Last Updated: April 10, 2026
How to Apply at La Quinta Inns & Suites
La Quinta Inns & Suites, owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, operates nearly 940 hotels worldwide with 9,000 employees nationwide. Hiring for front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, and management roles at hourly rates of $13-$24 or salary positions up to $168,000+. The hiring process is quick (10 days average) and interview difficulty is low (1.9/5). Apply through the La Quinta careers portal or major job boards.
How to Apply at La Quinta
Applying to La Quinta Inns & Suites is a straightforward and efficient process. La Quinta accepts applications through multiple channels, including the official company careers portal, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. The company actively hires for front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, guest services, and management positions across nearly 940 properties worldwide.
Begin by searching for open positions on the La Quinta careers page, Indeed, or Glassdoor using filters for location and job title. La Quinta opportunities range from entry-level hourly positions (front desk agent, housekeeping attendant) to management roles (assistant manager, general manager, director of operations). Create an account on the job board you’re using and upload or build your resume.
Your application should highlight relevant customer service experience, any hospitality background, and skills like communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving. For management positions, emphasize team leadership, budget management, and operational experience. La Quinta appreciates candidates who can demonstrate a genuine interest in hospitality and providing excellent guest experiences.
Once you submit your application, expect to hear from La Quinta within a few days. The company moves quickly through the hiring process—most candidates report hearing back within 2-3 business days. If your application matches the position requirements, a recruiter or hiring manager will call or email to schedule an interview. La Quinta’s efficient hiring process means you could be hired within 10 days of initial application.
- Search La Quinta jobs on the careers portal, Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor filtered by location and position
- Create a free account on the job board and upload your resume
- Complete the application form with work history and contact information
- Receive a call or email from La Quinta within 2-3 business days
- Interview with the hiring manager or district manager (in-person, phone, or video)
- Final offer and start date (process typically completes within 10 days)
La Quinta Job Positions & Pay Rates
La Quinta Inns & Suites employs 9,000 team members across nearly 940 properties. The company hires for diverse roles ranging from entry-level hourly positions to upper management. Below are typical positions and compensation ranges:
| Job Position | Pay Range | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeping Attendant | $13.00 – $15.00/hr | Entry Level |
| Front Desk Agent | $14.00 – $18.00/hr | Entry Level |
| Maintenance Technician | $15.00 – $20.00/hr | Entry to Mid |
| Guest Services Supervisor | $20.00 – $24.00/hr | Mid Level |
| Assistant Manager | $40,000 – $50,000/year | Mid Level |
| Hotel General Manager | $50,000 – $80,000/year | Senior Level |
| Area Manager | $70,000 – $120,000/year | Senior Level |
| Regional Director | $100,000 – $168,000+/year | Executive Level |
Pay varies based on position type, experience, location, and performance. Hourly positions may include weekly bonuses based on operational metrics and guest satisfaction. Management positions often include annual bonuses tied to property performance, occupancy rates, and revenue goals. La Quinta promotes from within, and many general managers began as front desk agents or housekeeping staff.
La Quinta Application Requirements
La Quinta’s application requirements depend on the specific position, but all candidates should be prepared to meet these standard expectations:
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old for all positions
- Valid Government ID: A current driver’s license or passport for employment verification
- High School Diploma or GED: Required for all positions; some management roles prefer or require college coursework or degree
- Background Check: La Quinta conducts criminal background checks; minor offenses may not disqualify you, but violent crimes or theft convictions typically result in rejection
- Drug Screening: Most positions require a pre-employment drug test
- Customer Service Skills: All guest-facing roles require friendly demeanor, excellent communication, and ability to handle customer concerns professionally
- Physical Requirements: Housekeeping and maintenance require ability to lift 50+ pounds and work on feet for extended periods
- Reliability and Availability: Hospitality positions require consistent attendance and flexibility with scheduling, including weekends and holidays
- Management Certifications (Optional): Some management positions prefer certifications like Certified Guest Services Professional or hotel management training
La Quinta Interview Process
La Quinta’s interview process is notably brief and straightforward. Most candidates report that interviews are easy and the overall experience is positive. The average hiring timeline is just 10 days from application to job offer, making La Quinta one of the faster-hiring hospitality chains.
