Hotel Management Courses to Take to Improve Your Skills
Investing in your professional development through hospitality management courses is a highly strategic decision. By continuing your education, you’re able to excel in your role and contribute meaningfully to your company’s—and your own—success. Continuous learning fosters a culture of innovation, adaptability, and excellence, preparing you for the future of hospitality. Here are a few online courses in hotel management that we view as useful, accessible, and comprehensive.
In this technology-driven era, proficiency in leveraging digital tools is non-negotiable for hospitality professionals. Regarding online hospitality management courses offered by Social Tables provide insights into these capabilities as they relate to streamlined event management and improved guest experience. These skills are essential for operational efficiency and meeting the growing expectations of tech-savvy guests. Utilizing digital capabilities enhances personalization and guest satisfaction, fostering loyalty and success.
Strategic Management and Leadership
The Coursera specialization courses in hotel management speak to strategic thinking and leadership development, two aspects that are essential when it comes to profitability and sustainability. Effective leadership is not just about managing teams, it’s about inspiring them toward a shared vision of excellence. Courses in this specialization cover strategic planning, financial management, and organizational behavior—providing you with the skills necessary to navigate challenges and capitalize on unique industry opportunities.
Culinary Arts and Gastronomy
The way to one’s heart is indeed through their stomach. The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) offers online programs that encourage you to marinate in the art and science of food. From identifying and understanding global culinary trends to mastering kitchen operations and menu development, these courses educate you on how to elevate your culinary offerings. Explore more to find out exactly how a deep understanding of food and beverage management not only enhances guest satisfaction but also contributes to revenue generation and brand differentiation.
Customer Experience and Service Excellence
In the end, exceptional service is what will make your establishment stand out. Hotel management certificates dedicated to customer experience management arm you with skills in personalized service delivery, complaint handling, and building lasting guest relationships. These courses emphasize the importance of empathy, communication, and cultural sensitivity—qualities that distinguish memorable guest experiences from ordinary ones. By prioritizing service excellence, you can build a loyal customer base and rise above your competition.
Experience Main Street Hospitality
Looking to discover more about the hotel management courses and the hospitality industry? When it comes to hospitality management principles and beyond, we have you covered. As a world-class team that owns, operates, develops, and designs unique hotels, our team at Main Street Hospitality has learned a thing or two over the last few decades in the industry. Stay with us at one of our many properties to experience it yourself.
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With 20 years of experience with renowned establishments such as Auberge Resorts Collection, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and the Grand Del Mar Resort, where he has launched and overseen award-winning culinary institutions and programming. His invaluable expertise in luxury operations will be critical in preparing for the next phase of Main Street – elevating the service and operational standards across existing hotels, while also playing a pivotal role in preparing and guiding operational strategy for the development of new properties.
Scott Williams
Chief Development & Brand Officer
Scott is responsible for enterprise-wide brand architecture and positioning, development and marketing and communication initiatives and experience design. He was the Chief Marketing Officer of Morgans Hotel Group and Chief Creative Officer at both Starwood and Commune Hotels & Resorts. Prior to hospitality he worked in television at CBS, ESPN and HBO.
He is a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and serves on the programming committee at the Harvard Club New York. He received a BA from the University of Washington, a MFA from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and a GMP from Harvard Business School.
General Manager Hotel Downstreet/Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Main Street Hospitality
Has over 18 years of hospitality leadership in Williamstown/North Adams. As Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Janine is responsible for leading and implementing strategic initiatives to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment within our organization. She plays a critical role in developing and driving a comprehensive DEI strategy that aligns with the company’s values, mission, and business objectives. Her efforts focus on creating a workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.
Joe Gallo
Strategic Advisor
Joe leads strategic growth initiatives, development projects, strategic capital and acquisitions, financial relationships and investor development. He is also responsible for Main Street’s corporate operations, administration, human resources and IT. He brings 30+ years of finance and management expertise to his role. As Managing Director in Citigroup’s Investment Bank in New York, Milan Italy, and Boston, as well as other CFO and executive roles, Joe has worked with numerous lodging companies such as Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Wyndham, Doubletree and Meristar.
