University Hospitality Placement

The Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury boutique hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon offers a 6+ month placement for university students in Hospitality, Tourism, or Business. Students will gain hands-on experience across key operational departments such as Food & Beverage and Front Office. This full-time role requires a commitment to delivering a five-star guest experience in a fast-paced supportive environment. Attractive benefits include generous time off, tips, and discounts. An opportunity to develop professional skills in a prestigious hospitality setting.

Benefits

Generous time off – 31 days

Monthly tips – evenly shared gratuities

Discounts at retailers and restaurants

Wellbeing centre access

Health & wellness plans

Cycle-to-work options

Growth opportunities – apprenticeships

Free parking and meals on duty

Qualifications

• Relevant hospitality, guest-facing work experience in the UK is essential.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to delivering a five-star guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience across key operational departments: Food & Beverage and Front Office.
• Join reception or guest services teams for the guest journey.
• Build responsibility and confidence in hospitality.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team-oriented mindset

Willingness to learn

Professionalism

Education

Currently studying a degree in Hospitality, Tourism or Business

Job description

About Eden Hotel Collection

We’re proud winners of the AA Small Hotel Group of the year 2024-25, rated as a Top 30 Best Place to Work in Hospitality 2024 by The Caterer, and recently crowned Best Employer at the 2025 Springboard Awards for Excellence.

Eden Hotel Collection is proud to offer university students the opportunity to complete their professional placement within our luxury boutique hotels.

This is a unique opportunity for passionate and ambitious individuals studying for a degree in Hospitality Management, Travel & Tourism, or Business to gain hands‑on experience in a quality‑led, guest‑focused environment.

Who is this for?

This placement is designed for university students seeking a 6+ month industry placement as part of their degree programme – whether a sandwich year, extended internship, or bespoke placement. It provides a meaningful springboard into the world of luxury hospitality and hotel operations.

What you’ll be doing?

• Structured and flexible experience across key operational departments:
• Food & Beverage – work alongside experienced teams in our award‑winning restaurants and brasseries (all holding 2–3 AA Rosettes), delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Front Office – join our reception, porterage, or guest services teams to shape the guest journey from arrival to departure.
• Bespoke Rotational Placements – for longer placements, you may gain exposure to multiple departments while focusing on your areas of interest, primarily within Food & Beverage or Front Office.

Throughout the placement you will work closely with managers and team members, gradually building responsibility and confidence in a professional, fast‑paced environment.

What you’ll need?

• Currently studying a degree in Hospitality, Tourism or Business.
• Relevant hospitality, guest‑facing work experience in the UK.
• Committed to delivering a five‑star guest experience.
• Strong communication skills and a team‑oriented mindset.
• Professionalism, willingness to learn, and genuine enthusiasm for the industry.

What to expect?

• Full‑time role, minimum 40 hours per week across 5 days. Shifts may include early starts from 6:00 am and late finishes during placement.
• Weekend working expected, with time off scheduled accordingly.
• A fast‑paced, supportive environment that encourages growth and initiative.
• No live‑in accommodation – candidates must arrange their own living arrangements.

What’s in it for you?

This is your opportunity to gain meaningful experience in a luxury hospitality setting. As a placement student, you’ll develop practical skills, build confidence, and work with an award‑winning team passionate about quality and guest service.

Many of our previous placement students have gone on to pursue graduate opportunities within the Eden Hotel Collection or wider hospitality industry.

We’re proud of our award‑winning approach to employee wellbeing, engagement, and recognition (industry award wins in 2023, 2024 and 2025), meaning you join a team that values your happiness, growth, and success every step of the way.

Benefits

• Generous time off – 31 days of leave, increasing to 33 with service.
• Monthly tips – fairly shared service charge / gratuities, paid on the second pay date.
• Discounts & perks – exclusive savings at 800+ retailers, gyms, restaurants, days out, and utilities.
• Wellbeing centre – access to Hello Fresh recipes, fitness videos and financial planning tools.
• Health & wellness plans – dental, vision, alternative care and 24/7 GP access.
• Sustainable commuting – cycle‑to‑work and electric vehicle leasing options.
• Exclusive EHC perks – discounted stays, spa treatments, golf and leisure at our properties.
• The Happy Hub – reward and recognition platform with peer‑to‑peer cards, monetary rewards, Employee of the Month and long‑service vouchers.
• Work‑life support – financial, mental and physical wellbeing support through teams and Hospitality Action.
• Employee communications – stay connected through Eden Engage.
• Growth opportunities – apprenticeships, leadership programmes like RISE & THRIVE.
• Family‑friendly policies – enhanced leave and return‑to‑work support for life’s key moments.
• Everyday essentials – free parking, meals on duty, uniform and footwear allowance.

Culture of Collaboration and Care

We work together to create an inclusive workplace where your voice matters and real change happens.

• Voice matters – regular surveys that value your input.
• Real action – “You said, we did” – because we listen and respond.
• Sustainability focus – employee champions at every hotel and HQ.

We’re proud members of the Hoteliers’ Charter, and our team is always at the heart of what we do, guided by our values of Heart, Honesty, Spirit and Team.

Our commitment to equity means we welcome talent from all backgrounds and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, parents, people living with disabilities and those bringing diverse perspectives. Join us to experience what it means to work for a values‑led, award‑winning employer.

Want to hear more about ‘Life at Eden’? Follow us on Instagram @ehcpeople