Hotel Manager - Santa Cruz, CA

About Us Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages is a charming boutique hotel steps from Sunny Cove Beach. We pride ourselves on providing a clean, comfortable, and welcoming experience for every guest. We are seeking a hands-on Hotel Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, lead our dedicated staff, and ensure our guests enjoy exceptional service throughout their stay. Key Responsibilities Guest Experience Greet, assist, and check in/out guests with professionalism and warmth. Manage reservations and guest communication via phone, email, and online platforms. Respond to guest concerns quickly and courteously, ensuring issues are resolved promptly. Front Desk & Operations Oversee all front desk operations and personally handle 40+ hours of front desk duties per week. Supervise reservation changes, cancellations, and payments through PMS and OTA systems. Ensure smooth daily operations including communication, cash handling, and reporting. Staff Leadership & Management Supervise and support Front Desk, Housekeeping, and Maintenance teams. Lead staff hiring, training, scheduling, payroll, and performance reviews. Create a positive, motivated, and service-focused work culture. Revenue & Rate Management Manage room pricing, inventory, and availability across OTAs (Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, etc.). Analyze performance to optimize occupancy, ADR, and overall revenue. Coordinate marketing initiatives and maintain online reputation and reviews. Finance & Administration Oversee supply ordering, vendor management, and cost control. Assist with budgeting and forecasting to meet financial goals. Property Maintenance Conduct property inspections and coordinate maintenance or repair work. Ensure the property is safe, clean, and well-maintained for guests and staff. Group & Corporate Bookings Manage group reservations, ensuring seamless coordination and guest satisfaction. Build relationships with repeat and corporate guests for long-term partnerships.

Qualifications Experience:

4+ years in hotel or hospitality management (Front Desk, Operations, or Guest Services).

Education:

B.A. or A.A. in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred or equivilent of experience.

Skills:

Excellent communication, organization, and leadership abilities. Strong multitasking and problem-solving skills.

Technology:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and PMS/OTA platforms.

Availability:

Must be flexible to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform light physical work. Why Join Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages? Work steps away from the beach in one of Santa Cruz's most scenic locations. Be part of a small, tight-knit hospitality team that values teamwork and initiative. Competitive pay, supportive management, and opportunity to make a visible impact every day.

Job Type:

Full-time Schedule:

Variable shifts including weekends and holidays

Experience:

Hotel management or front desk supervision: 4 years (Required)

Location:

Santa Cruz, CA (On-site only)

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off

Work Location:

In person