What are operating expenses in a hotel context?

Operating expenses in a hotel context refer to the costs incurred in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the hotel property. This includes a wide range of expenditures necessary to ensure that the hotel runs smoothly and maintains a certain standard of service for guests. Examples of operating expenses can include utilities, housekeeping supplies, maintenance and repair costs, and salaries for staff involved in the hotel's operations—not just those related to staff but also the costs tied to maintaining the facilities.

When considering the other options, income generated from room bookings pertains to revenue rather than expenses, which focuses on the inflow of money rather than the outflow. Expenses related specifically to staff salaries are an aspect of operating expenses, but they do not encompass the full scope of all costs necessary to maintain and operate the hotel. Lastly, costs for marketing and promotions, while important for generating business, represent a subset of operating expenses rather than the broader category that encompasses the overall maintenance and functioning of the hotel property itself. Thus, focusing on the general definition of operating expenses solidifies the understanding that these are mainly concerned with the costs of running the hotel efficiently.