Hotel & Lodging

Q: Vibrant hotel scene

Kent County has nearly 150 hotels , B&Bs, and campgrounds , including national brands and local favorites.

Q: Downtown anchors:

Historic Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton , and boutique hotels like Ada Hotel and Hotel Rose showcase the variety of onsite roles.

Hotels across Grand Rapids and Kent County play a vital role in the region’s tourism and business economy. From boutique properties to large convention hotels, every stay depends on skilled professionals who keep operations running smoothly.

You might begin at the front desk, in housekeeping, maintenance, food and beverage, or sales but the growth potential doesn’t stop there. Many leaders in lodging started in entry-level roles and advanced into management, revenue strategy, marketing, or executive leadership.

This sector builds strong foundations in customer service, organization, and operations management. It’s ideal for people who are people-focused, adaptable, and ready to take initiative.

In a destination that continues to grow, hotels offer more than jobs. They offer structured pathways to leadership.

Grow here. Start anywhere.

Entry Points

Gain hands-on experience and learn the basics.

Front Desk Agent
Room Attendant
Server
Concierge

Build Skills

Explore different departments and grow your skills.

Housekeeping Supervisor
Food & Beverage Lead
Event Coordinator

Lead & Specialize

Lead teams, manage operations, and create exceptional experiences.

General Manager
Sales Director
Executive Chef
Marketing Manager

Start anywhere. Grow everywhere.

In a hotel, everyone has to be ready to pitch in, from last-minute bookings to busy events. It’s all hands on deck.

- Brooke L., Marketing & Sales Coordinator, Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport

By the Numbers

1 in 25 U.S. jobs are in hotel & lodging
125,000 new jobs projected nationally over the next decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Entry-level pay: $14–$18/hr | Managerial salaries: $135K+
2.3 million room nights sold in Grand Rapids (2024)
$275 million in local hotel revenue (2024)

Career Pathways Quiz

Not sure where to start? Take our Career Match Quiz!

Hotel & Lodging in Grand Rapids:

Vibrant hotel scene

Kent County has nearly 150 hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds, including national brands and local favorites.

Downtown anchors:

Historic Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, and boutique hotels like Ada Hotel and Hotel Rose showcase the variety of onsite roles.

Wide range of careers:

Front desk, housekeeping, food & beverage, event coordination, management, and marketing roles exist under one roof.

Expanding opportunities

New properties and plans for a convention center hotel mean more jobs and career pathways are emerging all the time.

Local Flavor

Some hotels feature spas, restaurants, shops, and even duckpin bowling—making every property a mini-community of roles.

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Workforce Development a month ago

A Day in Hotel & Lodging with Emily Lumsden

5 min

A Career That Makes You Feel Seen Emily Lumsden’s hospitality career was launched by a visit to a Majors Fair at Grand Valley State University. “I was genuinely so nervous because I didn't know where…

Hotel & Lodging

Hotel & Lodging Roles

Hotel Management: Lead operations, teams, and guest experiences.

Guest-Facing Roles: Welcome guests, solve problems, and create memorable stays.

Housekeeping: Keep rooms, facilities, and public areas clean, safe, and welcoming.

Food & Beverage: Create delicious experiences and manage service operations.

Sales & Marketing: Promote the hotel, manage events, and drive bookings.

Grow here. Start anywhere.

Entry Points

Build Skills

Lead & Specialize

Start anywhere. Grow everywhere.

By the Numbers

Career Pathways Quiz

Hotel & Lodging in Grand Rapids:

A Day in Hotel & Lodging with Emily Lumsden

Pathways

Food & Beverage

Event Management

Recreation & Entertainment

Aviation & Transit