What are hotel standard operating procedures (SOPs)?
SOPs are documented processes that outline how specific tasks should be performed across different departments. They provide step-by-step instructions so that hotel staff know what to do, how to do it and what's expected of them.
Whether it's a new hire or an experienced team member, SOPs ensure consistency in how tasks are carried out, keeping service quality high across the board.
Why are hotel SOPs so essential?
SOPs are the backbone of daily hotel operations. They give structure, reduce confusion and make sure guests receive reliable service every time.
- Improving guest satisfaction: clear procedures help staff deliver consistent, high-quality service, leading to happier guests and better reviews.
- Maintaining brand consistency: whether you're a boutique property or part of a global chain, SOPs ensure the brand experience is uniform across locations.
- Streamlining staff training: documented processes make onboarding faster, helping to reduce the time necessary to onboard new staff members, and reduce the risk of early mistakes.
- Reducing miscommunication: SOPs ensure everyone is on the same page during busy periods or shift changes.
- Enhancing operational efficiency: standardized procedures mean tasks are completed more quickly and accurately.
Core areas covered by hotel standard operating procedures
Back office and admin SOPs
Focuses on internal processes that keep operations running smoothly. From accounting and payroll to inventory management and HR processes, having clear procedures - and tools like a property management system - helps teams stay organized and reduces errors.
- Accounting: procedures for invoicing, payroll and financial reporting.
- Inventory management: guidelines for tracking supplies and ordering stock, including regular procedures for managing inventory.
- HR processes: recruitment, onboarding of new employees and performance reviews.
Front office SOPs
Covers all guest-facing services and administrative tasks managed at reception. Beyond check-in and check-out, front desk teams manage reservations, guest requests and complaints. Using hotel front desk software makes it easier to stay on top of these daily tasks and ensure service quality.
- Guest check-in: step-by-step check-in process for welcoming and registering guests as a part of daily operations, as well as taking a valid payment method for incidentals.
- Guest check-out: check-out procedures, like ensuring payments are processed and all accounting is settled for their departure.
- Reservations handling: clear rules for managing bookings and cancellations.
- Guest complaints: procedures for resolving issues professionally, with escalation steps if needed.
Food and beverage SOPs
Ensures consistent service, quality and food safety in dining operations. Clear procedures for restaurant service, room service and kitchen operations, paired with digital tools for order management or stock tracking, keep service smooth and reliable.
- Restaurant service: how to set up tables, take orders and manage guest interactions.
- Room service: procedures for delivering food for room service, timely delivery and how to handle special requests.
- Kitchen operations: guidelines for kitchen operations, including sanitation, waste management and safety standards (such as properly dating food).
Maintenance SOPs
Keeps the property well-maintained and operational. Preventative maintenance, emergency repairs and equipment servicing are easier to track and schedule with property management or maintenance software.
- Preventative maintenance: regular checks scheduled daily, weekly and monthly of what needs to be maintained throughout the property and the frequency.
- Emergency repairs: steps to respond quickly when urgent issues arise.
- Equipment servicing: planned servicing of hotel machinery and systems.
Safety and security SOPs
Protects guests, staff and hotel assets. Protocols for guest safety, security patrols and fire safety are made more efficient and easier to monitor when supported by digital checklists and tracking systems.
- Guest safety: protocols for emergencies such as evacuations.
- Security patrols: monitoring and access control during and after hours.
- Fire safety: evacuation plans, extinguisher checks and fire drills.
For a deeper look at housekeeping SOPs, check out our dedicated guide.
How to create hotel standard operating procedures in 7 steps
1. Map out key processes
Map the entire guest journey to identify where SOPs are needed to ensure consistency. Consider guest feedback to pinpoint gaps.
2. Involve the right people
No one knows your processes better than your hotel staff. That's why it's a good idea to involve frontline staff and department heads when making your SOPs. Their input ensures hotel SOPs reflect real operations and workflows.
3. Define the objectives of each SOP
Each department's SOP should state its primary objective. Templates can help, but objectives will vary by department.
4. Use clear language and visuals
Keep instructions easy to follow, even for someone new. Add diagrams, flowcharts or checklists where helpful.
5. Test your hotel SOPs
Before rolling out SOPs in real-time, it's a good idea to run through procedures to check any gaps in the processes.
6. Train your hotel staff
SOPs should be a part of onboarding and ongoing training. The more comfortable they are with what needs to happen in each department, the more versatile your staff members will be.
7. Review and update your hotel SOPs
Processes evolve, so update SOPs to reflect new standards, regulations or tools.
Best practices for hotel standard operating procedures
- Train staff regularly to keep SOPs top of mind.
- Lead by example - everyone should follow the same processes, even hoteliers.
- Make SOPs easily accessible - have them available via digital platforms or printed manuals.
- Gather feedback from both guests and staff to refine processes.
- Leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks and monitor compliance of SOPs.
Conclusion
Hotel SOPs are key to delivering consistent service and operational excellence. When staff are trained and supported by the right tools, the guest experience improves.
With a system like Mews PMS, hoteliers can automate processes, reduce manual effort and make SOPs accessible across departments - driving both efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Hotel standard operating procedures FAQs
1. Which areas of a hotel need SOPs?
SOPs are necessary for all major departments, including the front desk, housekeeping, food & beverage, admin, maintenance and security.
2. How often should hotel SOPs be updated?
SOPs should be updated at least annually, or sooner if processes, regulations or technology change.
3. How can I get my hotel staff to follow SOPs?
Provide training so that staff feels comfortable with the tasks at hand, make SOPs accessible and lead by example.
4. How do SOPs improve guest experience and operational efficiency?
SOPs help standardize processes, reduce errors and keep service consistent across shifts.
5. Can technology help manage SOPs?
Yes - platforms like Mews PMS automate workflows, track compliance and provide centralized access.
Download our guide "The Hotelier's Guide to Changing PMS"
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