15 Hotel Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 33 minutes ago
- 13 min read
As a college student, internships can be among the most effective ways to explore your career interests before graduation. Internships offer experience, opportunities to develop professional skills, and connections that can shape your future career. You will explore real workplaces, learn from professionals, and get a head start on your post-college life. These opportunities also strengthen your resume by showing initiative and practical exposure beyond the classroom. If you are interested in hospitality, hotel internships offer a direct look into how hotels operate, from guest services to management, while building industry-relevant skills.
Why should I do a hotel internship in college?
Exploring internships offered by hotels, resorts, and other hospitality organizations can help you understand the industry's demands and identify areas of interest early on. These internships can give you a clear edge in the job market by helping you develop practical skills in communication, teamwork, and operations while offering firsthand workplace exposure. They can also strengthen graduate school applications by demonstrating commitment and professional experience. If you are looking to build a foundation and learn about the nuances of hospitality outside a formal educational setting, internships are a practical next step.
To help you find the right opportunities, we have put together a list of 15 hotel internships for college students.
If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These internships span luxury hotel brands (Four Seasons, Fairmont Orchid), major corporate hospitality companies (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Wyndham), entertainment and resort operators (MGM Resorts, Caesars, Great Wolf Lodge, Hershey Entertainment), and cruise and vacation ownership programs (Royal Caribbean Group, Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Hilton Grand Vacations), giving students a wide range of hospitality environments to explore.
Several internships offer competitive hourly pay, including Hilton Corporate ($24 to $29 per hour plus a $2,500 stipend), Hyatt Vacation Ownership ($17.75 to $21.50 per hour), Great Wolf Lodge ($18 per hour), and Caesars Atlantic City ($18.25 per hour), while others offer stipends with amounts that vary by role and location.
Most internships run for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer, though some programs, such as Four Seasons (three to six months) and LHM (flexible around academic schedules), offer more extended or flexible formats that can accommodate different academic calendars.
Several programs go beyond front-of-house experience to include exposure to corporate functions such as finance, marketing, human resources, revenue management, and brand strategy, particularly at Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, MGM Resorts, and Royal Caribbean Group.
The Ladder University Internship Program offers a fully remote alternative for students who want hospitality and management experience without being tied to a specific location, with multiple cohorts throughout the year and financial aid available.
Location: Various Marriott hotels in the U.S.
Stipend: Varies by role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by role; typically, 8 to 12 weeks
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current college or university students
Marriott’s internships offer you hands-on exposure to hotel operations in various hotels and departments, including human resources, culinary, and hospitality management. You will work in a full-service hotel environment, gaining practical experience in daily operations and service standards while learning how these functions integrate into overall hotel management. The internship may also include training to help you build technical skills through structured, self-paced lessons. As part of your experience, you will be immersed in Marriott’s workplace culture and collaborate with professionals across departments, gaining a broader understanding of hospitality operations.
Location: Royal Caribbean Group Port, Miami, FL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10-week internship in the summer
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising college seniors currently in the penultimate year of undergraduate study
The Royal Caribbean Group Corporate Summer Internship is a full-time, 10-week program designed to give you hands-on experience in a global hospitality and travel company. At the PortMiami site, you will work on projects that directly support Royal Caribbean's strategic goals while collaborating with teams across departments, including hotel operations, food and beverage, marketing, and supply chain. You will gain exposure to real business challenges and contribute to real initiatives, building practical skills that are relevant to hospitality careers. Throughout the program, you will also attend workshops, networking events, and sessions with senior leaders, gaining insight into both corporate and operational aspects of the industry. Experiences such as ship tours and cross-team collaboration will deepen your understanding of large-scale hospitality operations.
Location: Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM) hotels, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: Paid; specific hourly rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (8–10 weeks; flexible dates that fit into your school schedule)
Application deadline: Not specified; you can apply by emailing your resume to HR
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a college or university (freshmen through seniors) or high school seniors; preferred majors include Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Finance, Communications, or related fields.