Joe holds degrees from Brown University and NYU School of Law and is Chairman of the Board of Dorrance Dance Company. He hikes, skis and road trips in his free time in Tyringham, MA where he lives with his wife Ann.
Facilities & Rooms Project Manager, Red Lion Inn/Director of Community Engagement, MSH
The Director of Community Engagement plays a key role in fostering positive relationships between our organization and the communities we serve. The leader is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance our engagement with local communities, stakeholders, and relevant partners. Efforts will aim to build trust, foster collaboration, and promote a positive impact through various outreach initiatives and programs.
Rebecca Lilley
Human Resources Generalist, Red Lion Inn/Director of R2 Hospitality Training, MSH
Rebecca hails from the town of Lee, MA, in the Berkshires. Prior to joining Main Street as an HR Generalist for Red Lion Inn, she served as General Manager of a small boutique inn in Lenox. Her favorite places are the cities of York and Edinburgh in the U.K. In her role as The Director of R2 Hospitality Training she will be involved in overseeing the evolution and implementation of the R2 Hospitality Training program that promotes excellence in service and guest satisfaction within all Main Street Hospitality properties. The key focus is to ensure that the team members are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide exceptional experiences for guests and champion the R2 culture in every interaction.
Matthew brings 14 years of luxury hotel experience to this role with leadership roles spanning the famed NYC icon, The Carlyle, Four Seasons NYC, and the Mandarin Oriental NY. He was then brought on during the pre-opening phase as the opening Director of Housekeeping at the Equinox Hotel. At Canoe Place, he’ll work to continue to build the reputation of the restored East End hotel while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
Rebecca Scott
Director of Compensation & Benefits
Scott started her career with Auberge Resort’s Collection’s White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine before pursuing HR leadership positions with Marriott International and Pink Taco. In a new role for Main Street, Scott will implement forward-thinking compensation and benefits strategies that attract, motivate, and retain top talent while aligning with the organization’s financial and operational goals.
Celine Rihn
Task Force Operations Director
Boasting an impressive 25-year career in luxury operations with a focus on white glove service, Rihn most recently served as Director at Noble House Hotels’ Jekyll Ocean Club Resort. Her previous roles with Kimpton Group, Fairmont hotels, and Auberge Resorts Collection in operations, sales, and F&B have equipped her with extensive knowledge that will be instrumental in diverse task force assignments, a new role for Main Street. Rihn will also support the operational aspects of hotel openings and transitions, ensuring successful launches in line with the organization’s standards and strategic objectives.
Robert Garcia
Corporate Controller
Robert Garcia brings more than three decades of expertise in hospitality accounting, most notably a decade at Hay Creek Hotels where he served as Vice President of Finance. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing the company’s growth from 5 hotels to over 20 while managing the Finance, IT, and Insurance departments. Garcia will be responsible for implementing highly effective financial strategies to maximize the profitability and financial health of the entire Main Street portfolio.
Shira Wilkofsky
Marketing Performance Manager
Shira was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She moved to Great Barrington in 2017 to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC life. As Marketing Performance Manager, she is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of hotel marketing and other performance-related initiatives across Main Street properties. In this role, she serves as the primary hub and clearinghouse for communicating and coordinating between properties and agency partners. She brings to the table more than a decade of Food & Beverage experience, having held every role from host and busser to server and Front of House Management. Prior to stepping into her current position, she served for three years as Restaurant Manager for The Red Lion Inn dining room and oversaw all of the hotel’s dining outlets.
Shira’s favorite destination will always be a sunny, sandy beach with a lounge chair, a great book and time with family.
