Choosing a hotel for your next trip? If you want to stay somewhere that strives to be inclusive and treat its LGBTQ employees equally, you could do worse than turn to the HRC’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
The leading US advocacy group’s annual index looks at all the corporates in the Forbes 500 list, plus other major and mid-size employers that submit themselves for ranking.
HRC applies scores based on a range of criteria. These include things such as providing domestic partner benefits (both in the US and abroad), the presence of employee resource groups, and making a public commitment to LGBTQ equality, among many others.
Over 1,100 companies made it on to the recently-released 2021 Index, and 767 of them earned the top score of 100, marking them out as among the best place to work for LGBTQ employees. You can read the full Corporate Equality Index here.
See below for the major players in the hotel sector to score the top mark of 100.
Caesars Entertainment Corp.
Most people have heard of Caesars in Las Vegas, but the corporation also encompasses several other brands, including: Planet Hollywood, Harrahs, Horseshoe, Ballys, Nobu Hotel, Paris, and the Linq, among others.
Caesars received a 100 score on the HRC Index for the 14th consecutive year.
“We often talk about the power our incredible Team Members have to create guest experiences that drive our lasting successes at Caesars Entertainment,” said Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. “That same power is amplified in their commitment not just to guests, partners and the environment, but to each other and to the communities in which we live and work. It’s through the steadfast work, compassion and generosity of dedicated Caesars Team Members that we can make a positive impact that continues to grow each year.
Choice Hotels
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Choice brands include the Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, Comfort, Sleep Inn, Quality, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, MainStay Suites, Evermore Suites and Econo Lodge, among others. The Maryland-headquarted business was among the big hotel brands to score 100 on the 2021 CEI.
Hilton
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Hilton is another of the world’s best-known hotel corporates. Among its brands are Waldforf Astoria, LXR Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels, Doubletree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Honors. It has been scoring 100 on the HRC index since 2014.
Hyatt Hotels
Headquarted in Chicago, Hyatt has around 975 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties around the world. It scored 100 on the 2021 index for the 17th year in a row. Its brands include Hyatt Centric, Andaz, Hyatt Place, Grand Hyatt, and Park Hyatt, among others.
IHG Hotels and Resorts (InterContinental Hotels Group)
IHG was recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality for the seventh year in a row. Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG, responded to the news in a press statement, saying: “While the past 12 months have presented the hospitality industry with uncertainty and extraordinary challenges, IHG remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity and promoting a welcoming environment where all colleagues feel seen, heard and respected.”
IHG has around 5,900 properties. Its brands include Intercontinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Six Senses, Regent, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, Atwell Suites and Candlewood Suites, among others.
Marriott International
For the eighth year in a row, Marriott International earned the top score of 100 on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. Marriot owns 7,500 properties and 30 different brands, including luxury brands like St Regis, the Ritz-Carlton, and W Hotels; Premium brands such as Westin, Sheraton, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, Delta Hotels, Fairfield Inn & Suites; and longer-stay brands like Residence Inn and Town Place Suites.
“At the core of Marriott’s people first culture is making sure all associates feel welcomed and included,” said David Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Marriott International. “We are honored to once again receive a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, recognizing our commitment to LGBT workplace inclusion.”
MGM Resorts International
Like Caesars, MGM Resorts is famed for its association with Las Vegas, where it’s headquartered. It scored 100 on HRC’s Index for the tenth consecutive year.
“At MGM Resorts we are proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and we will continue to foster the importance of representation, diversity and inclusion within our culture,” said Jyoti Chopra, Chief People, Inclusion and Sustainability Officer for MGM Resorts International.
“This past year reminded us that we are better together, and we can make a palpable difference in the lives of so many who are simply asking for basic human rights. For more than 20 years we’ve worked across the communities in which we operate, to act on ways to lift others up towards equality; It is at the core of who we are as a company.”
MGM operates 29 hotel and destination gaming offerings in the United States and Macau, including such big hitters as Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA, Park MGM, Vdara, Luxor and Excalibur.
Walt Disney Co.
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Walt Disney, of course, is best known as one of the world’s most beloved entertainment companies. However, it also owns resorts across the globe, through its Disney Parks and Experiences division. This includes 53 host hotels, 12 theme parks, the Aulani Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii, and Disney Vacation Club. The California-based Walt Disney Co. again scored 100 on the HRC index.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.
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Wyndham scored 100 for the third consecutive year on the HRC Index. Wyndham has 9,000 hotels across the world. Its brands include Dolce, Wyndham Grand, TRYP, Esplendor Boutique Hotels, Dazzler, Ramada, Wingate, Baymont, Microtel, and Travelodge by Wyndham, among others.
“This recognition highlights our dedication to recruiting and retaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of our guests, owners and communities around the world. We are committed to creating an inclusive work culture where all of our team members can thrive,” says Geoffrey A. Ballotti, chief executive officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
HRC’s Corporate Equality Index
