How to Start a Hotel Business (+Cost and Business Plan) - 2ndKitchen (2024)

3. Form Your Business Status

The best way to protect yourself is to form a business entity, such as an LLC. When you establish a business entity, you protect your personal assets from your business obligations. While nobody wants to think about failure, if the worst-case scenario of bankruptcy occurs, your personal assets cannot be taken to pay for your business debts.

4. Decide If You Want to Build or Buy a Hotel

Building a hotel allows you to customize and build with the materials that you think will be best for your hotel. However, building a hotel can cost $22 million for an average 3-star hotel.

Purchasing a hotel is an option for those looking to save some money. Depending on the quality of the hotel, some can be bought for as little as $3 million. It’s important to remember, though, that purchasing a used hotel will likely require renovations, which will add additional costs to the purchase price.

5. Obtain Hotel Permits and Licenses

There’s always red tape that needs to be addressed for any business. Different permits and licenses are required depending on the local government of where your hotel is, so be sure to research your local regulations.

6. Secure Funding

With a well thought out plan and strategy, it shouldn’t be hard to secure the funding needed to start your hotel. There are many options in doing so that can help you get cash flow to help you build your dream.

A business loan will likely be the first start of your funding. This can be tricky and will have many factors that the bank will consider. If you’re unsure of your qualifications, it would be recommended to have some professional guidance on the best ways to get approved for a loan.

While loans aren’t the only option, they will probably be your best bet for getting funding. However, if you’re exploring other options, it might be worthwhile to look into venture capitalists, angel investors, crowdsourcing, and even pitching in some of your own money. If you’re determined and have a great plan, there will be a way to obtain funding.

7. Hire and Train Staff

You won’t be able to run your business all by yourself. Running a hotel takes a team of employees to manage the day to day duties while you’re busy making the big picture decisions. Your staff will need to work at the front desk, clean the rooms, valet parking (if you plan to offer it), room service, concierge, and other managers to oversee the employees.

Remember to look for employees that you think exemplify the traits that you feel are most important to your hotel. Your employees are a reflection of your brand and will be the ones interacting with customers on a day to day basis. They must portray the company in a way that you think is best.

8. Create a Hotel Marketing Plan

Once you have everything else set up, it’s time to promote your business. As part of your business plan, you should have developed a hotel marketing plan. This plan will be what you will use to advertise the opening of your hotel.

Some potential marketing ideas to explore are:

  • SEM and PPC Advertising
  • Content Marketing
  • Video Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Print and Traditional advertising
  • Partnership Marketing (think booking sites, such as Booking.com)
  • Hotel Review Sites

Be creative and brainstorm how you can make your business stand out. If you’re struggling, there is an abundance of agencies and consultants that are always willing to assist you in reaching your marketing goals.

9. Open Your Hotel

Opening day is here, and after all of the hard prep work, you’re ready for business. Running a company is tough work, but if you’re prepared for the challenge, you’ll have no trouble getting started.

How to Start a Hotel Business (+Cost and Business Plan) - 2ndKitchen (2024)

FAQs

How does it cost to open a hotel? ›

What is the Average Cost of Opening a Hotel? The average cost of starting a hotel in the US ranges from $750,000-$1,000,000 for a small motel, to the national average being around $22,000,000 for a hotel with around 115 rooms, and much higher for luxury and high-rise hotels (source.)

How much does it cost to start a hotel business? ›

How much does it cost to start a hotel business? The cost to open a small hotel in the United States is around $1,000,000, and the average cost to open a 115-room hotel is around $22,000,000.

What are the 10 steps to writing a business plan? ›

How to Write a Business Plan in 10 Steps
  1. Create an executive summary. ...
  2. Write a company description. ...
  3. Conduct a market analysis. ...
  4. Outline your business structure. ...
  5. Define your products and services. ...
  6. Write out a marketing and sales plan. ...
  7. Gather your business financials. ...
  8. Outline your financial projections.
7 Apr 2022

How does a hotel make money? ›

How Does a Hotel Make Money? A hotel makes money by charging guests for the use of the hotel's facilities. The amount charged will depend on the type of hotel, the location, and the level of service offered.

