Quick Answer

Yes, Marriott Hotels does hire people with felonies in 2025. As the largest hotel company in the world with thousands of properties, Marriott evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and position requirements. Housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen positions pay $13-$17 per hour and are most accessible. Banquet server and maintenance roles are also realistic options.

While individual hotels have some hiring discretion, Marriott's corporate commitment to diversity and second-chance hiring creates opportunities for people with various criminal backgrounds who can demonstrate reliability, strong work ethic, and appropriate guest service skills in hospitality environments.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Marriott Hotels

3. Does Marriott Hotels Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Marriott Hotels

5. Application Tips

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

8. Final Thoughts

About Marriott Hotels

Marriott International is the world's largest hotel company, operating over 8,000 properties worldwide under brands including Marriott, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inn, and many others. In the United States, they operate thousands of hotels ranging from economy to luxury properties. The company employs hundreds of thousands of workers in housekeeping, food service, front desk, maintenance, and management roles.

For people with felonies, Marriott presents solid opportunities. Hotels need workers constantly due to high industry turnover and 24/7 operations. Housekeeping, laundry, kitchen, and maintenance departments offer entry points that focus more on hard work and reliability than perfect backgrounds.

Marriott has made public commitments to workforce diversity, fair chance hiring, and social responsibility. They participate in national second-chance hiring initiatives, partner with organizations that help people with criminal backgrounds find employment, and have structured policies designed to evaluate candidates fairly rather than automatically rejecting people with records.

Individual hotels operate with some autonomy in hiring decisions. While corporate provides guidelines, general managers and department heads have input. This means your success often depends partly on the specific hotel and management team you encounter.

Does Marriott Hotels Hire People with Felonies?

Marriott does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate applicants based on the nature of the offense, time since conviction, the position applied for, and overall qualifications. This case-by-case approach gives you real opportunities.

In practice, many Marriott properties hire people with various types of criminal backgrounds, especially for back-of-house positions like housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen work. The company follows EEOC guidelines and complies with ban-the-box laws in applicable jurisdictions.

The type of conviction matters significantly. Non-violent offenses, particularly drug-related convictions, are viewed most favorably. Many hospitality workers have past substance abuse issues, and if you can demonstrate sobriety and reliability, these convictions rarely prevent employment in housekeeping or kitchen positions.

Theft convictions create challenges in hotel environments where you access guest rooms, property, and belongings. However, they don't make employment impossible. Positions with less direct guest room access—like laundry, kitchen, or maintenance—may be more accessible. Time since conviction and complete honesty about what happened matter enormously.

Violent felonies are evaluated carefully. Guest-facing positions require demonstrating appropriate interpersonal behavior. Back-of-house positions like dishwasher, laundry worker, or kitchen prep are more accessible because interaction is primarily with coworkers. Time matters significantly—a 10-year-old assault conviction is viewed very differently than a recent one.

Sexual offenses create the most significant barriers. Hotels involve guest safety and privacy concerns. Opportunities are very limited with this type of background, though not officially impossible at every property.

Time since conviction is crucial. Convictions older than 7 years carry much less weight and often don't appear on standard background checks in many states. Clean records for 3-5 years since your last conviction demonstrate positive change and dramatically improve chances.

The position you apply for significantly affects your odds. Housekeeping, laundry, dishwasher, and kitchen prep positions have the most flexible hiring standards. These back-of-house roles focus on hard work and reliability. Maintenance and engineering positions value technical skills.

Banquet server and food service positions are possible once you have some experience. Front desk and guest services positions face stricter scrutiny due to direct guest interaction and access to guest information.

Location and property type matter. Airport hotels and convention properties with high turnover may be more flexible about backgrounds. Hotels in states with strong ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring procedures. Economy and mid-scale properties sometimes have more flexible hiring than luxury properties, though this varies.

Individual hotel management makes substantial differences. Some general managers actively practice second-chance hiring while others are more cautious. This is why applying to multiple Marriott properties increases your success rate.

