Does IHG (Holiday Inn) Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Understanding IHG's Franchise-Heavy Model

IHG is one of the most franchise-dependent hotel companies in the industry. Over 80% of IHG-branded hotels in the United States are owned and operated by independent franchise companies. IHG corporate provides the brand name, reservation system, loyalty program, and brand standards, but the franchise owner is responsible for hiring, firing, setting pay rates, determining benefits, and establishing their own background check and hiring policies. This means that there is no single IHG hiring policy for people with criminal records. One Holiday Inn might be run by a franchise owner who actively participates in second-chance hiring, while another Holiday Inn down the road might have a stricter policy. The key takeaway is that you should not be discouraged if one IHG property turns you down — it reflects that specific owner's policy, not IHG as a whole.

IHG Corporate vs. Franchise Hiring

A small percentage of IHG hotels are corporate-managed, typically larger, upscale properties like InterContinental Hotels and some Crowne Plazas. These corporate-managed properties follow IHG's official hiring policies and tend to use more standardized individualized assessment when criminal records appear on background checks. They are more likely to follow Ban the Box practices and EEOC guidance. For the vast majority of IHG-branded hotels — especially Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites, and Staybridge Suites — the franchise owner or management company makes all hiring decisions. To identify who runs a specific hotel, look at the job posting carefully. If it lists a company other than IHG (such as Aimbridge Hospitality, Atrium Hospitality, or a local ownership group), the hotel is franchise-operated.

How to Approach Franchise Hotels Successfully

Because franchise IHG hotels are independently operated, the most effective approach is often direct, personal contact with the property. Visit the hotel in person during a slow period (mid-morning on a weekday), dress neatly, and ask to speak with the general manager or hiring manager. Express your interest in a specific position and your willingness to work hard. If you have a positive attitude and present yourself well, many franchise hotel managers will give you a chance regardless of your record. The hotel industry has chronically high turnover, and many franchise operators are constantly looking for reliable employees. Being upfront about your situation — while emphasizing your reliability, work ethic, and any relevant experience — can work in your favor. If one property is not open to hiring you, try another. There may be dozens of IHG-branded hotels in your area, each independently owned.

Background Check Practices Across IHG Properties

While nearly all IHG properties conduct some form of background check, the depth and strictness vary by franchise owner. Some franchise operators use basic criminal history checks and are primarily looking for recent violent offenses or sex offenses. Others run more comprehensive checks and have stricter policies. The lookback period depends on the franchisee's policy and applicable state law. In states with 7-year limitations on background check reporting, the check will only include convictions within that period regardless of the franchise owner's preference. If a background check reveals a record, your outcome depends on the individual decision-maker at that property. FCRA rights still apply — you have the right to be notified if a background check is used in a negative hiring decision and to receive a copy of the report.

Building a Hotel Career Through IHG Brands

Starting at an IHG property — even a small Holiday Inn Express — can be the beginning of a legitimate hospitality career. The hotel industry values experience and reliability above all else. Once you have six months to a year of solid hotel work experience, you become a much more attractive candidate for other hotels, including higher-end properties with better pay and benefits. IHG's loyalty program (IHG One Rewards) includes an employee rate for discounted stays at IHG properties. Some larger franchise operators offer health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits, though these vary widely. The skills you develop in hotel operations — customer service, cleaning and maintenance, food service, time management — are transferable across the hospitality industry and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Holiday Inn hire felons?

It depends on the specific property. Most Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels are franchise-operated, meaning the individual owner decides hiring policies. Some franchise owners actively hire people with records; others do not. There is no blanket IHG policy against hiring felons. Your best approach is to apply at multiple properties and make personal connections with hiring managers.

Does IHG do background checks?

Yes, nearly all IHG-branded properties conduct background checks on new hires. However, the depth and strictness of the check vary by franchise owner. Corporate-managed IHG properties follow standardized procedures, while franchise properties set their own policies. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you at most IHG hotels, but the outcome depends on the individual property.

Which IHG brands are most felon-friendly?

There is no single IHG brand that is universally more felon-friendly than others because hiring decisions are made at the property level by franchise owners. However, limited-service brands like Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites, and Staybridge Suites tend to have higher turnover and more urgent hiring needs, which can work in your favor. Approach multiple properties across different brands.

How do I know if a hotel is franchise or corporate?

Check the job listing. If it references a management company other than IHG (such as Aimbridge Hospitality, Atrium Hospitality, or a local ownership group), the property is franchise-operated. You can also ask at the front desk. Over 80% of IHG hotels in the US are franchise-operated.

What is the best way to apply at IHG hotels?

For franchise properties, visiting in person is often the most effective approach. Ask to speak with the general manager or hiring manager directly. For corporate-managed properties, apply through the IHG careers portal online. In both cases, applying to multiple properties increases your chances, as each one makes independent hiring decisions.

Does IHG drug test?

Drug testing policies are set by each individual franchise owner and vary by property. Some IHG hotels require pre-employment drug screening; others do not. Corporate-managed properties may have more standardized drug testing procedures. Ask about the specific property's policy during the application process.

What do IHG hotel jobs pay?

Pay varies significantly by franchise owner, location, and position. Housekeeping typically pays $12-$17 per hour. Front desk agents earn $13-$18 per hour. Night auditors may earn slightly more due to the overnight shift. Benefits vary widely by franchise owner — some offer health insurance and retirement plans, while smaller operators may offer limited benefits.