What is the 15 5 rule hotel? ›

15/5 rule: When a guest is within 15 feet their presence should be acknowledged through some means whether a smile or head nod. Similarly, when a guest is within 5 feet they should be greeted in an appropriate manner whether that be a “hello”, “good morning”, or “good evening.”

What is a must in a 5 star hotel? ›

HOTREC has a 1-5 star rating system, and to get five stars, a hotel needs to have 24 hour reception, valet parking, an in-room safe, a daily turndown service, and more.

What must a hotel have to be 5 star? ›

5 Star hotels must meet the following criteria:

Exceptional levels of proactive service and customer care. All areas of operation should meet the 5 Star level of quality for cleanliness, maintenance, hospitality, and for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services.

What is a hotel business model? ›

The hotel franchise business model allows the franchisee (owner/developer) to gain leverage from the standards of the franchisor and its brand, while performing the management function independently at a cost typically lower than through a hotel management agreement, with the same operator and its brand.

Do small hotels make money? ›

According to CBRE's Trends survey, boutique hotels achieved a gross operating profit margin of 33.8 percent in 2017 versus the 38.3 percent average for all hotels included in their survey.

How much do hotels profit? ›

Monthly average revenue per available room of U.S. hotels 2011-2020. In November 2020, the monthly average revenue per available room (RevPAR) was 36.67 U.S. dollars for hotels in the United States.

How much is a hotel owner salary? ›

$80,313. How accurate does $80,313 look to you?

What is a hotel license? ›

A licence granted in respect of any tourist accommodation shall, subject to any power of the Board to revoke or suspend such licence, be granted for an indefinite period; and may be granted either unconditionally or subject to such restrictions and on such conditions as may be specified in the license.

How long it takes to build a hotel? ›

Typically, the resort or hotel construction phase can take up to 24 months and is one of the longest periods in the hotel development process.

What are the 12 steps to starting a business? ›

How to Start a Business: The 12 Steps Founders Encounter on Their Entrepreneurial Journey
  1. Find a business idea.
  2. Choose a business name.
  3. Validate your product idea.
  4. Write your business plan.
  5. Get your finances in order.
  6. Develop your product or service.
  7. Pick a business structure.
  8. Research licenses and government regulations.
1 Apr 2021

How do I write a business plan as a student? ›

How to write a business plan: a step-by-step guide
  1. Research. ...
  2. Craft your company overview. ...
  3. Focus on your product/service. ...
  4. Write up your market and competitor analysis. ...
  5. Write your marketing strategy. ...
  6. Outline your management and personnel. ...
  7. Highlight your business operations. ...
  8. Write up your financial forecast.
26 Apr 2021

What is a good business plan? ›

Good plans are usually highly detailed and include information on all aspects of the business, including the industry, marketing, finance, personnel and various operating procedures. They are specific, communicate to all company employees and require commitment from everyone.

What is business plan short answer? ›

A business plan is a written outline of every aspect of your business with a focus on your business model and economic viability. Among other things, a business plan includes a statement of the purpose of your business, an analysis of your business model, and a description of your competition.

What are the 20 steps to starting a business? ›

Ready, Set, Startup Checklist: 20 Steps to Starting a New...
  1. Test your concept. ...
  2. Build a business plan. ...
  3. Work on your sales pitch. ...
  4. Find funding. ...
  5. Decide on a business structure. ...
  6. Get the right licenses and permits. ...
  7. Open a business bank account. ...
  8. Organize your accounting.
5 Apr 2021

Can I write a business plan myself? ›

If you're a good writer you can probably write a business plan yourself, at least with some assistance. Software and samples are available to help prepare business plans. Additionally, the SBA is a terrific resource for guiding you through the process.