Available Jobs at Marriott Hotels

Marriott offers several positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Housekeeper/Room Attendant

($13-$16/hour)

You'll clean guest rooms, change linens, vacuum, maintain bathrooms, and restock supplies. Physical work requiring attention to detail and efficiency. This is the most accessible position for people with felonies. Every hotel needs reliable housekeepers constantly due to turnover. Theft convictions create some concerns since you access guest rooms, but many people with these backgrounds work in housekeeping if they're honest and it's been several years.

Laundry Attendant

($13-$16/hour)

You'll wash, dry, fold, and deliver linens, towels, and guest laundry. Repetitive physical work in hot conditions. Very accessible for people with criminal backgrounds because you're working behind the scenes away from guest areas. Good option if you have convictions that might limit guest-facing roles.

Dishwasher

($13-$15/hour)

You'll operate commercial dishwashers, clean pots and pans, maintain kitchen sanitation, and support kitchen staff. Physical work in hot, wet conditions. This is often the easiest position to get with a felony because it's back-of-house work requiring no guest interaction and no experience.

Kitchen Steward/Prep Cook

($14-$17/hour)

You'll prepare ingredients, follow recipes, assist cooks, and maintain food safety standards. Requires following instructions and basic kitchen skills. Good position for people with records who want to learn restaurant cooking skills in a hotel environment.

Maintenance Worker/Engineer

($15-$20/hour)

You'll perform repairs, maintain building systems, respond to guest issues, and ensure property upkeep. Requires mechanical aptitude and technical skills. If you have handyman skills or trade experience, felonies rarely matter as much because hotels desperately need people who can fix things.

Banquet Server

($13-$16/hour plus gratuities)

You'll set up events, serve food and beverages, break down events, and provide service. Physical work with some guest interaction. More accessible than restaurant server positions because events involve less individual guest interaction. Tips can significantly boost income.

Public Area Attendant

($13-$15/hour)

You'll clean lobby, hallways, public restrooms, and common areas. Physical work requiring attention to detail. Less scrutinized than housekeeping positions because you're not accessing guest rooms. Good option for people with theft convictions.

Kitchen Utility Worker

($13-$15/hour)

You'll clean kitchen areas, take out trash, maintain equipment, and support kitchen operations. Physical work requiring reliability. Very accessible for people with various criminal backgrounds.

Best entry point

Dishwasher, Laundry Attendant, or Public Area Attendant positions offer the quickest paths to employment. They have high turnover, require no experience, and involve minimal guest interaction, making management more flexible about backgrounds. Once employed and proving reliability, moving to better positions becomes realistic.

Background Check Process

Understanding Marriott's background check process helps you navigate hiring and know what to expect.

Marriott conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This timing gives you opportunity to interview and make positive impressions before criminal records are reviewed. This approach follows fair chance hiring principles.

The standard background check looks back seven years for criminal history. This is typical for hospitality positions and follows most state regulations. Some states legally limit how far back employers can check. If your conviction is older than seven years, it may not appear at all.

The process typically takes 5-10 business days. During this time, drug testing policies vary by location and position—some properties require testing while others don't. Management positions are more likely to be tested than entry-level housekeeping or kitchen roles. You'll be informed during hiring if testing is required.

If something concerning appears on background checks, federal law requires Marriott to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions. This gives you 5-10 days to review reports, provide context, or dispute errors. This is your opportunity to explain circumstances or correct inaccuracies. Respond promptly.

Geographic variations matter significantly. In ban-the-box states and cities, Marriott cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Some jurisdictions have stricter regulations about what convictions can be considered. Marriott follows all local laws regarding fair chance hiring.

Individual properties have some discretion in hiring decisions. Even if something appears on background checks, general managers or department heads who were impressed during interviews may decide to hire you anyway. This is why making strong personal connections during interviews is crucial.

Franchise properties versus corporate-managed properties may have slight variations in processes. Franchise hotels operated by independent companies may have their own screening procedures, sometimes offering different opportunities depending on franchise owner policies.

Application Tips

1. Apply online at careers.marriott.com and search for hotels in your area. Create a complete profile and apply to multiple properties and positions to increase chances.

   
   

2. Target housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen positions first. These back-of-house roles have the most flexible hiring standards and constant turnover creating openings.

