring and very physical and you don’t get a lot of time off.

2. Big Chains

Sometimes, bigger is better. Because big hotels have more visitors and many more rooms, they need more staff. There are often opportunities to move to other locations within the chain as well as to other positions.

The Pros	The Cons
There’s often more opportunity for advancement with so many job options in a large hotel or chain.	It may be hard to stand out and make your mark in a large employee pool.
Better pay and benefit packages are available to staff in this environment.	Newly graduated employees may find fewer opportunities in favor of experienced staff.
There’s a better chance of having a set schedule and some stability in your work life.	There may be less flexibility for unexpected time off when needed.
More educational and relocation opportunities within a large chain of hotels.	Innovation and creativity may not be as valued as in a smaller environment.

3. Boutique Hotels

Smaller hotels offer a more customized experience and may value a more personal touch. If you really want to identify with your workplace and feel more like a “family” at work, a boutique hotel may fit the bill.

The Pros	The Cons
You offer more personal service with more management involvement.	Compensation and benefits may not be on par with a large chain hotel.
When you’re a new graduate, you may find a smaller hotel is more open to hiring and training you.	Because the hotel is smaller, staff needs are lower & once you’re gained experienced, you may need to move on.
There’s plenty of variety and you’ll have a lot of different service experiences.	There’s more potential for bias or inequality among a small staff.
It’s easier to implement new ideas and changes.	Aside from on-the-job training, there may not be any formal mentorship or educational opportunities.

4. Casinos

Working at a casino can seem glamorous and exciting. Casinos include a wide variety of hospitality options and also include security and surveillance positions.

The Pros	The Cons
Casinos are often part of a resort property so the list of jobs is quite varied and inclusive.	Pay varies greatly with each property, shift, job and location.
Many jobs include tips and can greatly extend your regular pay.	Casinos are entertainment companies – you’ll be expected to work holidays and weekends.
There is often a path for life-long careers and promoting from within as a policy.	Do not miss work! Even one day missed can result in being let go.
Movement between departments is standard. Once you’re in “the family,” switching jobs is easy.	Most casinos are 24-hour properties – expect to start in less desirable shifts; seniority prevails.

5. Hotel Management Companies

Working with a hotel management company is different approach to your hospitality career. You won’t have contact with guests, but you will have a corporate management overview of all aspects of hotel operations. Your goal is to improve the management and promotion of properties to increase value for the owners.

The Pros	The Cons
You likely won’t have to work weekends/holidays.	No interaction with guests.
You’ll build skills that can easily transfer to positions in management.	Your job is not on the resort/hotel property – no resort amenities readily available.
Pay is likely to be good since these companies provide benefit packages and upward mobility.	It may be more challenging to get hired if you’re a new graduate with no business experience.
You learn the “business” side of the hospitality industry, optimizing efficiencies and operations.	Your day is more structured with less opportunity for a flexible schedule.