What are the 6 most important parts of a business plan? ›

6 essential elements of a good business plan
  • Executive summary. ...
  • Description and bios of your leadership/executive team. ...
  • Description of your product(s) or service(s) ...
  • Market/competitive analysis. ...
  • Financials (how much cash you need and when you'll pay it back) ...
  • Marketing plan.
20 Oct 2016

How can I make my hotel better? ›

Hotel guest satisfaction tips and best practices
  1. Personalize, personalize, personalize.
  2. Post-booking communication.
  3. Offer freebies and complimentary services.
  4. Implement in-room technology.
  5. Be proactive in your service.
  6. Reward repeat guests.
  7. Offer multiple communication channels.
  8. Create an inclusive experience for all.

How do you attract guests to your hotel? ›

10 Effective Ways To Attract Hotel Customers
  1. Impress Visitors before their arrival.
  2. Train your staff to deliver world-class service.
  3. Maintain Excellent Room Services.
  4. Offer better rates with recreational facilities.
  5. Establish an online presence.
  6. Take advantage of peak booking seasons.
19 Oct 2022

How can I improve my hotel service? ›

7 Tips to Improve Service Quality at Your Hotel
  1. Treat every guest like a VIP. ...
  2. Make training an everyday priority and not just a one-time event. ...
  3. Provide personalized customer service. ...
  4. Create a positive start for new employees. ...
  5. Update your technology toolbox. ...
  6. Take measure of your customer service performance.
1 Jan 2017

What can I sell in a hotel? ›

Things You Should Consider Selling in Your Hotel
  • Food and Beverage. Always encourage your guests to buy your beverages and meals. ...
  • Spa/ Massage Services. Some guests travel on a long flight before they arrive at your hotel. ...
  • Transportation Services. ...
  • Activities/ Attractions.
8 Nov 2019

Is hotel a good career? ›

First to answer this in a nutshell- yes, it's still worth it. However, like almost every other industry it has its pros and cons. Expect a huge number of hiring in the second half of 2022 and 2023 once people get vaccinated and start going out for vacation and eating out again.

What is 10x10 rule in hotel? ›

They refer to their customers as guests. Cast members are trained to acknowledge each guest with a smile anytime they come within 10 feet of that person.

What is the 80/20 rule in hospitality? ›

Under the 80/20 Tip Rule, you can only apply a tip credit to an employee if they spend at least 80% of their time in category 1, and no more than 20%, or 30 consecutive minutes, in category 2. Meanwhile, no tip credit can be applied to any work in category 3.

Why do hotels require a 2 night stay? ›

Rate plans usually have the min stay restriction for 2 reasons: Revenue Management Reason — The hotel manager or revenue manager decides that this coming Saturday night is very busy but the shoulder nights are quiet so he puts a 2 night min stay for Saturday so it blocks more bookings for 1 night stays.

What is no post in hotel? ›

FAQ - What is a No Post? You can use the Search function to find reservations marked as "No Post." The No Post marking is an indication that external systems are prohibited from posting charges against a reservation.

What makes a 2 star hotel? ›

What Is a 2 Star Hotel? A 2 star hotel offers the basic necessities of a bed and bathroom in each room and may offer some limited amenities, like a television, phone, and closet. Some examples of 2 star hotels include Sleep Inn & Suites, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, and Comfort Inn.

What are hotel standards? ›

Hotel Standard means both the operational standards (for example, staffing, amenities offered to guests, advertising, etc.) and the physical standards (for example, the quality, condition and utility of the Fixtures and Leased Personal Property, etc.)

What is a 3 star hotel mean? ›

What is the meaning / definition of 3 Star Hotel in the hospitality industry? A 3 Star Hotel is a hotel that provides average amenities, higher quality service, physical attributes and design. Ranking: Comfort (***) Three star hotels aim towards meeting guest expectations and providing pleasant stay.

What is a 4 star hotel mean? ›

4-Star Rating: Upscale Comfort

Four-star hotels offer loads of special services and amenities, including concierge services, fine dining, multiple pools, and hot tubs, high-class fitness centers, bellhops, room service, valet parking, day spas, limousine services, and an array of special suites.

