Why motel management roles are harder to fill — and what experienced owners recommend

By Dianne Collie, Founding Director of motelsos.com

Australia’s small to mid-sized motels aren’t struggling because there are fewer people interested in management — they are struggling because the role itself has changed.

Today’s motel managers need a far broader skill set than ever before, yet many still see the job through the lens of a more casual, hands-on era. The result? A widening gap between what motels need and how managers are prepared to deliver it.

Jan and Charlie, long-time moteliers with decades of experience across multiple properties, have seen this shift unfold firsthand.

Read Part One of Jan and Charlie’s story HERE

“The expectations placed on managers today are completely different,” Jan says. “It’s no longer enough to simply greet guests and make sure the rooms are clean — you need to understand finance, technology, compliance, and leadership.”

“The challenge is that some people still think managing a motel is just ‘looking after guests,'” she adds. “That mindset made sense 20 years ago, but the business has evolved — and the skill level required has too.”

Charlie adds a broader perspective from their travels: “Across the country, we are seeing the same pattern — small to mid-sized motels (and caravan parks) struggling to find relief managers, and long-term operators stretched thin. It’s not just one region; it’s happening everywhere,” he explains.

“There’s a real need for better pathways to attract and train people who genuinely understand the demands of running a motel day-to-day.”

He believes the industry’s future depends on a shift in mindset about what it means to be “trained.

“If motelling is going to thrive, we need to take training as seriously as compliance,” Charlie says. “A structured approach to learning could be the turning point for small to mid-sized operators — it gives them the confidence and tools to keep pace with how the business has evolved.”

Jan agrees, adding that while on-the-job experience is invaluable, it needs to build on a solid foundation.

Read more motel news at AccomNews HERE

“Shadowing another manager isn’t always the answer — too often, bad habits just get passed down,” she says.

“Practical, hands-on learning is essential, but it should come after managers understand the ‘why’ behind the systems, standards, and guest experience expectations.”

Managing the risks and supporting your manager/s

With modern motel roles demanding more than ever, the burden often falls back on owners themselves. ‘When skilled managers aren’t available, we end up doing more ourselves — and that can quickly lead to burnout,’ Jan explains. Charlie adds that industry changes like contactless check-ins, while convenient, can remove the personal touches that make a stay memorable especially in regional areas of Australia.

Despite these challenges, Jan and Charlie remain optimistic. They stress that investing in people through education, mentoring, and structured support is the key. Managers who understand their responsibilities, develop strong people skills, grasp financials and IT systems, and take pride in the property are far more likely to succeed.

Read the latest edition of AccomNews HERE

Supporting managers also means practical, ongoing guidance: having best known processes implemented, being available when needed, maintaining open communication, reviewing financials regularly, providing regular breaks, and encouraging continuous learning. “When we invest in coaching and mentoring, it grows emotional intelligence, drives leadership, and builds trust, teamwork, and resilience,” Charlie explains. “The power of people helps people rise to their best selves.”

A call to action for the industry

Jan and Charlie’s reflections show that the small to mid-sized motel sector is at a critical juncture. Structured learning, mentoring, and hands-on support are simply not optional — they are essential to sustaining the industry.

“Every motel has been a great journey for us — and you never stop learning,” Jan says. “Supporting managers, investing in people, and keeping that personal touch is what will keep our industry thriving.”

Jan and Charlie participated in motelsos.com’s Motel Management and Operations Coaching Program, a course specifically developed for small to mid-sized motels to build the practical skills not covered in traditional hotel management training.