Best Hotels to Work for and Boost Your Career

Key Takeaways

• Top hotels offer excellent training programs, internal promotions, and international experience to help employees advance.
• Employees in these hotels enjoy competitive salaries, unique perks (like wellness programs and free stays), and a supportive work environment.
• The best hotels prioritize employee development, creating a positive, team-oriented culture that encourages success.

In addition to being known for their luxury, some hotels also stand out as exceptional places to work. These hotels offer more than a paycheck, providing opportunities for growth, training, and international exposure.

Take Hilton, for example. Known for its leadership programs and strong internal promotion culture, it helps employees build long-term careers. Beyond career advancement, the best hotels to work for cultivate a positive workplace environment, offer competitive salaries, and provide unique perks like wellness programs or free stays.

Joining one of these prestigious brands means being part of a team that values your career development and success.

Best Hotels to Work For

Working at top-tier hotels can fast-track your career, opening doors to international opportunities, skill development, and strong earning potential. These hotels invest in employees, offering training, career advancement, and a chance to work with top professionals in the industry. Whether you want to specialize in luxury hospitality or gain experience in a high-energy workplace, choosing the right hotel can make all the difference.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons is known for its exceptional service, and that extends to employees as well. The company has a culture of respect, teamwork, and career growth, offering some of the best training programs in hospitality.

Employees benefit from competitive pay, generous travel perks, and internal promotion opportunities. Many start in entry-level roles and work their way up to leadership.

Four Seasons has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to work, earning recognition on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. Staff members praise the supportive work environment and the company's commitment to work-life balance.

With properties in over 40 countries, employees also have opportunities to transfer and experience different cultures. If you want to work for a brand that values employees as much as guests, Four Seasons is a top choice.

Hilton

Hilton is an industry leader not just in hospitality but also in employee satisfaction. An impressive 96% of employees say that Hilton is a great workplace thanks to its strong benefits, professional development programs, and inclusive workplace culture.

Team members enjoy travel discounts at Hilton properties worldwide, access to wellness programs, and career-building courses through Hilton University. Many employees stay with Hilton for years, drawn by Hilton's supportive management and structured growth opportunities.

Hilton is also committed to diversity and inclusion, with leadership programs aimed at helping employees from all backgrounds rise through the ranks. For example, the Hilton Worldwide Leadership Development Program offers entry-level staff members opportunities to gain the skills needed for management roles. Whether starting at the front desk or aiming for an executive position, Hilton provides a clear path for career growth.

Marriott International

Marriott International is a powerhouse in the hospitality industry, offering employees job stability, global career opportunities, and one of the best training programs in the field. With over 9,000 properties across the world, Marriott gives employees the chance to work in different locations and advance within the company.

Their benefits package includes travel discounts, tuition assistance, and wellness programs. Marriott is also known for its "Spirit to Serve" culture, which encourages employees to engage in community service and workplace initiatives that create a positive environment.

Recognized as a top employer by Forbes and Fortune, Marriott prioritizes promoting from within, making it a great place to build a long-term career. Employees often highlight the strong team-oriented atmosphere and the company's investment in their professional growth.

The Ritz-Carlton

Part of Marriott International, The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury for guests and employees alike. The brand is famous for its commitment to excellence, offering world-class training through The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center.

Employees follow the "Gold Standards" of hospitality, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered. The company also provides strong benefits, including paid training, career advancement programs, and travel discounts.

Swiss Hotel Management School student Nicolò Boschi Colombo completed his internship at The Ritz-Carlton in Osaka, where he had an incredible experience exploring different departments and gaining hands-on knowledge in various areas.

Many hospitality leaders have launched their careers at The Ritz-Carlton. Take Obi J., for example—he began as a server at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and, over 18 years, climbed the ranks through roles like restaurant manager and director of food and beverage, eventually becoming the hotel's manager.

Such success stories stand as a true testament to The Ritz-Carlton's potential for empowering their employees and promoting them to managerial roles.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt is known for treating its employees like family, which is why it consistently ranks as one of the best hospitality employers. The company focuses on career growth, offering mentorship programs, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement. Speaking of why Hyatt is worth joining, an employee has this to say:

Hyatt stands out as a great place to work due to its strong emphasis on employee well-being and development. Hyatt focuses on a positive work culture, where employees are encouraged to share ideas and innovate, this further enhances the overall experience at the company.

Employees appreciate the Hyatt's focus on work-life balance and well-being, with benefits like free or discounted stays, fitness programs, and mental health support. The company also promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a supportive, people-focused environment.

Accor

Accor stands out for its global presence and commitment to employee development. With brands ranging from budget-friendly Ibis to luxury Fairmont and Sofitel, Accor offers career paths in various hospitality sectors.

