Jobs › Sonesta Hotels

Shuttle Van Driver

Sonesta Hotels · Chicago, IL · $17.40–$18.40 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your driving record and experience driving a van or larger vehicle.

What they are checking: Whether they are safe and qualified to carry guests, the most important part of this job.

Shifts start as early as 3:30am and run as late as 11:30pm, including weekends and holidays. Which can you work?

What they are checking: Whether they can reliably cover the hotel's early, late and holiday shuttle shifts.

Tell me about a time you went out of your way for a customer.

What they are checking: Whether they see the drive as part of the guest's stay, not just transportation.

What would you do

You are running late for an airport pickup because of traffic. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate with the hotel and guests instead of speeding to make up time.

A guest is rude to you because the shuttle was full and they had to wait. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay courteous under pressure and help solve the guest's problem.

The weather turns bad with heavy snow during your route. What changes in how you drive?

What they are checking: Whether they adjust for conditions in a Chicago winter and put safety ahead of the schedule.

A guest leaves a bag in the van. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they follow lost-and-found procedure and work to return items quickly.

About the work

What do you check on the van before your shift starts?

What they are checking: Whether they do a basic safety inspection every time rather than assuming the vehicle is fine.

What airport rules do you think a hotel shuttle driver needs to follow?

What they are checking: Whether they understand airport pickup zones and rules, which the posting mentions.

How do you help guests with heavy luggage safely?

What they are checking: Whether they protect both the guest and themselves from injury while loading and unloading.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Sonesta Hotels.

We’re People People. Are you? We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast 🚀). With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we’re everywhere our guests need us to be. But here’s the thing—we’re not just in the business of hotels, we’re in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting). What this role is all about The Van Driver (VD) operates the hotel van to and from guest destinations in a safe and courteous manner. Will be required to work mornings, evening, weekends, and holidays. Drivers are scheduled to work the following shifts: - 3:30 am - 9:30 am - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm - 4:30 pm - 11:30 pm What you’ll be doing DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : • Deliver on the promise of Sonesta Service in all interactions with guests and clients according to the Sonesta G.U.E.S.T. standards. • Respond to all guest requests for shuttle service in a prompt and courteous manner; assist guests with luggage while boarding and off-loading vehicle. • Operate vehicle in accordance with state laws; observe all airport rules pertaining the shuttle vehicles. • Explain and promote hotel facilities, outlets and services to guests and provide information regarding local attractions and activities. • Perform daily inspection of vehicles; take necessary action to correct deficiencies or unsafe conditions; keep vehicle clean and neat at all times. • Maintain vehicle mileage log. • Regularly inspect and clear hotel entrance and surrounding areas of litter and debris. • Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other shifts and departmental management. • Ensure guest special requests are fulfilled and proper delivery of guest services is delivered. • Ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws regarding health, and safety. • Perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS : • High School diploma or equivalent required. • One year of previous hotel experience, or retail customer service preferred. • Previous background from the extended stay industry preferred. • Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English; other languages beneficial. • Professional verbal and written communication skills. • Valid driver’s license required. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required. • Frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling, and moving about the facility. • Carrying, lifting or pulling items weighing up to 100 pounds. • Frequently handling objects and equipment. • Will be required to work mornings, evening, weekends, and holidays. Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information Pay Range $17.40 - $18.40 plus tips. Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills, and job specific experience/overall experience. Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including: • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance • Health Savings Account with Company Match • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match • Paid Vacation and Sick Days • Sonesta Hotel Discounts • Educational Assistance • Paid Parental Leave • Company Paid Life Insurance • Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance • Various Employee Perks and Discounts • Hospital Indemnity • Critical Illness Insurance • Accident Insurance Our Commitment to You Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Before You Apply To be considered, please complete the full application in addition to submitting your resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

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