Initial Phone Screen (5-10 minutes): A recruiter or hiring manager calls to verify interest, confirm availability for the position, and assess basic phone communication skills. This quick call confirms that you meet minimum requirements (age, high school diploma, legal work eligibility) and are genuinely interested in the role. Most candidates pass this step easily.
In-Person or Video Interview (15-30 minutes): You’ll interview with the hiring manager, usually the front office manager, assistant manager, or general manager of the property. For entry-level positions, this interview covers your experience, why you want to work in hospitality, how you handle guest interactions, and your availability for scheduling. Managers ask behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you helped a difficult customer” or “How do you stay organized during busy shifts?”
Practical Assessment (For Some Roles): Maintenance technicians may be asked to demonstrate basic mechanical skills or answer technical questions. Front desk candidates might complete a brief computer system test if the property uses specific reservation software. These assessments are straightforward and conducted on-site.
Job Offer (Same Day to 2 Days): If the interview goes well, many candidates receive a job offer during the interview or within one business day. La Quinta moves quickly to secure candidates they want to hire. You’ll discuss start date, schedule, and onboarding process.
La Quinta Employee Benefits
La Quinta provides a competitive benefits package designed to support employees and their families. Benefits vary by employment status (full-time vs. part-time), but the company offers meaningful coverage and perks for all team members.
Health Insurance: Full-time employees receive comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision care. The company offers multiple plan options at different coverage levels and price points. Employees can choose plans with lower premiums and higher deductibles or higher-premium plans with lower out-of-pocket costs. Dental and vision coverage help manage preventive care and eyewear costs.
Life and Disability Insurance: Full-time employees receive life insurance coverage as a standard benefit. Disability coverage protects income in case of illness or injury preventing work. These benefits provide financial security for employees and their families.
Retirement Plans: La Quinta offers retirement planning options for eligible employees. Full-time employees can participate in retirement savings programs to secure their financial future.
Paid Time Off: Full-time employees earn paid vacation, sick days, and holiday pay. The amount increases with tenure. Part-time employees receive limited PTO depending on hours worked and state requirements.
Hotel Discounts: All La Quinta employees receive complimentary room stays at their home property and discounted rates at all other La Quinta locations nationwide (and other Wyndham properties). Employees can enjoy free or deeply discounted stays during vacations and personal travel. Family members and friends can also access discounted rates, making this benefit valuable for leisure travel.
Educational Opportunities: La Quinta offers tuition reimbursement and education assistance for employees pursuing degrees or professional certifications relevant to their career goals. The company recognizes that education supports career advancement and encourages professional development.
Employee Wellness Programs: La Quinta provides access to wellness resources, health screenings, and wellness initiatives to support employee physical and mental health.
La Quinta Career Development
La Quinta is known for promoting from within and providing clear career pathways for motivated employees. The company invests in training, mentorship, and development programs to help team members advance from entry-level positions to management and executive roles.
Promote-From-Within Culture: La Quinta actively prioritizes internal candidates for advancement. A front desk agent can become a supervisor, then assistant manager, then general manager of a property. Area managers and regional directors often started their careers in housekeeping, maintenance, or front desk roles. This culture creates real advancement opportunities and motivates team members to grow with the company.
Comprehensive Training Programs: New hires receive structured onboarding covering company policies, brand standards, guest service expectations, and job-specific skills. Ongoing training occurs throughout employment, with quarterly and annual development sessions. Employees learn about hospitality best practices, operational procedures, technology systems, and customer service excellence.
Management Development Initiatives: Employees showing leadership potential are invited to participate in formal manager development programs. These programs combine classroom training, mentorship from senior managers, and hands-on project leadership. Topics include budgeting, staffing, guest relations, property operations, and strategic thinking. Completion of management development programs accelerates advancement to supervisor and manager roles.
