A survey was undertaken by Delaware County Community College's (Pennsylvania) Hotel/Restaurant Management program: (1) to provide students with local up-to-date information regarding the lodging industry in the Greater Philadelphia area; and (2) to provide information regarding necessary skills as perceived by the managers for the purpose of curriculum and course development. A total of 73 surveys were mailed to local lodging managers with a 51% response rate. Most of the respondents were male (87%), between 36 and 40 years of age, and married (80%). The majority managed properties of between 131 and 300 rooms, worked as "general managers" for three to five years, and worked at their present locations for five to ten years. The average number of working hours per week was 56.6. The median salary reported was between $22,000 and $25,000. Major benefits were free meals, free dry cleaning, and a full health plan. Most indicated that they began working in the kitchen or as front desk clerks. The majority (56.7%) possessed a bachelor's degree and 81% indicated that they would repeat their career choice. Guest satisfaction, and staff satisfaction and development provided the greatest job satisfaction. Skills considered important to the job were salesmanship, cleanliness (guest rooms), and front office operations. The survey instrument is appended. (MB)