You got the collab. Woohoo! Now Let’s Talk About Hotel Etiquette
Hotel Etiquette for Travel Influencers: Navigating the Art of Collaboration
As travel influencers, as travel influencers, we get to experience one of the most amazing combinations ever—tourism, hospitality, and digital content creation. We're basically living the dream, exploring the world, and sharing our adventures to inspire others! But you know what? With this oh-so-privileged life, there's a teeny bit of responsibility too, especially when we're teaming up with hotels. 🌏✨
I'm gonna share some super essential, oh-so-important points of etiquette for you! Because I know you want to create awesome, meaningful and totally cool relationships with hotels.
As someone who's been both an influencer and the person organizing influencer trips behind the scenes, I've picked up so many tips and tricks along the way. I've figured out what works, what doesn't, and basically how not to mess things up when working with hotels. Trust me, first impressions matter, how you treat people matters even more, and realizing that you're an asset to the hotel—that's the cherry on top!
One thing that really needs to be said—I've seen some influencers treat hotel staff, like the receptionists, super rudely or act like they're the queen or king of the world. And some even take photos without asking other people in the shot if they're OK with it! 😳
Honestly, this kind of behavior? It's cringe. And trust me on this, people tend to remember stuff like that, and not in a good way. Plus, you literally never know whom you might run into at a hotel. So, keeping things professional and neat can really score you some major brownie points! 🍪💖
I mean, I've seen fellow influencers in action and sometimes, their attitudes and entitled behavior - yikes! 😬
Consider me your guide to not coming off like that. My mission is to get you to be the influencer that everyone wants to work with. So, buckle up for a fab ride towards a high-vibe and respectful travel influencing journey.
In the upcoming sections, you'll find some golden tips and strategies on how to handle different situations when working with hotels, and how to leave a lasting impression for all the good reasons. Let's get the good vibes rolling!
1. Communication is everything
So let's start with the basics: when a hotel gives you the thumbs up to host you in return for some fabulous promotional content (yay! ), it's time to work together on the details. Things like the length of your stay, content delivery expectations, and any special stuff they want to see upfront. But hey, don't go asking for the biggest and/or fanciest suite in the house, alright? I always just let them choose the room for me—it keeps things easy-breezy and hassle-free. 💕
Oh, and here's a lil' nugget of wisdom: when they ask about dietary restrictions, allergies, and all that jazz, make sure you let them know. It's a no-brainer, but seriously, you'll thank yourself later for giving them a heads up—it's all to make your stay comfy and cozy.
Now let's talk communication goals 101. Keep that convo game strong before, during, and after your stay. One of my fave things to do is giving a shoutout to those awesome hotel staff members that made my stay extra special in my thank you email. It really shows you were in the moment, making memories, and appreciated the little gestures. You can also mention them in your stories and posts. Moments like these can brighten up your content!
Speaking of the thank you email, don’t forget to send that along with a shared Google Drive folder, and stay connected on social media for future opportunities. You never know—keeping the love alive might just land you another invite or even a paid collab down the line!
Just remember: communication = the secret sauce to a fantastic partnership. Keep it friendly, timely, and genuine. 😊
2. channel your inner professional
I know, I know—we're all about living in the moment, going with the flow, and chasing adventures. But just humor me for a minute and treat your collabs with hotels like a serious business exchange. Because guess what? That's exactly what it is!
Just like any superhero, you have show up on time to save the day. Being punctual shows that you respect not only the hotel and its staff, but also the trust they've placed in you. Be it for your check-in, photo-shoot schedules, or meal timings - being on time can leave a strong impression.
Then, there are the deadlines. Remember those nifty little deets we worked out at the beginning? Yeah, don't forget to deliver your part of the agreement in a timely manner. It not only reflects your work ethic but also makes you reliable in the eyes of the partner. What I personally love to do is: every single day I take my photos all around the property, record my videos, and edit them all on the same day and add it to the folder before I go to bed. I do this because I like to be on top of it and it keeps the communication alive! 👌
And now, to the biggie: delivering what you promised. Maintain the integrity of your work and provide exactly what you committed to during your partnership. If you promised vlogs and social media stories, make sure to deliver high-quality engaging content that highlights your unique and genuine experiences. Never overpromise then underdeliver. That’s a big no no!
Also, quick note: never, ever forget the power of manners and a professional attitude! Saying "please", "thank you", being courteous, and respectful can go a long, long way. Nothing says professional like good manners, amirite? 😌 I hate to sound like a mom! But sometimes it just needs to be said. I’ve seen influencers act so disrespectful in front of the staff and it really breaks my heart.
Sure, the topic may sound all formal and stuffy, but guys—professionalism is a big deal. Respecting the collaboration and the hotel's trust in you not only protects and uplifts your reputation, but it could also open up doors for some really amazing opportunities in the future!
3. Respect Hotel Policies
This one is almost as important as rule number one. Because let's face it— without some boundaries, things can get a little chaotic.
Just like any other business, hotels have rules and regulations for a reason. Things like keeping down the noise after certain hours, limiting the number of allowed guests, and sticking to check-out times—it's all there to make sure everyone has a pleasant stay. So, as its VIP guest, you have to not only respect these policies but more importantly, be a role model for your followers. Lead by example, lovelies!
