Pros
Free food. Usually just basic rice and pasta.
Cons
I worked at the Landmark Hotel in London for two years, and looking back, I’m still not sure how I managed to stay that long. The work environment was extremely difficult, and there was a prevailing sense among staff that we wouldn't find better opportunities elsewhere — a mindset that discouraged people from leaving or speaking up. Opportunities for advancement seemed more about personal connections than performance. For example, the husband of the Room Service Director operated an external agency that supplied room attendants to the department. Direct employment was discouraged, likely to protect those external interests, and staff who expressed interest in transferring to other departments were often met with threats or intimidation. There was a concerning overlap between hotel management and outside businesses, and it often felt like vulnerable staff — particularly those who weren’t fluent in English — were being taken advantage of. I personally witnessed unsafe working conditions, including one colleague whose hands were badly damaged from exposure to hot water and cleaning chemicals. Despite his condition, he wasn’t given time off to see a doctor due to chronic understaffing. The hours were extreme. There were days we didn't see daylight, working up to 16 hours in a basement office, followed by shared accommodation for a short rest, then straight back into another shift. I can’t speak for all London hotels, but based on my experience, I would strongly caution anyone considering employment at the Landmark Hotel. No job is worth compromising your well-being.
