If you are preparing for an interview at Premier Inn, you are already aiming in the right direction. Premier Inn is one of the UK’s most recognisable hospitality brands, known for consistency, customer focus and strong career progression. In this in-depth guide, I will walk you through a brief history of Premier Inn, followed by 30 fully explained interview questions and answers covering different job roles. I will also coach you through opening questions, competency-based questions using the STAR model, ending questions, and clear do’s and don’ts. Throughout the article, I will weave in practical job interview preparation advice based on what I have seen work time and time again.
As an experienced interview coach, I always remind candidates that confidence comes from preparation, clarity and practice. This article is designed to give you exactly that, while supporting your wider interview training journey.
Brief history of Premier Inn
Premier Inn is part of Whitbread PLC, one of Britain’s oldest companies, founded in 1742 as a brewery. The Premier Inn brand itself emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, initially operating under names such as Travel Inn. In 2004, Whitbread unified its budget hotel offerings under the Premier Inn brand, creating a strong, trusted identity across the UK.
Over the years, Premier Inn has grown into the UK’s largest hotel brand, with hundreds of hotels nationwide and international expansion into Germany and other European markets. The company’s success is built on affordable comfort, strong operational standards, and a people-first culture. This means interviews at Premier Inn focus heavily on customer service, teamwork, reliability and values-based behaviours.
Understanding Premier Inn job roles, responsibilities and salaries
Before answering any interview questions, it is essential to understand the role you are applying for. Below are common Premier Inn roles, their importance, typical responsibilities and approximate UK salary ranges. This context will help you tailor your answers during interview coaching online sessions or self-practice.
Receptionist / Guest Service Team Member
This role is the face of the hotel. You welcome guests, manage check-ins and check-outs, handle queries and ensure a smooth guest experience. Salaries typically range from £10.50 to £12.50 per hour depending on location and experience.
Housekeeping Team Member
Housekeepers ensure rooms meet Premier Inn’s cleanliness and comfort standards. Attention to detail, time management and pride in work are key. Salaries are usually £10.50 to £12 per hour.
Restaurant Team Member
Working in the on-site restaurant, this role focuses on food service, customer interaction and teamwork. Salaries are similar to housekeeping and reception roles.
Duty Manager
Duty Managers oversee daily operations, manage staff, handle escalated guest issues and ensure standards are maintained. Salaries range from £26,000 to £32,000 per year.
Hotel Manager
Hotel Managers lead the entire site, focusing on performance, people development, budgets and guest satisfaction. Salaries typically range from £35,000 to £45,000+ depending on hotel size.
Opening interview questions and answers (simple but powerful)
These questions set the tone. Answer clearly, positively and confidently.
1. Why do you want to work at Premier Inn?
I want to work at Premier Inn because of its strong reputation for customer service and staff development. I value working for a company that invests in people and delivers consistent standards.
2. What do you know about Premier Inn?
Premier Inn is the UK’s largest hotel brand, part of Whitbread, known for affordable comfort, excellent service and strong team culture.
3. What does good customer service mean to you?
Good customer service means understanding guest needs, responding calmly, and ensuring every guest feels valued and supported.
4. What hours are you available to work?
I am flexible and understand the hospitality industry requires evenings, weekends and teamwork to meet guest needs.
5. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Reliable, friendly and hardworking.
Competency-based interview questions and answers using the STAR model
Premier Inn interviews often use competency questions. The STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps you structure answers clearly.
6. Tell me about a time you delivered excellent customer service.
Situation: A guest was unhappy with their room.
Task: I needed to resolve the issue quickly.
Action: I listened carefully, apologised sincerely and arranged an immediate room change.
Result: The guest thanked me and left positive feedback.
7. Describe a time you worked as part of a team.
Situation: We were short-staffed during a busy period.
Task: Maintain service standards.
Action: I supported colleagues and stayed flexible.
Result: We met guest expectations and supported each other.
8. Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer.
Situation: A guest complained about noise.
Task: Calm the situation.
Action: I listened, empathised and offered a solution.
Result: The guest felt heard and accepted the outcome.
9. Give an example of when you showed attention to detail.
Situation: Preparing rooms for inspection.
Task: Ensure standards were met.
Action: I double-checked cleanliness and presentation.
Result: Passed inspection with positive feedback.
10. Describe a time you had to work under pressure.
Situation: High guest volume.
Task: Keep service smooth.
Action: I prioritised tasks and stayed calm.
Result: Guests were served efficiently.
Role-specific interview questions and answers
11. How would you welcome a guest arriving late at night?
I would greet them warmly, remain calm and efficient, and ensure they feel comfortable despite the late hour.
12. How do you ensure rooms meet Premier Inn standards?
By following checklists, managing time carefully and taking pride in delivering quality.
13. What would you do if a guest complained about cleanliness?
I would apologise, arrange immediate cleaning or a room move, and follow up to ensure satisfaction.
14. How do you motivate yourself during repetitive tasks?
By focusing on consistency, quality and the guest experience.
15. How would you support a new team member?
By being patient, explaining tasks clearly and offering encouragement.
Management-level interview questions and answers
16. How do you manage underperforming staff?
Through clear communication, coaching and setting achievable goals.
17. Describe your leadership style.
Supportive, fair and focused on development.
18. How do you handle guest complaints as a manager?
By listening, resolving promptly and learning from feedback.
19. How do you ensure targets are met?
By planning, monitoring performance and motivating the team.
20. How do you manage change?
By communicating clearly and supporting staff through transitions.
Values-based and behavioural questions
21. What does teamwork mean to you?
Working together towards shared goals and supporting one another.
22. How do you handle feedback?
Positively, as an opportunity to improve.
23. What does reliability mean in hospitality?
Being dependable, punctual and consistent.
24. How do you prioritise tasks?
By assessing urgency and guest impact.
25. How do you stay motivated?
By focusing on delivering a positive guest experience.
Ending interview questions and answers
26. What are your strengths?
Customer focus, teamwork and reliability.
27. What is one area you are developing?
Confidence in leadership situations, which I am actively improving.
28. Where do you see yourself in two years?
Growing within Premier Inn and taking on more responsibility.
29. Why should we hire you?
I align with Premier Inn values and consistently deliver high standards.
30. Do you have any questions for us?
Yes, what development opportunities are available within the first year?
Do’s and don’ts for Premier Inn interviews
Do:
Prepare examples using the STAR model.
Research Premier Inn values.
Smile, be polite and professional.
Show flexibility and teamwork.
Don’t:
Criticise past employers.
Give vague answers.
Forget to ask questions.
Rush your responses.
Final interview coaching encouragement
As someone who has spent over 25 years helping people succeed, I want you to remember this: Premier Inn interviews are not about perfection, they are about fit, attitude and consistency. With the right interview training, focused job interview preparation, and support from an experienced interview coach, you can walk in confident and prepared.
If you would like personalised support, mock interviews or tailored feedback, I invite you to book a one-to-one session. Professional interview coaching, expert interview coaching online, and structured interview training can make the difference between a good interview and a successful job offer.
👉 Book your appointment today at
https://www.interview-training.co.uk/