What does 7 stars mean in hotel? ›

There is no official rating of “7-stars” for hotels. However, journalists, guests and hotel aficionados have dubbed these hotels as 7-stars simply for their grandiose accommodations and service. Exclusive to the rich and famous, these over-the-top hotel rooms feature lavish amenities that come with a hefty price tag.

What is the main business of a hotel? ›

The hotel industry is solely concerned with the provision of guest accommodation and related services. By contrast, the hospitality industry is concerned with leisure in a more general sense. As a result, it covers accommodation, restaurants, bars, cafés, night-life and a number of travel and tourism services.

What is a hotel proposal plan? ›

This hotel sales proposal contains a detailed outline of the staff, features, and amenities for your next event. It will familiarize you with our meeting space, share contact information, and address your specific needs. It also provides a high-level overview of the budget and fees included.

What are the five most important qualities for a business hotel? ›

The study found that hotels that excel in overall service and deliver the best guest experience and satisfaction have the following five traits in common:
  • Customer-driven. ...
  • Creating experiences. ...
  • Service quality. ...
  • Loyalty. ...
  • Human resource management.
10 Oct 2019

What qualifications do you need to run a hotel? ›

You can complete a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree and enter hotel management through a management trainee scheme. This role is open to graduates of all subjects.

What are the documents required to start a hotel? ›

Licenses and Registration Required for Hotel Business
  • Building Permit. ...
  • Fire Safety Permit. ...
  • Police License for Hotel. ...
  • Health Trade License or Trade License. ...
  • Business Registration. ...
  • ESI Registration. ...
  • PF Registration. ...
  • Bar License.

How much deposit is required for a hotel? ›

This charge is considered the advance deposit and typically is less than $100 per day of your stay, though can increase with larger and more expensive hotels. In any case, reputable hotels should inform guests of this "down payment" at the time of booking as to avoid any unnecessary surprises.

Is it difficult to start a hotel? ›

Is It Hard To Start a Hotel? Starting any business has its challenges and opening a hotel does require some planning and preparation. The biggest challenges are securing funding for your new hotel, finding a great location to buy or build, and setting up systems that help your hotel achieve operational efficiency.

How do I become a successful hotel owner? ›

Success in the Hotel Industry: 8 Things That Keep You on Top
  1. The hotel industry thrives on location. ...
  2. Keep an eye on those reviews. ...
  3. Generate great leads. ...
  4. Give customers an innovative experience. ...
  5. Keep your guests safe. ...
  6. Communicate, communicate, communicate. ...
  7. Give managers flexibility. ...
  8. Be observant.

Who is a manager in a hotel? ›

A Hotel Manager is a person who is responsible for the day-to-day management of a hotel and its staff. Hotel Managers are responsible for managing employees and for planning, marketing , coordinating and administering hotel services such as catering and accommodation facilities.

How do you start cleaning a hotel room? ›

The 10 Step Cleaning Process
  1. Ventilate the Room. You should properly ventilate a hotel room before guests stay. ...
  2. Change and Restock Bed Linen and Towels. ...
  3. Remove Rubbish. ...
  4. Dusting. ...
  5. Wipe and Disinfect High Touch Surfaces. ...
  6. Clean the Bathroom Thoroughly. ...
  7. Clean Mirrors and Windows. ...
  8. Vacuuming Floors and Furniture.

Do hotels accept cash? ›

Do hotels take cash, and do they have the right to refuse a cash payment? As of 2021, there is no federal law in the United States that prevents a hotel from refusing cash payments. Provided, of course, that the credit-card-only policy is communicated to the guest before the guest stays at the property.

Do hotels charge per person? ›

Some hotels will charge per person because they offer amenities that can be consumed by any guest on the premises. Other hotels don't charge per person but they will restrict you to booking 4 to 5 guests per room in order to comply with fire codes.

Do hotels make good profit? ›

While the average profit margin in the hotel industry fluctuates from year to year depending on market trends, it is safe to say that an average hotel profit margin lies at around 10%.

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