Last Updated: April 11, 2026
Choice Hotels Application: How to Apply Online (2025)
Bottom line: To apply at Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, Econo Lodge, and 19+ other brands), visit careers.choicehotels.com. Front desk agents earn $13–$16/hr and housekeepers earn $15–$17/hr. Choice Hotels operates 7,575+ properties worldwide; most hiring happens at the property level, so applying in person is highly effective.
Choice Hotels International is one of the largest hotel franchisors in the world, operating brands from budget-friendly Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn to upscale Radisson Blu and Park Plaza. With 7,575+ hotels and more than 6,200 properties in the United States alone, Choice Hotels offers more US job opportunities than nearly any other hotel company. Jobs at Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Cambria Hotels, and the recently acquired Radisson brands are all accessed through the same careers portal. This guide walks you through every step of the application process, pay scales by position, and what to expect during interviews at Choice Hotels properties.
Top Entry-Level Positions at Choice Hotels
Best entry-level roles: Front Desk Agent is the most widely available entry point across all brands. Housekeeping positions at Comfort Inn and Quality Inn properties are frequently available with same-week start dates. No prior hotel experience required for either role.
- Front Desk Agent — $13.00–$16.00/hr — Handle check-in/check-out, manage reservations, assist guests. Training provided on property management systems.
- Housekeeper / Room Attendant — $15.00–$17.00/hr — Clean and prepare guest rooms to brand standards. Physical, detail-oriented role with consistent daily routine.
- Night Auditor — $13.00–$16.00/hr — Overnight front desk with daily accounting reconciliation. Pays overnight premium; great for those with off-hours availability.
- Housekeeping Supervisor — $15.00–$18.00/hr — Inspect rooms, lead housekeeping team, manage supplies. Entry-level management position.
- Breakfast Attendant — $12.00–$14.00/hr — Prepare and maintain complimentary breakfast (common at Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn).
- Maintenance Technician — $16.00–$21.00/hr — Maintain and repair hotel facilities. Light mechanical/plumbing knowledge helpful.
How Much Does Choice Hotels Pay?
Entry-level wages: Choice Hotels properties pay $12–$21/hr depending on role, location, and brand tier. Upscale brands (Radisson, Cambria, Park Plaza) pay significantly more than economy brands (Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn). California and Nevada properties typically start 20–30% above the national average due to state minimum wage laws.
Entry-Level Hourly Wages at Choice Hotels
| Position | Starting Rate | After 6 Months | After 1 Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Desk Agent | $13.00–$15.00 | $14.00–$16.00 | $15.00–$17.00 | Glassdoor, 2025 |
| Housekeeper / Room Attendant | $15.00–$17.00 | $16.00–$18.00 | $17.00–$19.00 | Indeed, 2025 |
| Night Auditor | $13.00–$15.00 | $14.00–$16.00 | $15.00–$17.00 | ZipRecruiter, 2025 |
| Housekeeping Supervisor | $15.00–$17.00 | $16.00–$18.00 | $17.00–$19.00 | Glassdoor, 2025 |
| Breakfast Attendant | $12.00–$13.00 | $13.00–$14.00 | $14.00–$15.00 | Indeed, 2025 |
| Maintenance Technician | $16.00–$18.00 | $17.00–$19.00 | $18.00–$21.00 | Glassdoor, 2025 |
Pay Factors at Choice Hotels
- Brand tier: Radisson Blu and Cambria Hotels (upscale) pay 20–35% more than Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn (economy).
- Location: State minimum wage laws create wide variation. Nevada (resort-adjacent properties), California, and Washington state pay substantially higher.
- Overnight premium: Night Auditor and overnight front desk shifts typically add $1.00–$2.00/hr over daytime rates.
- Property size: Larger properties (150+ rooms) with amenities like pools, meeting rooms, and restaurants tend to pay more.
- Prior experience: Hotel or customer service experience typically adds $1.00–$1.50/hr to starting offers.
How to Apply to Choice Hotels in 7 Easy Steps
Apply online or in person: Visit careers.choicehotels.com for corporate positions and current franchise openings. For local property jobs, applying in person at your nearest Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, or other Choice Hotels brand is often the most effective approach — many franchise owners prefer face-to-face candidates.
Step 1: Visit the Choice Hotels Careers Portal
Go to careers.choicehotels.com and search by location and job category. You can also search “Comfort Inn jobs near me” or “[brand name] jobs [city]” on Google or Indeed to find openings at specific properties. Many franchise locations list jobs directly on job boards.