Director of Culinary Services & Executive Chef, Red Lion Inn
Jon is responsible for culinary operations at The Red Lion Inn where he oversees all F&B Dining outlets including the Main Dining Room, Widow Bingham’s Tavern, the Courtyard (seasonal) and the Lion’s Den, a prohibition era speakeasy. As Director of Culinary Services, he provides support to the MSH leadership team to shape the Food & Beverage concepts, culinary processes, and the performance of our existing and future hotel properties.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Chef Sterrett got his start flipping burgers at McDonald’s and worked his way up through the ranks, becoming Executive Chef at Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe before moving on to the Fairmont Pittsburgh. He became Sous Chef at the award-winning Superior Motors restaurant followed by Head Chef at Senti Restaurant and Wine Bar and Executive Chef at or, The Whale in the Distrikt Hotel. He’s had the pleasure of working alongside Chefs from all over the world, exposing him to a variety of cooking styles and ultimately shaping his culinary ethos and team-oriented mentality.
John Siddall brings more than three decades of knowledge acquired in the Club & Hospitality Industry to his role as General Manager of Port Cunnington Lodge. He has held senior management roles for numerous golf and country clubs, as well as with Georgian College, Muskoka Lakes Navigation & Hotel Company, and McMichael Canadian Collection Art Gallery. With a personal focus on Service Excellence, John brings an eye for detail, passion for Food & Beverage and a hands-on management style to his role, with a dedication to mentoring employees and inspiring his teams to exceed expectations.
John enjoys participating in fundraising for local hospitals and his communities’ worthy causes.
Katie is from Stephentown, NY, in Rensselaer County. Before moving into her current role, she worked as a Reservations Manager and Rooms Director at The Red Lion Inn, and as General Manager of The Seven Hills Inn in Lenox, MA.
Her favorite place is Keen Valley, NY, where she loves to hike the high peaks of the Adirondacks.
Benjamin hails Haverhill, MA. He began his hospitality career working in food and beverage at country clubs before transitioning to Auberge Resorts Collection. There, he worked on the accounting team for three luxury hotels in New England and managed the financial operations of opening a 140-acre resort in New York. He currently oversees property accountants and onboards all new hotels for Main Street Hospitality.
Benjamin’s favorite place is anywhere in the Pacific Northwest – in particular the Oregon coast, and the Redwoods in California.
Randi is from Rhode Island. She brings an entrepreneurial approach to her role as General Manager of Hammetts Hotel, drawing on experience in the operations of both independent properties and brands to build a solid foundation for the creation of standards and procedures.
Her favorite place in the world is anywhere where she is with her family.
Born and raised in Turkey, Mel has worked in the hospitality industry since 1994, with experience across a variety of operations roles both internationally and domestically. Prior to joining The Porches Inn as General Manager, she worked as Senior Guest Services Manager at The Breakers Palm Beach.
Her favorite places in the world are the galleries of MASS MoCA and the Clark Art Institute, and the Turkish cities of Istanbul and Antalya.
John is from Narragansett, Rhode Island. With more than 25 years of leadership in sales and marketing for the hospitality industry, he has managed sales for some of the most prestigious luxury hotels in the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts portfolio and led multi-property sales for Salamander Hotels & Resorts. He also has experience within the Historic Hotels of America network, founded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. John is a Certified Meeting Professional and Notary Public.
His favorite place in the world is Tuscany, Italy.
Andres hails from Houston, TX. Before joining Main Street Hospitality, he worked with a variety of branded and independent multi-property resorts, from Omni Hotels & Resorts and Nemacolin to The Biltmore Company.
His favorite place in the world is the Linville Gorge Wilderness in Pisgah National Forest, located in Western North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains.
Beth is originally from Spokane, WA. She brings a degree in Business Administration and more than 35 years in the hospitality industry, from restaurant and hotel operations to accounting, to her role as Assistant Director of Finance for The Red Lion Inn, The Porches Inn, Briarcliff Motel and Fitzpatrick Retail & Realty Co.
Terry has been involved in hospitality since his very first job at age 16. He worked in various restaurants throughout high school and college, but truly recognized his love for the industry when he was hired as a waiter at Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern. He spent more than two decades working for Danny’s Union Square Hospitality Group, ultimately earning the title of Managing Partner and Director of Operations; helping to conceptualize and open four restaurants, overseeing seven different businesses and mentoring dozens of young leaders.
