Quick Answer

Yes, Best Western hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.

With over 4,000 independently owned and operated franchise hotels worldwide, housekeeping ($12–$17/ hour), food and beverage, and front desk positions offer accessible entry points.

Because each property is individually owned, hiring decisions are made by the local owner rather than corporate headquarters—often making Best Western more flexible for applicants with records compared to large corporate hotel chains.

About Best Western

Best Western is a global hotel brand with 4,000+ properties worldwide, operated through a franchise and membership model.

Each hotel is independently owned by a local businessperson who licenses the Best Western name, brand, and reservation system. This model means that hiring decisions are made locally, not by a central corporate HR office.

For individuals with criminal records, this structure provides key advantages:

• Local decision-making: Each owner makes all hiring choices, allowing for flexibility.

• Personal connections: Applicants can often meet the owner or manager directly.

• Faster hiring: Smaller hotels tend to have immediate staffing needs.

• Community awareness: Local owners often value effort and reliability over background.

• Try multiple properties: If one owner declines, another Best Western nearby may hire you.

This decentralized hiring approach makes Best Western one of the more accessible hotel brands for individuals seeking a second chance.

Best Western Hiring Policy

Each Best Western hotel is independently owned, so there is no universal corporate hiring policy. Owners evaluate candidates on a case-by-case basis depending on the job, the applicant’s background, and the property’s staffing needs.

Approach:

• Owner or general manager makes all hiring decisions.

• No corporate HR screening or national policy.

• Case-by-case review based on role and record.

• Flexible and often more open than large chains.

What Owners Consider:

• Type and age of the conviction.

• Attitude, reliability, and work ethic.

• Staffing urgency and need for specific roles.

• How you present yourself during the interview.

• References or recommendations.

This flexibility allows applicants to demonstrate accountability, dependability, and motivation directly to the decision-maker.

Available Jobs at Best Western for People with Records

Room Attendant (Housekeeper)

($12–$17/ hour)

Cleans guest rooms, replenishes supplies, and reports maintenance needs. Often the most accessible position with steady demand.

Breakfast Attendant

($12–$16/ hour)

Prepares and serves continental breakfast, cleans dining areas, and ensures food safety standards.

Front Desk Agent

($13–$17/ hour)

Handles check-ins, reservations, payments, and guest inquiries.

Laundry Attendant

($12–$15/ hour)

Operates industrial washers and dryers, folds linens, and supports housekeeping staff.

Maintenance Technician

($14–$20/ hour)

Performs minor repairs, preventive maintenance, and groundskeeping.

Night Auditor

($13–$17/ hour)

Overnight front desk position that balances accounts and monitors the property.

Housekeeping Supervisor

($30,000–$45,000 per year → $14–$22/ hour equivalent)

Supervises room attendants, inspects rooms, and manages scheduling.

General Manager

($40,000–$65,000 per year → $19–$31/ hour equivalent)

Oversees daily hotel operations, staffing, and guest satisfaction. Often filled internally through promotions.

Career Path Example: Room Attendant → Supervisor → General Manager

Typical Benefits: Varies by owner but may include hotel discounts, basic health coverage, and paid time off.

Background Check Policy

Because Best Western hotels are independently owned, background checks vary:

• Some owners perform standard checks, others skip them entirely.

• Evaluations are based on local discretion.

• Drug testing policies vary by property.

• Many owners focus more on reliability and performance than past mistakes.

Application Tips

1. Apply to 5–10 Best Western hotels in your area—each one decides independently.

   
   

2. Visit hotels in person instead of only applying online.

   
   

3. Politely ask to speak with the owner or general manager.

   
   

4. Dress neatly and emphasize reliability and punctuality.

   
   

5. Be honest if your background comes up; owners appreciate sincerity.

   
   

6. Focus on housekeeping or breakfast attendant positions first.

   
   

7. Bring a short list of character references if possible.

   
   

8. Target smaller properties (under 100 rooms) for quicker hiring.

   
   

9. Follow up a few days after applying to show persistence.

   
   

10. Apply to other chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn as part of a wider search.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Best Western automatically reject me?

No. Each hotel is independently owned, and owners make their own hiring decisions based on their assessment of you, not your record.

Is Best Western more flexible than other hotel chains?

Yes. Its franchise model gives individual owners the freedom to hire without corporate restrictions.

What is the most accessible job for people with records?

Housekeeping (Room Attendant) positions are the most common entry point.

Should I apply to multiple Best Westerns?

Yes. Each property is independently owned, so applying to several increases your chances.

Do I need hotel experience?

No. Many Best Westerns train new employees on the job.

How does the franchise model help me?

It allows direct contact with owners who may value work ethic and honesty over past mistakes.

Can I work on probation or parole?

Yes, if the individual owner approves your hire.

Do Best Western hotels perform background checks?

Some do, some don’t—it depends entirely on the property owner.

What should I say to the owner?

Explain that you’re looking for stable, steady work and are ready to prove your reliability.

What other hotels have similar hiring flexibility?

Choice Hotels, Wyndham, Red Roof Inn, and Americas Best Value Inn are all franchise-based and have similar accessibility.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Choice Hotels – Franchise model; includes Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Sleep Inn; owner-based decisions.

• Wyndham – Franchise group with Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8, and La Quinta; local owner discretion.

• Red Roof Inn – Budget-friendly chain; flexible, owner-run properties.

• Knights Inn – Small budget hotels; hiring based on owner’s choice.

• Americas Best Value Inn – Family-run hotels with local ownership; often open to case-by-case hiring.

Final Thoughts

Best Western offers accessible employment opportunities through its franchise model, where each owner makes independent hiring decisions. With over 4,000 hotels worldwide, flexible local policies, and consistent demand for housekeeping, maintenance, and front desk roles, it’s an ideal place for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Key Takeaways:

• Each property independently owned (local hiring control).

• 4,000+ hotels worldwide with consistent staffing needs.

• Case-by-case evaluation by owners.

• Housekeeping and breakfast attendant jobs most accessible.

• In-person applications have the highest success rate.

• Apply to 5–10 Best Western hotels and similar franchise brands.

Start here: Visit jobs.bestwestern.com or stop by your local Best Western to apply in person.