A hotel’s organizational structure will vary based on the size and type of the establishment. The structure will determine the roles and responsibilities of each person within the organization, as well as how information flows between different parts. An organization chart is the most common representation of a hotel’s organizational structure. An organization chart shows the hierarchy of hotel departments, which typically report to the general manager. Here are some important features of an organization chart for a hotel.
Historically, the concept of the “hotel” has been used to describe many types of establishments. Many early American hotels were residential. Generally characterized by wood construction with whitewash and a tiered porch, these structures were built in frontier areas with a limited supply of resources. However, due to their excessive spending, some people, such as Larry Fine, lived in a hotel. Their residences included the Knickerbocker Hotel in Hollywood and the President Hotel in Atlantic City. Eventually, they purchased a house in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles.
The development of the railroad industry catalyzed the third generation of hotels. The new railroads removed long-distance travel from the river system and redesigned the nation’s transportation network. The growth of rails allowed hotels to mushroom in the Eastern part of the country and expand into frontier settlements. By the 1850s, hotels had spread westward into the Pacific coast and mountain regions. These hotels also served as permanent residences for the aristocracy.