Employees benefit from a structured growth plan, international mobility, and leadership programs designed to help them climb the ranks. The company promotes a strong sense of teamwork and inclusion, creating a welcoming workplace for people from all backgrounds.

Accor has been recognized as a 5-star employer of choice by HRD Australia. Such acknowledgments, along with travel perks, skill-building workshops, and opportunities to work at locations worldwide, make it a solid choice for those looking to grow in the hospitality industry.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is celebrated for its inclusive culture and commitment to employee well-being. The company offers comprehensive professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs that pair junior employees with seasoned leaders across departments and locations.

Recognized as a top workplace, Kimpton has earned a spot on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list for over a decade. Mike DeFrino, CEO of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, says:

At Kimpton, we are proud of the empowering culture and open environment we have built over the past 40 years that encourages our employees to ‘come as they are,'

Kimpton's commitment to work-life balance is reflected in its standout benefits, such as sabbaticals, backup care for children and elders, parental leave, and tuition reimbursement, ensuring employees feel supported both professionally and personally.

The Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris is renowned for its dedication to employee development and workplace culture, offering high-quality training courses and career management support to all staff. Additionally, the hotel promotes a culture of mentorship and personalized growth, where senior staff members guide new employees in refining their skills and advancing in their careers. This approach not only ensures a strong team dynamic but also fosters a supportive and empowering environment for everyone.

The hotel engages in sponsorship agreements that encourage employees to participate in volunteer work and community support. This involvement benefits the community and also enriches the employees' work experience.

The hotel's dedication to sustainability and ethical practices has also set it apart. As the first hotel in France to earn certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council—recognized by the UN and the World Tourism Organization—the Ritz Paris continues to uphold the highest social and environmental standards in the hospitality industry.

Dorchester Collection

Dorchester Collection is another industry leader committed to employee well-being and career growth. Its comprehensive training programs, including the Engage onboarding initiative, help new hires seamlessly integrate into the organization by immersing them in its vision, mission, and values.

Career advancement is a key focus, with over 117 internal promotions—more than 16% of the workforce—demonstrating a strong culture of nurturing talent from within. Employees also benefit from competitive perks, such as complimentary stays at the brand's luxury hotels, access to wellness resources, and a workplace that values individuality and creativity.

This commitment to its team has earned Dorchester Collection a spot in the Top Ten (Big Organisations) on The Sunday Times 2024 Best Places to Work list, reinforcing its reputation as a top employer in luxury hospitality.

What to Look for in These Hotels?

Choosing the right hotel to work for goes beyond its reputation. A great employer values its staff, offering career growth, a strong team culture, and meaningful benefits like health coverage, wellness programs, or even free stays.

Look for hotels that invest in training, promote from within, and support work-life balance through flexible schedules or extra time off. Employee reviews can also reveal a lot—happy staff usually means a great workplace.

The best hotels to work for don't only focus on guest satisfaction; they prioritize their employees, too. A job in hospitality should be rewarding, not just another paycheck. Therefore, pick a place that values you and helps you grow!

How to Get Hired by the Best Hotels?

The first step to landing a job at a top hotel is a strong educational foundation. Consider a degree in hospitality, like the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Business Management offered at César Ritz Colleges. 

With this program, you'll gain the skills needed for the hospitality industry and access valuable internship opportunities through the International Recruitment Forum (IRF). At the IRF, representatives from all the top properties, including Accor, Marriott International, Dorchester Collection, The Ritz Paris, and many others, will be present to recruit students for internships and post-graduation jobs. This is your chance to network directly with industry professionals and secure a position with some of the most renowned hotels in the world.

To stand out, build a solid resume showcasing customer service, leadership, and language skills. Practice interview techniques and be prepared to highlight your passion for hospitality.

Find Your Spot in the Best Hotel Workplaces

Top luxury hotels like Four Seasons, Hilton, Ritz Paris, and others offer excellent career opportunities, competitive salaries, and impressive employee benefits. From career development programs to international exposure, working for these brands can significantly boost your career.

The best way to work at one of these hotels is to get a degree from César Ritz Colleges. The career services at Cesar Ritz, along with internship opportunities through the IRF, can open many doors. So, if you're serious about pursuing a career in hospitality, studying at CRCS provides you with the training and opportunities to succeed in this competitive industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest-paying job in a hotel?

The highest-paying job in a hotel is typically the general manager position, responsible for overseeing all hotel operations and ensuring profitability.

What is the best department to work in at a hotel?

The best department to work in a hotel depends on personal interests, but the sales and marketing department often offers great career growth opportunities and high earning potential due to its direct impact on revenue.