Morton Walker, 38, of Enys Road went into the Travelodge on Marine Parade, Eastbourne, in October last year and asked about a room.
He told staff he wanted to use a toilet but was told they were not for public use. Walker became infuriated and began to shout abuse at staff.
Walker told frightened female staff, "Go back to your own country."
He then added, "One day there will be a war and I'll come back and slit your throats."
Terrified staff called police and locked themselves in a back room as they feared for their safety.
Walker, who has a history of psychiatric illness, was arrested nearby.
Nigel Taylor, defending, said, "Mr Walker himself feels he has in the past been subject to racial aggravation - his family heritage means he has suffered this kind of abuse and so he has the ability to empathise.
"There was no violence used, just words or shouting, and this offence was not fuelled by drugs or alcohol consumption.
"The context against which this is set is that Mr Walker has suffered mental health troubles, and on this occasion he was having difficulties with housing.
Recorder Nigel Gerald told Walker, "This was unprovoked and involved completely innocent women who were trying to do their jobs and you left them very frightened".
Walker, who admitted racially aggravated threatening behaviour, was given an 18-month supervision order.