LHM's Summer Internship Program places you at one of the company's larger hotels (200+ rooms) in St. Louis for 8 to 10 weeks, working approximately 40 hours per week. You will choose one of four tracks: Food & Beverage, Rooms, Accounting, or Sales, and rotate through various positions within that department. Alongside day-to-day work, you will take on leadership tasks such as scheduling, inventory management, and budget review. The program includes several structured networking events, including an intern welcome session, a financial statement review with general managers and controllers, and a community service event. LHM works flexibly around your academic schedule, making it easier to fit the internship into your semester.
Location: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts locations across the world, including the U.S.
Stipend: Depends on the role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by role and location
Application deadline: Openings are posted on a rolling basis on the company website
Eligibility: Students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs; the program typically accepts rising seniors pursuing graduate degrees.
The Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain experience within a large hospitality company. As an intern, you will work on real-world assignments across different departments, collaborating with experienced professionals and contributing to ongoing business initiatives. You will also have access to orientation sessions, professional development workshops, and structured coaching to build practical skills. You will participate in networking events, roundtable discussions with senior leadership, and presentation opportunities to showcase your work. Exact tasks vary by opportunity, but you will contribute to the daily operations of the assigned hotel or resort.
Location: Hilton offices in McLean, VA; Memphis, TN; and Dallas, TX
Stipend: $24/hour (or $29/hour for graduate students) + $2,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application deadline: Not specified; applications typically open in the fall
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students with leadership experience and an interest in the hospitality industry
The Hilton Corporate Internship Program is a 10-week summer experience that gives you exposure to the business side of one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. You will work on real, high-impact projects across functions such as finance, marketing, human resources, technology, and revenue management, helping you understand how large hotel organizations operate behind the scenes. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with a cohort of interns, participate in structured professional development sessions, and gain access to senior leadership through networking and mentorship opportunities. You will also develop practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional teamwork, and gain access to intern events and exposure to Hilton’s corporate culture. The program is designed to help you build both industry knowledge and professional skills in a corporate hospitality setting.
Location: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Hershey, PA
Stipend: Starts at $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Vary by role
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students actively enrolled in colleges or universities and majoring or minoring in Hospitality & Tourism, Food & Beverage, Travel & Tourism, or related fields
This program lets you gain hands-on supervisory experience at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. You can choose one of three tracks: Food & Beverage, Guest Services & Housekeeping, or Recreation. All tracks involve working alongside experienced hospitality professionals in a real management capacity. You will also have access to leadership workshops and professional development sessions with other program interns. The experience can offer you insights into the inner workings of resorts. In addition to a stipend, you may receive academic credit through your college or university.
Location: Four Seasons hotels worldwide, including in the U.S.
Stipend: Varies by role and location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 3 – 6 months, depending on academic requirements
Application deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; additional requirements may vary by role and location.
Internships at Four Seasons offer you hands-on experience across multiple areas of hotel operations within a luxury hospitality environment. Over the course of three to six months, you will participate in a self-directed learning program designed to give you exposure to different hotel departments, from daily operations to strategic business functions. You may attend leadership meetings, interact with division heads, and contribute to projects that provide insight into how high-end hotels are run. This experience can help you learn about both guest-facing roles and behind-the-scenes decision-making. The internship can be aligned with your academic schedule and also offers extension if required.
Location: Hyatt properties across the U.S.
Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: College sophomores or above, who are pursuing degrees in hospitality or related fields and are authorized to work in the U.S.
Hyatt’s Corporate Internships offer you hands-on experience in hotel operations while building a strong foundation in the hospitality industry. During the program, you will gain exposure to multiple roles within a sponsoring hotel, allowing you to understand how different departments contribute to overall operations. You will work on tasks focused on the corporate aspects of culinary, room management, and hospitality units alongside hotel leaders and other interns, participate in hotel meetings, and complete structured job shadowing to deepen your understanding. The program also gives you the flexibility to explore departments beyond your assigned role, helping you identify areas of interest within hospitality. Additionally, you will gain access to Hyatt’s intern community and alumni network, which can support long-term career development.
