Individuals or corporations that own and operate one or more types of hospitality accommodations are known as hotel owners. There are several different types of hotels, each designed to appeal to different types of customers. Because of the wide variety of hotel types found around the world, a hotel owner must assume a wide range of responsibilities, particularly if the hotel is a locally owned establishment.
Every hotel owner must manage all of the responsibilities associated with the hotel’s ownership. While he or she may have employees to assist with tasks such as maintaining the property and buildings, making landscaping decisions, obtaining a business license, and ensuring that all taxes are paid on time, the owner bears ultimate responsibility. It is not uncommon for a hotel franchise owner to delegate all of these and other responsibilities to a management team, including guest relations and the development of amenities for hotel guests. When it comes to running a small family hotel or motor lodge, it’s very likely that the owner will handle the majority of the operational tasks himself, relying on only a few hotel employees to keep the business running.
With an extended stay hotel, the hotel owner’s responsibilities will expand to include ensuring that additional amenities not found in other types of hotel accommodations are readily available. Many extended stay suites and rooms include at least a galley kitchen, which necessitates the owner ensuring that all food storage and preparation appliances are in working order. Minor issues, such as unclogging drains, may be resolved by the owner, but more complex issues with the plumbing, power supply, and function of major appliances are likely to be handled by certified and bonded professionals.
With any type of hotel operation, the hotel owner is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the business are covered by insurance. This type of business insurance helps to protect the company and its owner from a variety of potential problems. Hotel insurance often provides the owner with protection in the event that a guest is injured on the property, in addition to providing resources to help rebuild in the event of a natural disaster or damage to the facility caused by guests. The exact scope of the insurance will vary depending on specific factors such as the type of hotel and the location of the hotel.
The hotel owner may hire a general manager, depending on the size of the operation. When this is the case, the general manager is usually in charge of all tasks related to the hotel’s day-to-day operations. This entails ensuring that the rooms are clean and ready for guests, that all of the establishment’s amenities are available, and that the staff is properly supervised. The manager is the backbone of the hotel management team, and he or she will most likely report to the hotel owner on a regular basis.