Hotels of many different sizes, standards and types, and catering for differing demands of guests exist in a country. Despite their differences, all hotels are businesses, with common functions and with the aim of profitability. The prosperity of any hotel requires considerable knowledge, experience and managerial skill. Every hotel comprises a number of departments performing different operations, which need proficient management and skilful coordination to ensure guests are satisfied.

 

Hotels as businesses: functions, types, locations, sizes, standards, facilities, type of guests, planning services to be provided, organisation and management structures.

 

Hotel products: accommodation, food and beverages; tangible and intangible features, service. Marketing, methods of selling hotel products, brochures, the Internet, websites.

 

Hotel front offices: duties of receptionists: check-in, check-out, guest relations, guest billing, cashiering, advice, product knowledge, attributes. Uniform staff and their duties.

 

Hotel bedrooms, furniture, fixtures, decor, en suite facilities. The duties of the housekeeping department, training, liaison, motivation, room inspections, linen, security.

 

Hotel catering: purchasing, storing and issuing foodstuffs, security, food preparation, hygiene, menus; kitchens, hotel restaurants, ambience, layout, types of service.

 

Hotel beverage, sales in bars, restaurants, room service, mini-bars. Financial accounting and statements, bookkeeping terms, computers in hotel businesses.