Terry lives with his family in Great Barrington, MA, where they own and operate Granville House, a five-guest room Bed & Breakfast. He continues to share his passion for all things service related as a hospitality leadership coach.
Jennifer is from Ashland, MA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Johnson & Wales University, with a minor in Eco & Nature Based Tourism. She launched her career with Kimpton Hotels, joining their Manager in Training program and working in Boston and Aspen. Prior to joining The Beatrice, she worked for Destination Hotels as Assistant General Manager of Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa in Seattle.
Jennifer’s favorite places are the beach in the summer, and the mountains in the winter. She loves a good beach day relaxing in the sun, or cruising mountains on her snowboard.
Carla hails from The Bluegrass State of Kentucky. With a background in entertainment catering, she brings people skills, creative thinking and problem solving skills to her role as Director of Project Management, along with a “can do, let’s do” attitude!
Her favorite places in the world are New York’s theatres & museums. In the last few years, she has come to love the natural beauty of Alaska.
Bonnie currently lives in West Stockbridge, MA. She has more than a decade of experience in the banking industry, and more than 18 years of experience in payroll & bookkeeping for firms ranging from construction and civil engineering to social welfare and financial law.
Outside of work, Bonnie’s life revolves around her five boys and their activities. She has coached soccer, basketball and baseball and sat on the board of directors for the Great Barrington Little League and Housatonic Youth Basketball League. She is a longtime Treasurer of the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club and has supported many booster clubs throughout the years for youth and high school sports teams. She is currently a member of the Berkshire Hills Regional School District’s school committee, and their finance and superintendent evaluation subcommittees.
Jennifer is responsible for all financial operations and related matters. This includes hands-on financial leadership to further develop the organization by providing best-in-class accounting, financial reporting, treasury operations, short and medium range budgeting and forecasting, and new business development in partnership with hotel properties’ leadership and owners. Jennifer, who served as the Regional Director of Finance at Auberge Resorts. is a seasoned hospitality professional with a proven track record of success and growth in the Luxury Boutique sector.
During her free time, you can find Jennifer hiking, gardening, boating, surfing, or anything outdoor related. She strives every day to be a strong female role model for her three sons who she absolutely adores.
As Vice President of Human Resources, Suzi’s role is to bring Main Street’s purpose to life as it scales, overseeing its dynamic portfolio. She draws on extensive experience in human resource leadership, having served as director of talent across 11 states and notable hospitality names including The Carlyle, a Rosewood hotel; The Surrey, a Relais & Chateaux hotel; and the Auberge Resorts Collection.
Greta is responsible for optimizing performance for all Main Street in areas such as business intelligence, pricing/distribution strategies, asset management, financial reporting/budgeting and business planning. She is a US Army veteran and following her service and university studies she began a hotel management career in leading independent hotels, including Topnotch Resort in Stowe and The Williams Inn at Williams College.
Greta serves on the boards of New England Inns & Resorts and the Turner House Living Center for Veterans. She partakes in dog-friendly travel, checking out up-and-coming nano breweries and exploring backroads and off-road.
Sarah Eustis founded Main Street Hospitality in 2014 with a vision that leverages three generations of family hospitality leadership. Now at the forefront of the independent hospitality landscape, Sarah evolved Main Street into an expanding collection of properties through her commitment to stewarding a meaningful and memorable guest experience, unique to each destination and hotel. Her hospitality career began at fourteen in the housekeeping department at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA, which has been in her family for over 50 years.
Following a prosperous 20-year career rising to the role of designer, merchandiser, and brand developer for world renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren, Gap Inc., Limited Brands, and Etam in Paris, Sarah returned to the Berkshires to carry on her family business. With properties ranging from new builds to landmark establishments, Main Street now owns and operates five properties in The Berkshires, two in Rhode Island, and maintains a growing pipeline of projects in one-of-a-kind destinations throughout the Northeast. A passionate leader, Sarah pioneers the organization with a continued commitment to community and an approach to hospitality that focuses on connecting people in meaningful ways.
