SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 24, 2025 - Hotels across the U.S. continue to grapple with persistent staffing shortages, despite significant efforts to attract and retain talent through increased wages and enhanced perks. A recent survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and AHLA Gold Partner, Hireology, reveals that nearly two-thirds (65%) of hotels are still struggling to fill open positions.
Industry-Wide Staffing Challenges
Although the U.S. hotel industry has largely rebounded from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, employment levels remain nearly 10% below pre-pandemic figures. Rosanna Maietta, AHLA President and CEO, stated, “The hospitality sector is committed to attracting and retaining talent, investing in workforce development and creating good jobs for millions of Americans and we are working hard in Washington to ensure we have a policy environment that supports these efforts.”
The sector has implemented various strategies to rebuild its workforce, including pay raises, flexible scheduling, and hotel discounts. These initiatives have contributed to a decrease in the percentage of hotels experiencing staffing shortages, down from 76% in May 2024 to 65% by the end of the year, according to the survey.
Persistent Vacancies and Key Roles
Despite active recruitment efforts, a significant majority of U.S. hotels continue to report unfilled vacancies. Furthermore, the number of hotels classified as “severely understaffed” has decreased from 13% in May to 9% in the latest survey.
Adam Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Hireology, highlighted the dual challenge facing the industry: “The hospitality industry faces a dual challenge: staffing shortages, particularly in key roles like housekeeping and front desk, coupled with the need to retain existing talent. While wage increases and other efforts by hoteliers are positive steps, we must prioritize career mobility and create clear paths for advancement to truly attract and retain the workforce we need.”
More than 70% of surveyed hotels reported vacancies they were unable to fill. On average, hotels have six to seven unfilled positions per property. The most difficult roles to staff include housekeeping (38%), front desk positions (26%), culinary roles (14%), and maintenance jobs (13%).
Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Talent
To combat these staffing challenges, hotels have primarily focused on increasing wages, with 47% citing pay raises as their primary strategy. Other efforts include offering flexible scheduling (20%), providing hotel discounts (13%), and participating in job fairs and advertising (9%).
Optimism Amidst Challenges
Despite the ongoing staffing issues, most hoteliers remain optimistic about career prospects within the industry. A strong majority (72%) believe that job opportunities in hospitality are as strong as or better than before the pandemic.
AHLA’s Initiatives and Future Outlook
The AHLA continues to advocate for legislative changes aimed at expanding workforce opportunities. Additionally, the AHLA Foundation runs various workforce development programs, including the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship program and the Empowering Youth Program, which connects young adults with entry-level hotel positions and career training.
The survey, known as AHLA’s Front Desk Feedback, gathered responses from 282 hoteliers between December 6, 2024, and January 3, 2025. This data provides valuable insights into the current state of hotel staffing and informs ongoing efforts to address the industry’s workforce needs.
For more information visit.