   
   

3. Don't mention your felony on applications in ban-the-box jurisdictions. Only answer questions directly asked. If applications don't inquire about criminal history, don't volunteer it upfront.

   
   

4. Visit hotels in person after applying online. Go to HR departments or ask for hiring managers. Express strong interest and ask about your application status. Making personal impressions helps significantly in hospitality.

   
   

5. Be completely honest when background questions come up. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility, explain lessons learned, and focus on moving forward. Practice until natural and confident. Keep to 2-3 sentences.

   
   

6. Emphasize any hospitality, customer service, cleaning, or food service experience. Even informal experience like cleaning houses, helping with events, or volunteer work demonstrates relevant capabilities.

   
   

7. Highlight your reliability and work ethic. Hotels operate 24/7 and desperately need people who show up consistently. Give specific dependability examples from any context.

   
   

8. Be flexible with scheduling. If you can work nights, weekends, holidays, or varying shifts, state this clearly. Hotels need staff during all hours, and flexibility makes you much more valuable.

   
   

9. Dress professionally when visiting hotels or interviewing. Hospitality is a service industry where appearance matters. Business casual attire shows you understand professional standards. Even for back-of-house positions, neat appearance makes good impressions.

   
   

10. Research the specific Marriott brand and property. Understanding whether it's a Courtyard, Residence Inn, or full-service Marriott shows genuine interest. Mention their service standards during interviews.

    
    

11. Express genuine interest in hospitality careers. Show that you see this as more than just any job. Demonstrating interest in learning and growing in hospitality can help overcome concerns about backgrounds.

    
    

12. Apply to both economy and full-service properties. Don't assume luxury hotels won't hire you or that economy properties are easier. Each property has different needs and management attitudes.

    
    

13. Bring references from anyone who can vouch for your character and work ethic. Former employers, volunteer coordinators, faith leaders, or community members provide valuable credibility.

    
    

14. Follow up 3-5 days after applying. Call hotels and ask for hiring managers. Express continued interest politely. This demonstrates persistence and professionalism valued in hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my theft conviction prevent me from working at Marriott?

Theft convictions create challenges at Marriott because hotel positions often involve accessing guest rooms, property, and belongings. However, they don't make employment impossible. If your conviction was 5+ years ago, you've maintained stable employment since, and you're completely honest about what happened, many properties will give you chances. Your best approach is targeting positions with less guest room access—laundry, kitchen, public area cleaning, or maintenance. Different properties and managers have different comfort levels. Apply to multiple hotels (10-15) to find managers willing to give opportunities. Time since conviction and your honesty matter most.

Does Marriott do drug testing?

Drug testing policies at Marriott vary by property location and position. Not all entry-level positions require testing. Management roles and some guest-facing positions are more likely to be tested than back-of-house positions like housekeeping or dishwasher. Corporate policy doesn't mandate universal testing for all entry-level positions. You'll be informed during hiring if testing is required for your specific position and location. Even if not required initially, promotion to management typically requires testing. The safest assumption is you might be tested, so be prepared.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Marriott?

You can apply to Marriott immediately after conviction. However, chances improve with time. If conviction is less than 2 years old, you'll face more challenges but can still find work, especially in back-of-house positions at properties with staffing needs. After 3-5 years of clean records, options expand considerably. After 7 years, many convictions won't appear on standard background checks in most states. The key is demonstrating stability since conviction—reliable work history, stable housing, staying out of trouble. Don't wait unnecessarily if you need work now. Apply to multiple properties and let managers decide.

Can I work at Marriott while on probation or parole?

Yes, many Marriott employees work while on probation or parole. Having employment helps satisfy supervision requirements. Be upfront with hiring managers about restrictions like curfews or required check-ins. Hotel scheduling can usually accommodate these needs, especially with 24/7 operations providing various shift options. Some managers coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Being honest about situations from the beginning is better than hiding them and having conflicts arise later. Most hospitality managers appreciate honesty and will work with reasonable restrictions.

