Does Choice Hotels Hire Felons?
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Choice Hotels properties hire some people with records. Franchise model means each property sets its own policies.
Choice Hotels International properties hire some people with felony records. Choice Hotels is a franchise-only hotel company that operates brands including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn. Every Choice Hotels property is independently owned and operated, meaning each hotel sets its own hiring policies. Budget brands like Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn tend to be more flexible in hiring people with records. Housekeeping and maintenance positions are the most accessible across all Choice brands.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper / Room Attendant | Sometimes | Varies by property | Most accessible hotel role. Cleaning rooms with limited guest interaction. |
| Maintenance Technician | Sometimes | Varies by property | Property maintenance. Skills-based position valued across hospitality. |
| Front Desk Agent | Sometimes | Yes | Customer-facing with payment handling. Theft/fraud convictions assessed. |
| Night Auditor | Sometimes | Yes | Overnight front desk and financial reconciliation. Hard-to-fill shift. |
| Laundry Attendant | Sometimes | Varies | Back-of-house laundry operations. Minimal guest contact. |
| General Manager | Rarely | Yes — comprehensive | Full property management with thorough background review. |
Choice Hotels Hiring Practices for People with Records
Choice Hotels properties hire for various positions and evaluate criminal records based on property-level policies. Hotels in this segment operate through franchise or management company models, meaning each property may have different hiring standards. Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance positions are generally the most accessible for people with criminal records. The hospitality industry has high turnover rates, creating consistent job openings.
Background Check Process
Background check policies vary by Choice Hotels property. Properties managed by large hotel management companies may have standardized screening. Independently owned franchise properties set their own background check requirements. The scope of background checks depends on the position — front desk and management roles typically receive more thorough screening than housekeeping positions.
What Disqualifies You from Working at Choice Hotels
Sex offenses are typically disqualifying at hotel properties due to guest safety. Violent felonies are assessed individually. Theft and fraud convictions may affect front desk and management positions. Drug convictions are generally less concerning for housekeeping and maintenance roles. Each property owner or management company makes independent hiring decisions.
Tips for Getting Hired at Choice Hotels with a Record
Apply online through Choice Hotels's career page or visit properties in person. Target housekeeping and maintenance positions. Night shifts are often hardest to fill. Emphasize any hospitality experience and willingness to work weekends and holidays. If one property declines, try another — each operates independently.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online or in person at Choice Hotels properties near you.
- 2.Target housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance positions for better chances.
- 3.Night audit and overnight positions are hardest to fill and may offer more flexibility.
- 4.Hotels operate 24/7/365 — emphasize availability for all shifts including weekends and holidays.
- 5.If one Choice Hotels property declines, try another — each property sets its own policies.
- 6.Maintenance skills (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, general repair) are highly valued.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Choice Hotels hire felons?
- Some Choice Hotels properties hire people with felony records. Policies vary by property and management company. Housekeeping and maintenance positions are most accessible.
- Does Choice Hotels do background checks?
- Background check policies vary by property. Front desk and management positions typically require checks. Housekeeping policies vary.
- Does Choice Hotels drug test?
- Drug testing policies vary by property and management company.
- How much do Choice Hotels employees make?
- Housekeepers earn $10-$15/hour. Front desk agents earn $11-$16/hour. Maintenance technicians earn $13-$20/hour. Pay varies significantly by location.
- What hotel positions are best for someone with a felony?
- Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance positions are generally the most accessible in the hotel industry. Night audit shifts are also worth considering as they are harder to fill.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Choice Hotels Careers
Official career page.
- National HIRE Network
Employment resources for people with records.
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- ToolsReentry Grants & Programs
- Drug TestingDOT drug testing rules — guide for CDL drivers and regulated employees
- Pardon & ClemencyFederal pardon — how to apply for a presidential pardon
- DUI RecoveryHow to find a DUI lawyer