Location: Hyatt Vacation Ownership facilities in Florida, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas
Stipend: $17.75 – $21.50/hour, depending on location and role + tips for food and beverage roles
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Spring (January – April) or Summer (May – August); 3 – 6 months
Application deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Current college students
The Hyatt Vacation Ownership Internship Program gives you hands-on experience in resort operations through a structured, on-site program at one of the company’s vacation properties. You will work within a specific department, such as front office, food and beverage, housekeeping, or recreation, while gaining exposure to other areas through job shadowing and cross-functional learning. Throughout the internship, you will receive guidance from property leaders, participate in sessions with senior executives, and collaborate on a project that contributes to business operations. You will also engage in leadership interviews and sessions designed to deepen your understanding of the hospitality industry.
Location: Various Hilton Grand Vacations offices and resort locations
Stipend: Varies by role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by role
Application deadline: Varies by opportunity; openings and deadlines are regularly updated on the website
Eligibility: Students enrolled in colleges/universities
The Hilton Grand Vacations Corporate Internship Program offers you the opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of business functions within the hospitality industry. You can work in areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, IT, or business management, depending on your interests and the available roles. During the internship, you will contribute to real projects, collaborate with team members, and develop practical skills that are applicable to both corporate and operational roles. The program is designed to help you build a strong professional foundation while expanding your network.
Location: Multiple Great Wolf Lodge locations across the U.S.
Stipend: $18/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May – August (10 weeks)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years old, currently enrolled in Associate's or Bachelor's degree programs in hospitality, business, or related fields, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Great Wolf Lodge Summer Hospitality Internship Program is a 10-week paid experience where you work in a frontline role in one of four disciplines: Guest Services, Housekeeping, Retail & Attractions, or Food & Beverage. The program also includes a one-week job shadow component that exposes you to other areas of the lodge, including HR, Sales, and Aquatics. You will work up to 40 hours per week. The program is structured to meet college credit requirements. Toward the end of the program, you will complete a term project and present your findings to the lodge's leadership team. Internship positions are available at all Great Wolf Lodge locations across the country.
Location: Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast, HI/other Accor hotels in the U.S
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 6 – 12 weeks in the summer; other opportunities may also be available throughout the year.
Application deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Students legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Internships at Fairmont Orchid offer you hands-on experience in a luxury resort setting, focusing on operations, hospitality, and guest dining experiences. Over 6 to 12 weeks, you will explore management or restaurant operations, learning how to navigate guest interactions, coordinate service flow, and maintain hospitality standards in a fast-paced environment. Your responsibilities may include greeting guests, managing reservations, supporting service teams, and ensuring that dining spaces meet cleanliness and presentation expectations. You will also gain exposure to behind-the-scenes operations and the coordination of service staff and various teams. This experience can help you build skills in customer service, teamwork, and attention to detail within a luxury resort environment.
Location: MGM Resorts International sites around the U.S., primarily Las Vegas, NV
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June – August (10 weeks)
Application deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: College juniors or seniors
With properties that combine hotels, entertainment venues, and large-scale guest operations, MGM Resorts offers internships that go beyond traditional hotel roles. Over the course of 10 weeks, you will work alongside professionals in departments aligned with your interests, gaining exposure to both hospitality operations and the broader entertainment ecosystem. The environment is fast-paced and highly service-driven, giving you the chance to develop practical skills while contributing to real business functions. You will be part of a global organization known for managing high-volume guest experiences. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, the program emphasizes learning through collaboration and on-the-job experience.
Location: Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ
Stipend: $18.25/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Seasonal (dates not specified)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students working toward a degree in Finance, Business, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field; basic computer skills, a New Jersey CER License, strong customer service abilities, and good communication skills are required.
