Does Best Western Hire Felons?

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Best Western's Unique Ownership Model

Best Western operates differently from most major hotel brands. Rather than a franchise model where a corporate parent grants licenses, Best Western is structured as a membership association of independently owned hotels. Each hotel owner pays membership dues and agrees to meet Best Western's quality and brand standards, but retains full autonomy over their business operations, including all hiring decisions. This means there is no corporate HR department making hiring policies that apply across all Best Western properties. The general manager or owner of each individual hotel decides what background check procedures to use, how to evaluate applicants with criminal records, and who ultimately gets hired. This can work strongly in your favor — many independent hotel owners are practical business people who care more about whether you will show up, work hard, and be reliable than about what happened in your past.

Why Independent Hotels Can Be More Flexible

Independently owned hotels like Best Western properties often have advantages for job seekers with criminal records compared to corporate-managed chains. First, hiring decisions are made by the person you will actually work for — the owner or GM — rather than by a distant corporate policy. If you make a strong impression in person, that personal connection carries significant weight. Second, smaller hotels have tighter teams and higher urgency when positions are open. If they need a housekeeper immediately, they are more likely to take a chance on someone who presents well, regardless of their record. Third, many independent hotel owners have long experience in the hospitality industry and have seen firsthand that people with records can be excellent employees. Fourth, smaller operations may use less rigorous background check services than major corporations, sometimes conducting only basic criminal history searches rather than comprehensive multi-database screens.

How to Approach Best Western Properties

The most effective strategy for getting hired at a Best Western is to apply in person. Visit the hotel during a calm period — mid-morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is ideal. Dress neatly and cleanly (you do not need formal business attire, but look presentable). Ask at the front desk if the general manager is available for a few minutes. If they are, introduce yourself, express your interest in working at the hotel, and ask about any open positions. If the GM is not available, leave your name and phone number and ask when would be a good time to return. Many Best Western GMs appreciate initiative and personal visits over online applications. If you are comfortable doing so, being upfront about your background can actually help — it shows honesty and confidence, and it allows the GM to make an informed decision rather than being surprised by a background check later.

What to Expect from Background Checks

Background check practices at Best Western properties vary widely. Some owners use comprehensive third-party screening services similar to what corporate hotel chains use. Others conduct more basic checks — sometimes just a name-based criminal history search or even a simple Google search. Some smaller properties may not conduct formal background checks at all, relying instead on reference checks and their personal impression of the candidate. Regardless of the property's approach, your rights under federal and state law still apply. If a formal background check is used and results in a negative hiring decision, you have the right under the FCRA to be notified and to receive a copy of the report. State laws may provide additional protections, such as lookback period limits or requirements for individualized assessment.

Building Your Hotel Career from Best Western

Starting at a Best Western can be an excellent launching pad for a hospitality career. Best Western properties provide the same fundamental hotel operations experience as any other hotel brand — housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, food service. Six months to a year of solid work experience at a Best Western gives you a credible work history and a reference from a recognized hotel brand. From there, you can move to larger hotels with better pay and benefits, or advance within the Best Western property where you started. Many Best Western owners are loyal to employees who prove themselves and will promote from within. The hotel industry has one of the lowest barriers to entry of any sector, and reliable, hardworking people can advance quickly regardless of their educational background or criminal history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Best Western hire felons?

There is no single Best Western hiring policy because every property is independently owned. Some Best Western owners actively hire people with criminal records; others do not. Your chances depend entirely on the individual property's owner or general manager. The best approach is to apply at multiple properties in person and make a positive personal impression.

Does Best Western do background checks?

Background check practices vary by property. Some Best Western hotels use formal third-party background screening; others conduct basic checks or rely on interviews and references. There is no corporate-mandated background check policy. Ask the property directly about their process during the application.

Why does each Best Western have different policies?

Best Western operates as a membership association of independently owned hotels, not a traditional franchise or corporate chain. Each hotel owner pays to use the Best Western brand but retains full control over their operations, including hiring. This means each property sets its own hiring criteria, background check procedures, pay rates, and benefits independently.

Is it better to apply online or in person at Best Western?

In person is strongly recommended for Best Western properties. Because each hotel is independently owned and managed, hiring decisions are made by the owner or GM on-site. Making a personal connection and demonstrating your professionalism face-to-face is far more impactful than an online application. Visit during a slow period and ask to speak with the manager directly.

What do Best Western jobs pay?

Pay varies by property, location, and position. Housekeeping typically pays $12-$16 per hour, front desk $13-$17 per hour, and night auditors slightly more. Benefits depend entirely on the individual owner — some provide health insurance and paid time off, while others offer limited benefits. Larger Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier properties may offer better compensation packages.

Are Best Western Plus or Premier hotels different for hiring?

Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier are higher-tier brands within the Best Western family, but they are still independently owned. They may have slightly different standards and potentially better pay, but hiring decisions remain with the individual owner. The tier level does not directly affect how the property handles applicants with criminal records.