Hotel management is a field of study that encompasses all aspects of the hospitality industry. It involves learning various skills such as managing hotel operations, front office activities, housekeeping, food and beverage, and event management. Hotel management colleges provide students with the education and training required to succeed in the hospitality industry.
The world is home to many prestigious hotel management colleges that offer quality education and training to students. These colleges provide students with extensive knowledge and practical experience through state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty members. They also have partnerships with prominent players in the hospitality industry, allowing students to learn from experts in the field.
Criteria for selecting the best hotel management colleges
Several factors are considered when selecting the best hotel management colleges. These factors include:
Quality of education: The quality of education the college provides is crucial. The curriculum should cover all aspects of hotel management and include practical training and industry exposure. The faculty should be experienced and knowledgeable in their respective fields.
Accreditation: Accreditation by recognized organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a mark of quality education.
Campus facilities: State-of-the-art facilities such as kitchen labs, training restaurants, and hotel rooms are crucial for practical training.
Faculty: Experienced and knowledgeable faculty who have worked in the hospitality industry and have strong connections can provide students with the necessary guidance and exposure.
Student-to-teacher ratio: A low student-to-teacher ratio ensures students receive personalized attention and guidance.
Industry partnerships: Industry partnerships enable students to gain practical experience through internships and job placements. They also provide students with exposure to the latest industry trends and practices.
Alum success: The success of the college's alumni in the hospitality industry is a testament to the quality of education the college provides.
Global reputation: A college's global reputation is crucial as it determines the employability of its graduates in the international job market.
Best Hotel Management Colleges in the World
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) is a renowned hospitality institution located in Switzerland. It was established in 1893, making it one of the oldest hotel management schools globally and it has a long-standing reputation for excellence. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate hospitality management programs, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship.
EHL is recognized as one of the best hotel management schools globally and is accredited by the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. It has consistently been ranked in various international rankings, including QS World University and THE World University Rankings.
The undergraduate program at EHL is the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management, which lasts four years. The program's first-year tuition fee is 41,274 CHF, and it accepts IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 and TOEFL with a minimum score of 90.
For postgraduate studies, EHL offers a Master of Science in Global Hospitality Business, which has a one-year duration and a first-year tuition fee of INR 36.4 Lakh. It accepts GMAT with a minimum score of 550 and IELTS with a minimum score of 7. The school also offers an Executive MBA in Hospitality Administration, which lasts one year and a first-year tuition fee of 67,344 CHF. The program accepts GMAT with a minimum score of 550 and IELTS with a minimum score of 7.
EHL provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and other industry placements. Its alums have launched many successful startups, highlighting the school's strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Les Roches International School of Hotel Management (Switzerland)
Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, established in 1954, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious hotel management schools. It is located in Bluche, Switzerland, and is known for its excellent curriculum, industry partnerships, and global network. The institute offers undergraduate and graduate programs in hospitality management, preparing students for careers in the hospitality industry.
Les Roches's diverse student body from over 100 countries creates a multicultural learning environment that fosters international exposure and cultural understanding. The college has partnerships with leading hospitality brands such as Accor, Mandarin Oriental, and Ritz-Carlton, providing students with excellent career opportunities.
The undergraduate program in hospitality management at Les Roches is a four-year program that covers various aspects of hotel management, including room division, food and beverage management, and finance. The program also includes internships and other practical experiences, giving students real-world experience in the hospitality industry—the fees for the undergraduate program range from CHF 38,000 to CHF 44,000 per year.
Les Roches also offers a range of graduate programs, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management, a Master of Science (MSc) in Hospitality Leadership, and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management. These programs focus on advanced topics in hospitality management, such as business strategy, marketing, and leadership.
The college has been consistently ranked as one of the most prominent hotel management schools in the world. Various international rankings have recognized it, including QS World University Rankings and THE World University Rankings. Les Roches is also authorized by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Commission on Institutes of Higher Education (CIHE).
