La Quinta is a well-known name in the hotel business for providing excellent customer service and comfortable rooms. With more than 900 locations in North America, this well-known chain gives millions of travelers a unique mix of comfort and convenience every year. This article will talk about the interview questions that La Quinta uses to hire people and give you an idea of what it takes to work for this prestigious company.
Interviewing for a job at La Quinta? Preparation is key to standing out among applicants and landing the role In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top interview questions candidates can expect for positions at La Quinta, along with examples of strong responses
Whether you’re applying for a front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, or management role, these strategies will help you highlight your customer service skills, adaptability, and commitment to excellence Read on to learn how to master your La Quinta interview!
About La Quinta
La Quinta Holdings Inc. operates over 900 mid-priced hotels across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Honduras. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Key facts about La Quinta:
- Founded in 1968 with a single hotel in San Antonio, Texas
- Known for pet-friendly policies and spacious, comfortable rooms
- Acquired by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in 2018 in a $1.95 billion deal
- Employs over 15,000 team members across 46 states
- Reports annual revenues of approximately $2 billion
La Quinta prides itself on delivering quality service, memorable experiences, and value for guests. Employees are expected to uphold exceptional standards through friendliness, diligence, and care.
10 Common La Quinta Interview Questions and Answers
1. Why do you want to work for La Quinta?
This open-ended question allows you to express enthusiasm for the company. Align your strengths with La Quinta’s brand.
Sample Response: I’m drawn to La Quinta’s commitment to delivering thoughtful service and memorable stays. My experience providing top-notch customer service aligns perfectly with your brand’s values. I’m excited to create welcoming experiences for guests through friendliness and attention to detail.
2. What does excellent customer service mean to you?
Share examples that highlight skills like active listening, empathy, patience, and problem-solving.
Sample Response: For me, excellent service entails making each guest feel welcomed, heard, and cared for. I always strive to be fully present, listen actively to understand needs, and provide solutions with a positive attitude. Simple gestures like using guests’ names and giving clear communication make a difference. My goal is anticipating needs so guests feel valued.
3. How would you handle an unhappy guest?
Showcase conflict resolution abilities. Emphasize remaining calm and finding win-win solutions.
Sample Response: When facing an upset guest, I would first listen closely without getting defensive, expressing empathy for their frustration. I’d then apologize sincerely, take accountability, and assure them I’ll make things right. If unable to resolve the issue directly, I would involve a supervisor while keeping the guest informed. My focus is on understanding the root problem and achieving a positive outcome through patience and communication.
4. How do you prioritize when handling multiple tasks?
Highlight organizational skills. Discuss strategies like time management, task lists, and collaboration.
Sample Response: I always keep guests as the top priority, completing requests and addressing needs urgently. For other tasks, I make structured to-do lists to stay on track while multitasking. I also communicate closely with teammates to balance duties, collaborate on solutions, and seek help when needed. Organization and teamwork are essential for me to deliver excellence.
5. Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service.
Share a specific example. Demonstrate initiative, creative thinking, and commitment.
Sample Response: As a server, I once had a family celebrate a birthday but we had run out of birthday desserts. I didn’t want to disappoint them, so I creatively garnished another dessert with a candle and brought it out wishing a happy birthday. The family was so delighted and thanked me for the effort. It was a small gesture but showed I cared.
6. How would you handle an angry guest yelling at you?
Show you can de-escalate tensions while remaining professional. Emphasize calmness and boundaries.
Sample Response: If a guest is yelling, I would listen without getting defensive and let them express their frustrations fully. I would apologize for their experience. However, if it continues aggressively, for both my and their well-being, I would courteously state that I want to solve the issue but will need to involve a supervisor if yelling persists. My goal is resolving problems through respectful discussion.
7. This job can be stressful. How do you handle pressure?
Share stress management tactics. Demonstrate composure and commitment to delivering under pressure.
Sample Response: I thrive in high-pressure situations. When stress arises, I take a moment to breathe, regroup, and decide on next steps. I also rely on coworkers for support or advice when needed. Most importantly, I focus on solutions and keep guest satisfaction as the priority no matter what. Remaining calm and positive allows me to deliver excellent service even in difficult circumstances.
8. What does teamwork mean to you?
Highlight collaboration abilities and willingness to fill gaps. Share how you support colleagues.
Sample Response: For me, teamwork is all about open communication, flexibility, and cooperation. I enjoy collaborating closely with coworkers to achieve shared goals, brainstorming together and supporting each other. Whether it’s covering a shift or taking on extra tasks, I pitch in wherever needed. I believe listening and respecting diverse perspectives leads to better service for our guests.
9. How do you stay motivated in this job?
Share your commitment, work ethic, and passion for hospitality. Convey your stamina and positivity.
Sample Response: I find this work deeply rewarding, so motivation comes easily. I love interacting with diverse guests and creating memorable experiences. Witnessing how even small gestures positively impact someone’s stay keeps me energized. I take pride in representing the brand well. Most of all, my coworkers inspire me through their dedication. I stay motivated by focusing on achieving collective goals and upholding La Quinta’s standards.
10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Present ambition for growth while remaining realistic. Demonstrate long-term interest in the company.
Sample Response: In 5 years, I hope to be excelling in a supervisory role, overseeing service delivery and mentoring team members. I aim to continue developing my hospitality expertise with La Quinta. I’m excited to build relationships with guests and go above-and-beyond to create tailored, memorable stays for them over the long term. My goal is growing within the company and becoming an expert on providing excellent service.
7 Tips for Acing Your La Quinta Interview
Beyond preparing responses, these strategies will impress interviewers:
1. Research the company culture and values. Understand the brand’s service philosophies.
2. Review the job description. Identify required qualifications to match your background.
3. Dress professionally. Appearance should align with La Quinta’s standards.
4. Speak clearly and confidently. Demonstrate your communication abilities.
5. Convey passion for hospitality. Share what attracts you to the industry.
6. Ask engaging questions. Inquire about training, growth opportunities, and company goals.
7. Follow up promptly. Send a thank you note reaffirming your interest and qualifications.
Master Your La Quinta Interview!
This guide outlined the critical interview questions candidates can expect for La Quinta roles, from customer service situational questions to discussions of your work ethic.
Prepare by reviewing the key duties for your desired position. Have examples ready that convey your friendliness, stress management, collaboration, and commitment to delighting guests. If you present well-developed responses and follow our tips, you’ll prove you have what it takes to be part of the La Quinta team!
La Quinta Hiring Process
Usually, to get hired at La Quinta, you have to fill out an application on Indeed and then take an online personality test. Applicants are then called in for an in-person interview, which is often described as informal and brief. Usually, the interview takes place in the lobby, and standard questions are asked about skills, knowledge of the job, and past experiences. Some applicants may also be asked to complete a math and personality quiz. People say the whole process is easy and not stressful, but some applicants have said that interviewers were rude, like being on their phones or not giving feedback.
Interview with LaQuinta Manager v1
FAQ
Is La Quinta a good company to work for?
Why should we hire you?
What are your three weaknesses?