Step 2: Choose Your Brand and Position
Choice Hotels operates 22+ brands across segments: economy (Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn), mid-scale (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn), upper mid-scale (Cambria Hotels, MainStay Suites), and upscale (Radisson, Radisson Blu, Park Plaza). Select the brand tier that best matches your experience level and pay expectations.
Step 3: Review the Job Posting Carefully
Since each property is independently owned, read the full description for: specific pay rate offered, shifts required, property size, required languages, and which benefits the owner provides. Pay and benefit packages vary more at Choice Hotels than at corporate-managed chains.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Click “Apply” on the listing and complete the online form. Upload a resume if you have one — for entry-level positions, a brief work history showing reliability is sufficient. The application process takes 10–15 minutes. Some positions show an “Easy Apply” option that takes under 5 minutes.
Step 5: Enter Your Availability
Be thorough when listing your available hours. Hotels operate 24/7, including holidays — applicants showing broad availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays are prioritized at most Choice Hotels properties. Mark every shift you could work.
Step 6: Answer Screening Questions
Typical questions cover: customer service scenarios, physical ability (standing, lifting), language skills, and commitment to brand standards. Choice Hotels uses a values-based hiring approach emphasizing: Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious, and Show Integrity. Align your answers to these values.
Step 7: Follow Up Proactively
If you applied to a specific property and haven’t heard back in 3–5 business days, call the hotel directly and ask for the General Manager. Express your interest concisely. For franchise properties, a direct conversation often carries as much weight as the application itself.
What to Expect After Applying
- Application confirmation: Email confirmation typically sent immediately
- Hiring timeline: Average of 18 days from application to offer; some entry-level roles move faster
- Interview: 20–40 minutes with General Manager or Department Head; some properties hire on the spot
- Background check: Required for most positions; typically 3–5 business days
- Start date: Often within 1–2 weeks of offer acceptance
Choice Hotels vs. Competitors: How They Compare
Comparison: Choice Hotels competes primarily with Wyndham and Best Western in the mid-scale and economy segments, and with Marriott and Hilton at the upscale level through its Radisson brands. Choice’s sheer scale (7,575+ properties, 6,200+ in the US) creates more local job opportunities than nearly any competitor.
| Factor | Choice Hotels | Best Western | Wyndham | Marriott |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Pay Range | $12–$19/hr | $14–$22/hr | $13–$22/hr | $15–$23/hr |
| Health Insurance | Yes (after 90 days) | Yes (30+ hrs/wk) | Yes (managed props) | Yes (after 90 days) |
| 401(k) / Retirement | 401(k) + Profit Sharing | Up to 9% match | Up to 6% match | Up to 4% match |
| Hotel Travel Discounts | Yes (22+ brands) | Yes (19 brands) | Yes (25 brands) | Yes (30+ brands) |
| Glassdoor Rating | 3.2/5.0 | 3.5/5.0 | 3.7/5.0 | 3.9/5.0 |
| US Properties | 6,200+ | 2,200+ | 6,500+ | 4,500+ |
| Avg Hiring Timeline | ~18 days | 1–5 days | ~13 days | ~14 days |
| Brands with Upscale Tier | Yes (Radisson, Park Plaza) | Yes (Premier) | Yes (Wyndham Grand) | Yes (many) |
Why Apply to Choice Hotels?
- Most US locations: 6,200+ properties create job opportunities in virtually every US city and small town
- Brand variety: From budget to upscale — you can start at Econo Lodge and progress to Radisson management
- Profit sharing plan: In addition to 401(k), eligible employees share in company profits — a unique benefit in the hotel industry
- Career path: With 22+ brands, a motivated employee can build a full hospitality career within the Choice Hotels ecosystem
- Wellness and financial programs: Health reimbursement, fitness access, and financial wellness programs are strong differentiators
- Values-driven culture: Clear hiring criteria (Bold, Quick, Curious, Integrity) make it easy to prepare and stand out
Choice Hotels Application Requirements
Basic requirements: Must be 18 years old with valid ID and work authorization. No hotel experience required for entry-level roles. Housekeeping requires physical ability to stand all day and lift up to 30 lbs; front desk requires professional communication skills and basic computer proficiency.