Let's not forget, the respect should extend beyond the policies to everything else at the hotel too. That includes being super courteous to the hotel staff, treating the amenities with care like you would at your own home. Remember, even though you're there on business, those creature comforts aren't yours to abuse. Treat 'em nice and they'll treat you nice in return! ✌️
Now, you might be thinking, 'Oh, it would be great to check in early and have a few extra hours at the hotel!' or 'Wouldn't it be nice to check out a little late and squeeze in a last-minute pool dip?' Let me tell you—go for it, babe! But and this is a big but, ensure you ask for these special requests ahead of time. Just as you have a schedule, so do hotels. They may be fully booked, or gearing up for a big event or a conference. You have to respect their timings too. So, always make a request well in advance—it’s not just courteous, but it also avoids any awkward last minute surprises!
4. Be Mindful of Your Influence
Whether you've got a following of hundreds or thousands, one thing's for sure: your voice has the power to inspire, to move, and definitely to influence. And with such power, comes great responsibility. To do what, you ask? Well, to provide an authentic and balanced portrayal of your hotel stay, for starters.
We've all got that creative flow to turn every experience into a vibrant masterpiece. But it's equally important to illuminate the aspects that make the hotel truly unique. Is it the quirky interiors? Or perhaps the sublime location? Could it be the warm and cordial staff? Dig in, dive deep, and truly explore what sets this place apart. This isn't just for your audience, but also a fantastic way to subtly celebrate the hotel and boost their brand. 😍
But lovelies, despite our bubbly tendencies, it's not always a bed of roses. Sometimes, things don't go as planned. And that's okay too! Mistakes happen, misadventures arise, and service standards can flicker. During those moments, keep it real with your audience. Share the less-than-perfect experiences just as you would share the amazing ones. Remember, authenticity is key! The more sincerely you represent your experiences, the more credible and relatable you become. 🌹
Don't forget: when you're teaming up with a hotel, you're essentially their brand ambassador. That's both an honor and a responsibility. So, let's use our platform not just to share our journey, but also to shed light on these fabulous places and their distinctive offerings. By being mindful of our influence, we can ensure a win-win situation—fantastic, authentic content for us and our audience, and well-deserved promotion for our hospitality partners!
5. Be Discreet
Discretion is key with hotel collaborations.
Just picture this: you're living it up, all set to capture your room tour video. Buzzing with excitement, you whip out your camera—but wait! Not everyone floating around the lobby or strolling by the poolside wants to play a cameo in your content. In the flurry of capturing the perfect shot, it's easy to forget that other hotel guests deserve their privacy, just as you do. So, when you're clicking away, make sure to be mindful of those around you—just remember the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated! 📸
One more thing I can't stress enough: posting in real time. While it might be tempting to instantly share that fabulous sunset shot from the hotel balcony, it's always better to keep your privacy—and safety—in mind. Things can get a little dicey, especially at smaller hotels or bed and breakfasts where it's easier to pinpoint your location. And trust me on this—I've had a creepy experience at a small boutique hotel, Granada Hotel & Bistro in San Luis Obispo (my favorite hotel in the entire world btw). One moment, I was posting real-time content, and the next moment, one of my followers literally drove past the place, not once but twice. As a solo traveler, it was rather unsettling.
It's not just about safeguarding our own privacy either. If you're traveling with companions—be it your boyfriend, your mom, or even your fur baby—we must respect their privacy and safety just as much, if not more. Always remember: when it comes to disclosing locations and travel details, it’s better safe than sorry! 💞
6. Acknowledge the Staff
Because where would we be without those incredibly hard-working souls making our stay oh-so-comfortable and memorable?
Running a hotel is no simple feat—it takes a whole team of dedicated staff members to make your experience truly unforgettable. If a staff member goes above and beyond to make your stay special, ensure you include their exceptional service in your review or content. A sweet shout-out goes a long way, both for the staff and for the hotel. So spread the love, my darlings! 💕📣
Oh, and guess what brilliant idea just crossed my mind—thank you cards! 💡✨Can you imagine the delight in their eyes when you hand over a heartwarming, written token of gratitude to those magical behind-the-scenes magicians? Trust me, that's a surefire way to make an outstanding impression. Just pop by your local Target and grab a pack of thank you cards—less than $10, and it'll last a good while! 💳💌
Heck, why stop at hotels alone? Take them wherever you go for flight attendants, service staff, and anyone who leaves a fantastic first impression. A touch of genuine kindness makes the world a better place, lovelies!
Now, back to the hotel staff: when creating your social media content—be it an Instagram reel, a TikTok, or a blog post—make it a point to mention the staff by name and highlight their exceptional service. Because a great review is something every hotel staff member truly values. So let's give them the accolades they deserve!
7. Express Your Gratitude
Never underestimate the power of gratitude, both to the hotel staff and to the establishment itself. A simple gesture—be it a handwritten note, a shout-out on your social platforms, or an email to the hotel management—can create a lasting impact, forging relationships built on warmth and appreciation. 💓🤝
Being a travel influencer in a hotel isn't just about enjoying the perks—it's a business exchange, demanding respect, good communication, and a sense of collaboration. The goal? To grow together, create breathtaking content, and assist the travel community in uncovering remarkable destinations one hotel stay at a time. 🌎🌟
Don't forget the final flourish—send a heartfelt thank you email to the hotel and share your content with them as promptly as possible. It's the cherry on top that seals a successful, memorable, and mutually beneficial collaboration! 🍒✨
I hope these tips help you make the most out of your hotel partnerships, my wonderful friend! Let's embark on this amazing journey with an open heart and a suitcase full of gratitude. Bon voyage!