This seasonal internship places you on the hotel floor at Caesars Atlantic City, where you will work full-time under the guidance of a manager across a variety of tasks and projects covering the basics of hotel department operations. Your primary focus is delivering high-quality, guest-facing service, so you will spend time greeting guests, anticipating their needs, resolving service issues, and promoting the Caesars Rewards program. You will also take on special projects assigned by management and develop a working knowledge of the overall demands of hotel operations.
Location: IHG Hotels & Resorts headquarters in the U.S.
Stipend: Competitive salary available; exact amount depends on the role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by role
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: College students; exact requirements can vary depending on the role.
The IHG Hotels & Resorts Corporate Internship Program gives you a chance to explore how a global hospitality company operates at scale. Rather than focusing solely on hotel-level assignments, you will be involved in projects that support brand strategy, operations, and business functions across IHG’s portfolio. You may collaborate with different teams, contribute to ongoing initiatives, and gain insight into how major hotel brands are managed worldwide. The internship also offers mentorship and professional development support, helping you build both technical and workplace skills.
Bonus!
Location: Remote; you can participate from anywhere in the world!Cost: Varies; financial aid availableAcceptance rate/cohort size: SelectiveDates: Several cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter)Application deadline: Varies by cohort (January, May, September, and November cycles)Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who are able to commit 10 to 20 hours per week for 8 to 12 weeks
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual program where you work with startups and non-profits from around the world. During the internship, you will work directly with a startup team and contribute to a real-world project that addresses a specific need for the organization. Projects span various areas, including tech, hospitality, and management. Throughout the program, you will work closely with a manager or mentor at the startup who guides your progress and provides feedback on your work. This structure allows you to gain professional experience in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment while developing skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. At the end of the internship, you will present your project and outcomes, demonstrating the impact of your work and the insights you gained during the program. Apply now!
Frequently asked questions
What are the best hotel internships for college students?
Strong options depend on a student's interests and career goals. Students interested in luxury hotel operations might consider Four Seasons or Fairmont Orchid; those drawn to corporate hospitality roles might look at Hilton Corporate or IHG; and those interested in large-scale resort environments might consider MGM Resorts, Great Wolf Lodge, or Hershey Entertainment.
Are hotel internships paid?
Yes, most internships on this list are paid. Hilton Corporate offers $24 to $29 per hour plus a $2,500 stipend; Hyatt Vacation Ownership offers $17.75 to $21.50 per hour; Great Wolf Lodge pays $18 per hour; and Caesars Atlantic City pays $18.25 per hour. Several others, including Marriott, Wyndham, Four Seasons, and Royal Caribbean, offer competitive stipends with amounts that vary by role and location.
Which hotel internships are best for students interested in corporate roles rather than front-of-house experience?
Hilton Corporate, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Corporate, Hilton Grand Vacations, MGM Resorts, and Royal Caribbean Group all offer exposure to corporate functions such as finance, marketing, human resources, strategy, and technology, rather than focusing exclusively on guest-facing operations.
Do any hotel internships offer academic credit?
Yes, Great Wolf Lodge's Summer Hospitality Internship is structured to meet college credit requirements, and Hershey Entertainment and Resorts notes that interns may receive academic credit through their college or university. Students should verify credit arrangements directly with their academic institutions.
Which hotel internships are open to freshmen and sophomores rather than just juniors and seniors?
LHM's Summer Internship Program accepts students from freshmen through seniors; Hyatt Corporate accepts sophomores and above; and Marriott and Wyndham list general enrollment without strict class-year requirements. Programs such as Royal Caribbean Group and MGM Resorts, by contrast, specifically target rising seniors or juniors and seniors.
When should I apply to hotel internships for college students?
Application timelines vary widely. Hilton Corporate typically opens applications in the fall for summer positions; Hyatt Vacation Ownership accepts rolling applications; and programs like Marriott and Wyndham post openings on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students interested in summer internships should begin searching and applying between September and January to maximize their options.
One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.