Online Learning and Courses: La Quinta provides access to online educational seminars and courses covering hospitality topics, professional skills, and industry certifications. Employees can learn at their own pace and develop expertise in areas relevant to their career goals.
Mentorship and Coaching: Experienced managers mentor junior team members, providing guidance on career progression, skill development, and navigating hospitality leadership. Mentorship relationships help employees understand what’s required for advancement and build confidence in new responsibilities.
Cross-Property Development: Employees can transfer between properties or regions to gain diverse experience. Working at different properties, in different roles, and under different management styles builds well-rounded hospitality professionals prepared for senior leadership.
Performance Recognition: La Quinta recognizes and rewards high-performing employees through incentive programs, bonuses, and advancement opportunities. Strong performers are identified early and given development opportunities to prepare them for greater responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get hired at La Quinta?
La Quinta’s average hiring process takes 10 days from initial application to job offer. Most candidates hear back within 2-3 business days of applying, interview within 5-7 days, and receive an offer within 1-2 days of interviewing. If you’re a strong fit and pass the background check, you could be hired and starting work within 10 days. La Quinta moves quickly because of their large number of properties and need for consistent staffing.
Is the La Quinta interview difficult?
No, La Quinta interviews are notably easy and candidates rate the experience as positive overall. The average difficulty score is 1.9 out of 5, making them among the easiest hospitality interviews. La Quinta hires for attitude, reliability, and customer service potential more than technical expertise. If you’re friendly, professional, show interest in the job, and can commit to the schedule, you have a strong chance of receiving an offer.
What experience do I need to work at La Quinta?
Entry-level positions like housekeeping, maintenance, and front desk don’t require previous hospitality experience. La Quinta trains new hires on property operations, guest service standards, and job-specific skills. The company values reliability, positive attitude, and willingness to learn over extensive prior experience. Management positions (assistant manager, general manager) typically require 2-5 years of hospitality or supervisor experience, though the company may hire motivated employees with adjacent management experience in other industries.
Can I advance from entry-level to management at La Quinta?
Yes, absolutely. La Quinta has a strong promote-from-within culture. Many general managers and area managers started as front desk agents, housekeeping attendants, or maintenance staff. If you perform well, show leadership potential, and complete management development programs, you can progress from entry-level to supervisor, assistant manager, general manager, and executive roles. The company actively encourages and supports this advancement path.
Are La Quinta positions full-time or part-time?
La Quinta offers both full-time and part-time positions. Entry-level housekeeping and front desk roles often start part-time (20-30 hours per week) but can increase to full-time (40+ hours). Management positions are typically full-time with salary compensation. During interviews, discuss your availability and preference with the hiring manager. Many employees begin part-time and transition to full-time as they prove themselves and demand for hours increases.
What’s the pay progression at La Quinta as I advance?
Entry-level positions pay $13-$20 per hour depending on role. Supervisors earn $20-$24/hour or $40,000+/year. Assistant managers typically earn $40,000-$50,000 annually. General managers earn $50,000-$80,000+ depending on property size and performance. Area managers overseeing multiple properties earn $70,000-$120,000, and regional directors earn $100,000-$168,000+. Pay increases with each advancement, plus bonuses based on property performance and operational metrics.
Do I get hotel discounts as a La Quinta employee?
Yes, all La Quinta employees receive complimentary room stays at their home property and discounted rates (typically 40-50% off) at all other La Quinta locations. As a bonus, employees can book rooms at other Wyndham Hotels properties (including Days Inn, Travelodge, Ramada) at employee rates. Family members and friends can also access employee discounts on booking. This benefit is especially valuable for travel, vacations, and visiting friends and family across the country.
Additional Resources: Visit Hospitality & Hotels Job Applications Hub for guides to similar positions at Four Seasons and Omni Hotels.