Working in the hotel industry can be fast-paced and demanding. With long shifts and late nights, wouldn’t living right where you work to be convenient? But is residing at your workplace typically allowed?
The short answer is – it depends on the hotel’s policies. While some properties prohibit staff from living on-site, others encourage or provide employee housing.
Let’s examine the factors determining whether hotel employees can live where they work and policies at major chains like Hilton and Marriott.
Benefits of Employee Housing
Saves Commuting Time
One of the major benefits of living at a hotel where you work is that it saves you a significant amount of commuting time. Instead of spending hours daily stuck in traffic or dealing with public transportation, you can simply walk a few steps from your room to your workplace.
Not only does this save you valuable time, but it also reduces the stress and fatigue associated with long commutes. You can use this extra time to relax, pursue hobbies, or spend more time with loved ones.
Convenience Being Onsite
Living onsite at a hotel where you work offers unparalleled convenience. Imagine waking up in the morning and realizing you forgot your lunch – no problem! You can simply go back to your room and grab it. Need to change into your uniform or freshen up during your break?
No need to rush home or find a nearby restroom – you have everything you need just steps away. This level of convenience can make your work-life balance much easier to manage and greatly enhance your overall job satisfaction.
Fosters Community
Living in employee housing at a hotel creates a unique sense of community among employees. You are surrounded by coworkers who are also your neighbors, which fosters a strong bond and camaraderie. This can lead to lifelong friendships and a support system within the workplace.
Sharing meals, organizing events, and participating in recreational activities can create a positive and inclusive work environment. Additionally, living in close proximity to your colleagues allows for easy collaboration and communication, enhancing teamwork and productivity.
Research has shown that providing employee housing can positively impact job satisfaction, employee retention, and overall productivity.
According to a study by SHRM, employees who live onsite at their workplace reported higher levels of job satisfaction and were more likely to stay with their current employer long-term.
This can be attributed to the numerous benefits and conveniences of living where you work.
Drawbacks of Staff Living In Hotels
No Clear Separation of Work and Home
One of the main drawbacks of living at a hotel where you work is the lack of clear separation between your work and home life. When you live in the same place where you work, it can be challenging to switch off and relax after a long day.
The hotel environment is designed to be bustling and active, making creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere in your living space difficult. This constant exposure to work-related activities and interactions can easily blur the lines between your personal and professional life.
Less Privacy
Living in a hotel as a staff member means sacrificing a certain level of privacy. Hotel rooms are typically smaller than regular apartments or houses, and you may have to share common areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms, with other staff members.
This lack of personal space can make finding time alone and unwinding challenging. Also, hotel staff may access your room for cleaning or maintenance purposes, compromising your privacy.
Can Feel Isolated
While living in a hotel can provide a sense of community and camaraderie among staff members, it can also lead to feelings of isolation. Hotels are often located in busy areas, such as city centers or tourist destinations, making establishing a sense of belonging to a neighborhood or community difficult.
Additionally, the transient nature of hotel guests can make it challenging to form meaningful and lasting connections with others. This sense of isolation can be particularly challenging for individuals who thrive on social interactions and a strong support network.
Hotel Chain Employee Housing Policies
Marriott
Marriott is one of the leading hotel chains that offers employee housing options. They understand the convenience and cost-saving benefits of providing accommodation for their staff. Marriott offers various housing options, including on-site employee dormitories or discounted hotel rates for employees.
This allows employees to live and work in the same location, making their daily commute a breeze.
Marriott’s employee housing policies vary depending on the location and position of the employee. Some Marriott properties provide shared accommodation in dormitory-style rooms, while others offer individual rooms or apartments.
The accommodation cost is typically deducted from the employee’s paycheck, making it convenient and hassle-free.
Also Read: Can Marriott Employees Live In Hotels?
Hilton
Hilton is another hotel chain that recognizes the value of providing employee housing. They offer a range of options to suit the needs of their employees. Hilton’s employee housing policies may include on-site housing, discounted hotel rates, or partnerships with local housing providers.
Like Marriott, Hilton’s employee housing policies may vary depending on the hotel and position. Some Hilton properties have dedicated employee dormitories, while others provide discounted rates for employees to stay at their hotels.
These options make it easier for employees to live near their workplace and enjoy the benefits of convenience and cost savings.
Hyatt
Hyatt, another renowned hotel chain, also offers employee housing policies to enhance the employee experience. They understand the importance of providing comfortable housing options for their staff, considering the demanding nature of the hospitality industry.
Hyatt’s employee housing policies may include on-site accommodation, discounted rates at their hotels, or partnerships with local housing providers. These options allow employees to live in close proximity to their workplace, reducing commuting time and expenses.
It’s worth noting that the specifics of each hotel chain’s employee housing policies may vary from location to location. It’s always best to check with the specific hotel or refer to the official websites for more information on their employee housing policies.
Factors That Allow or Prohibit Hotel Living
Local Laws and Zoning
One of the primary factors determining whether you can live at a hotel where you work is the local laws and zoning regulations. Different cities and countries have their own rules regarding hotel residency.
Some locations may allow hotel employees to live on-site, while others may prohibit it due to zoning restrictions. It is important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations before considering hotel living.
Hotel Location
The hotel’s location also determines whether you can live there as an employee. Some hotels, especially those in busy city centers or tourist destinations, may not have the space or resources to accommodate employee living arrangements.
On the other hand, hotels in more suburban or rural areas may have more flexibility in providing accommodations for their staff. Hotel chains with multiple locations may also vary in their policies regarding employee living arrangements based on the specific location.
Position and Seniority
Your position and seniority within the hotel can also influence whether you can live on-site. Generally, higher-ranking employees such as managers or supervisors may be more likely to be offered living arrangements at the hotel.
This is often because they are required to be available at all times and may need to respond to emergencies or handle guest issues outside of regular working hours. Entry-level or part-time employees may be less likely to be offered hotel accommodation.
Room Availability
The availability of rooms at the hotel can also impact whether you can live there as an employee. If the hotel is consistently fully booked or has a high demand for guest rooms, there may be limited availability for employee living arrangements.
In such cases, the hotel management may prioritize guest occupancy over employee accommodation. However, employees may have more opportunities to live on-site if the hotel frequently has vacant rooms or a low occupancy rate.
It is important to note that each hotel and location may have its own unique policies and considerations regarding employee living arrangements. It is recommended to consult with the hotel management or human resources department to understand the specific guidelines and opportunities available at a particular establishment.
Conclusion
While some major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton provide employee accommodations, the opportunity to live on-site is not guaranteed or even common at most properties.
Whether staff can reside at the hotel depends on local regulations, the location, room availability, and management policies. However, for some roles, it can be a major perk.