Will violent felonies disqualify me from Marriott?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you but create more challenges. Guest-facing positions require demonstrating appropriate interpersonal behavior. Back-of-house positions like dishwasher, laundry, or kitchen prep are more accessible because interaction is primarily with coworkers rather than guests. Time matters enormously—10-year-old assault convictions are viewed very differently than recent ones. Be prepared to discuss what happened honestly, show positive change evidence, and emphasize workplace-appropriate behavior. Different properties have different comfort levels. Apply to multiple hotels—some will give chances while others won't.

What if I have drug convictions?

Drug convictions, including felonies, are common in the hospitality industry and rarely prevent hiring if you can demonstrate sobriety now. Hotels understand that substance abuse affects many capable workers. Be honest about your past if asked and emphasize your current sobriety and commitment to staying clean. If you're in recovery, this can actually demonstrate positive character development. Time since conviction helps—if you've been clean for 2+ years, most managers view this very positively. Housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen positions are particularly accessible even with drug felony histories. If drug testing is required, be prepared to pass.

Can I work in front desk positions with a felony?

Front desk and guest services positions are more challenging to obtain with felonies due to guest interaction, access to guest information, and handling payments. However, they're not impossible. Your best path is starting in back-of-house positions like housekeeping or banquet server, proving your reliability for 6-12 months, then requesting moves to front desk. Once you're established employees with good track records, your criminal backgrounds matter less. Time since conviction is also crucial—older convictions (7+ years) are less problematic. Non-violent felonies face fewer barriers than violent or theft-related convictions for front desk roles.

Are certain Marriott properties better for hiring people with felonies?

Airport hotels and convention properties with high turnover and constant staffing needs often have more flexible hiring practices. Economy and mid-scale brands (Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn) sometimes have more relaxed standards than luxury properties, though this varies by individual property. Hotels in urban areas may have more experience with diverse candidates. Properties in states with strong ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring. However, the most important factor is individual general manager and department head attitudes. Apply to 10-15 different Marriott properties to find management willing to give opportunities.

What should I do if my background check contains errors?

Take immediate action if background checks show incorrect information. Federal law requires Marriott to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions based on background check results. You typically have 5-10 business days to dispute inaccuracies. Contact both Marriott's HR department and background screening companies to file formal disputes. Gather documentation proving errors—court records, certificates of disposition, or documents showing dismissed or expunged charges. Follow up every 2-3 days to ensure dispute processing. Don't miss these deadlines.

Can I advance to management with a felony?

Yes, many Marriott managers and supervisors have felony convictions in their past. Once hired and proving yourself as reliable, hard-working employees, criminal backgrounds become much less relevant for advancement. Housekeepers become housekeeping supervisors, then executive housekeepers. Kitchen workers become cooks, then sous chefs. Banquet servers become banquet captains and managers. Marriott promotes from within regularly. Your work record with Marriott matters far more than criminal records for internal advancement. Demonstrating leadership, reliability, and commitment to guest service can lead to management roles within 2-4 years regardless of backgrounds.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Marriott doesn't work out or you want to explore similar opportunities in hospitality, consider these companies:

Hilton Hotels: Large hotel company with similar hiring practices. They hire people with felonies for housekeeping, kitchen, and back-of-house positions regularly.

Hyatt Hotels: Major hotel chain practicing fair chance hiring with opportunities for people with criminal backgrounds in various positions.

Best Western: Largest hotel brand by number of properties. Many locations hire people with felonies, especially for housekeeping and maintenance.

Choice Hotels: Parent company of Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and other brands. Individual properties often hire people with criminal backgrounds.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG): Operates Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and other brands. They hire people with felonies for back-of-house positions.

Final Thoughts

Marriott Hotels offers realistic opportunities for people with felony convictions, particularly in back-of-house positions like housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen work. While guest-facing roles face more scrutiny, the company's commitment to fair chance hiring and constant staffing needs create pathways to employment. Your best strategy is targeting accessible entry-level positions, being honest about backgrounds when appropriate, and demonstrating strong work ethic and reliability.

Take action today by applying at careers.marriott.com to 10-15 properties within reasonable distance. Focus on housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen positions for fastest entry. Visit hotels in person during slower times to meet hiring managers.

Emphasize your availability for any shifts, willingness to work hard, and interest in hospitality careers. Many people with criminal backgrounds have built successful hospitality careers at Marriott—with persistence and professionalism, you can too.