- Minimum age: 18 years old with valid government-issued ID
- Work authorization: Legally authorized to work in the US; I-9 documents required at hire
- Education: High school diploma or GED preferred; not required for most hourly positions
- Physical requirements: Housekeeping involves standing 6–8 hours and lifting up to 30 lbs; front desk is primarily standing/sitting with light lifting
- Computer skills: Basic computer skills required for front desk; Choice Hotels uses systems like Opera PMS — training provided
- Availability: Weekend and holiday availability significantly improves hiring prospects; hotels operate 24/7
- Background check: Standard criminal screening required
- Language: English required; bilingual candidates prioritized at many US properties
Choice Hotels Interview Process
What to expect: Choice Hotels interviews are typically single-round, 20–30 minutes with the General Manager or Department Head. The process is straightforward — some candidates at high-turnover brands report being offered positions during or immediately after the interview. The hiring focus is on guest-service mindset, reliability, and values alignment.
Common Interview Questions at Choice Hotels
- “Why do you want to work in hospitality?”
- “Tell me about a time you resolved a customer complaint.”
- “What does it mean to ‘be bold’ in a customer service role?”
- “How would you handle a guest who is unhappy with their room?”
- “Are you available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays?”
- “Where do you hope to be in your career in two years?”
- “Tell me about a time you showed initiative without being asked.”
Interview Tips
- Research the specific Choice Hotels brand you’re applying to — Econo Lodge guests have different expectations than Radisson guests
- Familiarize yourself with Choice Hotels’ five values: Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious, Show Integrity — reference them in answers
- Dress business casual; project the professional appearance guests will see
- Emphasize reliability and a positive attitude — these are weighted heavily over experience
- Ask about advancement opportunities — owners appreciate long-term-thinking candidates
Benefits: Part-Time vs. Full-Time at Choice Hotels
Benefits overview: Choice Hotels’ benefit package is strongest at the corporate headquarters level. At individual franchise properties, benefits vary by owner. Full-time corporate employees receive health insurance, 401(k) with profit sharing, tuition assistance, and hotel discounts. Franchise property benefits depend on what the owner offers — confirm during your interview.
Part-Time Benefits (Under 30 hrs/week)
- Employee hotel discounts across 22+ Choice Hotels brands
- Wellness and fitness reimbursement program
- Financial wellness resources
- Free brand training and certification
- Flexible scheduling after probationary period
Eligibility: Varies by property
Full-Time Benefits (30+ hrs/week)
- All part-time benefits +
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with profit sharing
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (corporate)
- Paid Time Off: vacation, sick days, holidays
- Life insurance coverage
- Tuition assistance program
- Health & wellness reimbursement ($300+/year)
Eligibility: Typically after 90 days full-time employment
Additional Perks
| Benefit | Part-Time | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | No (most properties) | Yes |
| 401(k) + Profit Sharing | No | Yes |
| Employee Stock Purchase | No | Yes (corporate employees) |
| Paid Time Off | No | Yes |
| Hotel Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Fitness Reimbursement | Yes | Yes |
| Tuition Assistance | No | Yes |
| Life Insurance | No | Yes |
Is Choice Hotels a Good Place to Work?
Employee verdict: Choice Hotels holds a 3.2/5.0 Glassdoor rating from 1,119+ reviews. The score reflects the wide variation in experience across franchise properties. Employees at corporate and well-managed franchise locations rate the company more favorably, while those at budget properties cite inconsistent management as the main challenge.
What Employees Say
Pros
- “Hotel discounts are excellent — I’ve used them across the entire Choice portfolio”
- “Good first job; management trained me and promoted me within a year”
- “Flexible hours that worked around my college schedule”
- “Hired fast — applied and started within one week”
- “Friendly work environment; guests appreciate consistent service”
Cons
- “Pay at economy brands is lower than competitors; budget properties do less with fewer people”
- “Experience varies significantly — the brand sets standards but franchise owners run things differently”
- “Benefits at smaller franchise properties can be limited”
- “Some properties are understaffed, leading to covering multiple roles in one shift”
Overall Assessment
Choice Hotels is a solid entry-level option, especially for workers who:
- Want a nearby hotel job — 6,200+ US properties means likely openings in most markets
- Are building a hospitality career and want experience across economy to upscale segments
- Value hotel discounts as a meaningful perk
- Seek a profitable, established employer (Choice is publicly traded on NYSE: CHH)
- Want access to the Radisson brand tier after experience at mid-scale properties
Best for: First-time hotel workers, hospitality students, flexible-schedule seekers, and those targeting mid-scale or upscale brand growth.