Glion Institute of Higher Education (Switzerland)
Glion Institute of Higher Education is a renowned hotel management college in Switzerland, with additional campuses in London. It is recognized among the best hospitality schools globally, and students from over 100 countries attend the institute. The undergraduate and graduate programs provided by the Glion Institute of Higher Education aim to prepare students to excel in the hospitality industry.
Glion Institute of Higher Education offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in hospitality management, including a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Administration, and a Master of Science in International Hospitality Business. The programs emphasize hands-on experience and offer internships in some of the most prestigious hotels and resorts worldwide.
The institute's campus facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, a variety of restaurants, a wine-tasting laboratory, and student accommodations with scenic views of the Swiss Alps. Glion Institute of Higher Education also has industry partnerships with well-known hospitality brands, providing students with opportunities to gain experience and network with industry professionals.
Glion Institute of Higher Education is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The college has also received recognition from various international rankings, including QS World University Rankings and Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking.
The undergraduate program fees at Glion Institute of Higher Education range from CHF 29,400 to CHF 49,200 per year, depending on the program and campus. The institute also offers scholarships and financial aid for eligible students to support their education expenses.
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (USA)
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (USA) is one of the world's most prestigious hotel management colleges, located in Ithaca, New York. Established in 1922, it is the first hospitality management school in the United States and has a global reputation for excellence. The college is part of the Ivy League institution Cornell University and is consistently ranked among the top hotel management institute in the world.
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration offers undergraduate and graduate programs in hospitality management. The undergraduate program is a four-year Bachelor of Science program that provides students with a broad understanding of the industry, including hospitality operations, business, and management. The graduate program offers a Master of Management in Hospitality, a one-year program designed for individuals with previous hospitality experience.
The admission process at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of only 25%. Admissions decisions are based on various factors, including academic achievement, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and leadership potential. Prospective students are required to submit a common application and a school-specific supplement.
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration is known for its extensive industry partnerships, providing students with opportunities for internships and other industry experiences. The college also conducts extensive research in the hospitality industry, focusing on sustainability, service innovation, and real estate.
The fees for the undergraduate program at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration range from USD 58,586 to USD 63,540 per year, which includes tuition, fees, and room and board. Aid is available to eligible students through grants, loans, and scholarships.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (Hong Kong)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management is one of the top hotel management colleges in Asia, located in Hong Kong. Established in 1979, the college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in hospitality management and is known for its industry partnerships and research collaborations.
The college has a diverse student body worldwide and offers students opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and other industry placements. The curriculum focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in hospitality management and specialized knowledge in areas such as culinary arts, events management, and tourism.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management has been recognized as one of the top hotel management schools in the world. Various organizations, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization, accredit it. The college has also been ranked highly by international rankings such as QS World University and THE World University Rankings.
The fees for the undergraduate program at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management range from HKD 120,000 to HKD 145,000 per year. Students are required to meet the admission requirements, which include proficiency in English, and may also be required to submit additional materials such as essays and letters of recommendation. Scholarships and financial aid are available to eligible students.
Comparison of the fees of the best hotel management colleges
Here's the comparison of the fees of the best hotel management colleges and the analysis of affordability and value for money of each college.
College |
Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
Accommodation Fees (Per Year) |
Other Expenses (Per Year) |
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management |
HKD 120,000 - HKD 145,000 |
HKD 18,000 - HKD 28,000 |
HKD 30,000 - HKD 45,000 |
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (USA) |
USD 58,586 - USD 63,540 |
USD 10,188 - USD 17,588 |
USD 3,212 - USD 4,724 |
Glion Institute of Higher Education (Switzerland) |
CHF 29,400 - CHF 49,200 |
CHF 11,300 - CHF 22,400 |
CHF 4,300 - CHF 9,200 |
Les Roches International School of Hotel Management (Switzerland) |
CHF 38,000 - CHF 44,000 |
CHF 13,200 - CHF 18,500 |
CHF 5,200 - CHF 8,500 |
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) |
CHF 37,200 |
CHF 10,000 - CHF 18,000 |
CHF 4,000 - CHF 7,000 |