With daily routines often feeling monotonous and lacking inspiration, the thought of making a meaningful change becomes more prominent. There are more than 700,000 hotels worldwide, so why limit yourself to working in your home country? Welcome to the world of destination hotels, a thriving and enticing sector that offers a wide range of career opportunities for people who want to take their hospitality career somewhere new.
Whether nestled in the mountains, perched on the shores of tropical beaches or in bustling urban centers, these hotels promise a change of scenery and a chance to escape the mundane and start a new life. Join us as we explore destination hotel career options.
What is it like to work at a destination hotel?
As well as all the general positive reasons to work in hospitality, there are many additional benefits to being employed in destination hotels. Work-life in these venues can be varied and lead you to different parts of the world. This means that you can pick the type of environment that suits you best for your work.
One of the most distinctive aspects of working at a destination hotel is the diversity of the guests, who each bring their unique stories and cultures to the venue. This means that cultural exchange is part of the job, improving personal and professional growth.
The demands of ensuring guests have a memorable and seamless experience mean every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Tasks can include organizing bespoke excursions, managing luxurious spa treatments or coordinating high-profile events.
Alongside this, the sense of camaraderie among the close-knit communities staff form at hotels is often heightened because employees live on-site or nearby, contributing to a supportive and familial atmosphere. There are also plenty of amenities that employees can make use of on their time off, including:
- Dining
- Wellness facilities
- Outdoor adventure activities
Career options at destination hotels
Whether you’re just starting, looking to advance your career, or seeking a managerial position, there’s a role that suits your skills and aspirations.
Entry-level roles
Starting your career at a destination hotel provides an excellent foundation for a career in hospitality, allowing you to interact with guests and support the hotel’s day-to-day operations. These entry-level roles are perfect for individuals eager to develop their skills and include:
- Guest services associate: handles check-ins, assists with inquiries and ensures guests feel welcomed. This role is perfect for those with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for customer service
- Housekeeping staff: ensuring rooms and common areas are spotless and playing a critical role in maintaining the hotel’s standards of cleanliness and comfort. Attention to detail and a strong work ethic are key in this position
- Food and beverage server: working in the hotel’s restaurants or bars, servers help provide exceptional dining experiences. This role is ideal for those with excellent people skills
Mid-level roles
An opportunity to take on more specialized and responsible roles and improve guest experiences through tailored services and event coordination, these positions include:
- Concierge: providing guests with personalized recommendations and arranging special services such as tours, restaurant reservations and local experiences. This position requires extensive local knowledge and a talent for problem solving
- Event coordinator: planning and executing various functions from weddings to corporate conferences. This role demands strong organizational skills, creativity and the ability to manage multiple tasks at the same time
- Spa therapist: involves providing treatments and therapies to help guests relax and rejuvenate. The role requires technical skill and a calming presence
- Hospitality services coordinator: overseeing everything from check-in to room service and additional amenities customers may require
Managerial roles
Positions in management demand strong leadership, strategic planning and extensive industry experience, offering the chance to shape a hotel’s success and reputation. Some of the more senior roles for a hospitality professional are:
- Hotel manager: managing staff, overseeing budgeting and maintaining high service standards. It requires extensive experience in hospitality management and strong leadership skills
- Food and beverage manager: duties include menu planning, inventory management and ensuring excellent customer service. A background in culinary arts and management experience is helpful
- Sales and marketing manager: developing promotional campaigns, managing social media and building relationships with travel agents and tour operators. Strong analytical and creative skills are required
- Revenue manager: optimizing the hotel’s financial performance by analyzing market trends, setting room rates and developing pricing strategies. A strong background in finance, analytics and strategic planning is important.
- Spa manager: duties include managing staff, coordinating treatments and maintaining the spa’s operations and facilities. Strong leadership and organizational skills as well as experience in a spa environment are helpful