Less ideal for: Those needing guaranteed strong benefits from day one; property-level experience varies significantly.
Related Hospitality Job Application Guides
- All Hospitality Job Applications: Hub Guide
- Wyndham Hotels Application Guide
- Best Western Application Guide
- IHG (InterContinental) Application Guide
- Hyatt Hotels Application Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Choice Hotels Applications
What brands are included under Choice Hotels?
Choice Hotels International operates 22+ brands: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, MainStay Suites, WoodSpring Suites, Suburban Studios, Everhome Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, and the Radisson family (Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Collection, Radisson Inn & Suites, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson). Jobs at all these brands are accessible through careers.choicehotels.com.
Do I need hotel experience to work at Choice Hotels?
No. Choice Hotels franchise properties regularly hire entry-level workers with no hotel experience for housekeeping, front desk, and breakfast attendant roles. Full training on brand standards and property management systems is provided. Customer service experience from retail, food service, or any guest-facing role is helpful but not required.
What is the minimum age to work at Choice Hotels?
The minimum age is 18 years old with a valid government-issued ID. Since properties are independently owned, some franchise owners may hire applicants as young as 16 for limited roles under applicable state labor laws — confirm directly with the specific property. Most positions, including front desk and housekeeping, require applicants to be 18.
How does Choice Hotels’ profit sharing plan work?
Choice Hotels offers a 401(k) plan combined with a profit sharing component for eligible employees. Profit sharing distributes a portion of the company’s annual profits to qualifying employees, which is in addition to any employer match on 401(k) contributions. This benefit is primarily available at corporate headquarters; at franchise hotel properties, 401(k) and profit sharing availability varies by the individual owner’s benefit plan.
Is it better to apply to Comfort Inn or Radisson for higher pay?
Radisson, Radisson Blu, Cambria Hotels, and Park Plaza pay significantly more than economy/mid-scale brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Econo Lodge. Upscale properties require more service depth, but the pay premium can be 20–35% higher. If you have customer service experience and can demonstrate professional communication, applying to a Radisson or Cambria property is a strong move for higher starting pay.
Does Choice Hotels do background checks?
Yes. Background checks are standard and typically cover criminal history. The process takes 3–5 business days after a conditional job offer. Because properties are franchise-owned, the scope of background checks may vary slightly by location. Non-violent or minor past records don’t automatically disqualify you — most properties conduct individual assessments based on the specific role.
What is the best way to get hired quickly at Choice Hotels?
The fastest hiring path is to apply in person at your local Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, or other Choice Hotels property — bring a resume and ask to speak with the General Manager directly. Same-day offers are not uncommon for housekeeping and front desk positions at budget and mid-scale properties. Online applications through careers.choicehotels.com take longer (average 18 days) but work well for positions at larger or upscale properties.
Can you advance from front desk to management at Choice Hotels?
Yes. The hospitality management career path at Choice Hotels typically runs: Front Desk Agent → Front Desk Supervisor → Assistant General Manager → General Manager. With strong performance, motivated employees have reached supervisory roles within 6–12 months. The breadth of Choice Hotels’ 22+ brands also provides opportunities to advance into larger, higher-revenue properties as your experience grows.
Current Choice Hotels Job Openings Near You
Browse available positions or visit Choice Hotels Careers to search by location and brand. With 6,200+ US properties, openings are posted daily across all segments.
| Position | Brand | Shift | Pay (Estimated) | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Desk Agent | Comfort Inn | Full-Time, Afternoons | $14.00–$16.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Housekeeper | Quality Inn | Part-Time, Days | $15.00–$17.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Night Auditor | Sleep Inn | Full-Time, Overnight | $14.00–$16.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Front Desk Agent | Radisson | Full-Time, Days | $17.00–$20.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Breakfast Attendant | Comfort Inn | Part-Time, Mornings | $12.00–$14.00/hr | Apply Now |
Note: Positions and pay rates are representative examples. Visit careers.choicehotels.com for current openings near you. Because most Choice Hotels are franchise-owned, you can also search by specific brand (e.g., “Comfort Inn jobs near me”) on Indeed or Google for the most local results.
About This Guide: Researched and written by the Online Job Applications editorial team and last updated April 2025. Information is based on Choice Hotels International career materials, Glassdoor reviews (1,119+ ratings), Indeed and ZipRecruiter salary data. Pay rates and benefits reflect 2024–2025 data and may vary by property. Verify current details directly with the hiring property during your application process.