Writing Expert Hotel Reviews: The Antidote to User Generated

Reviews

Jennifer Dombrowski@jdomb

Writing Expert Hotel Reviews• It’s valuable for you to write expert reviews• Tips for pitching• Contracts• Review checklist• At the hotel/resort• Creating engaging content• Monetizing your hotel reviews

The Traveler’s Multi-Channel Journey to Purchase

Social Media

Friends &

FamilyOnline

Print Media

BOOKING

Roughly 50% of global travelers do not book a room until they've read reviews online. 

Reviews Critical

Price Important

Experience Influences

Purchase Decision of Leisure Travelers

Pitching Tips

Research• In your audience’s price range? • New hotel openings or recently opened? Re-

openings?• Unique amenities?

No. No, no, no. NO.

Does anyone know of

hotels that work with

bloggers in Manila?

I’m going to Italy. Who

has contacts for hotels?

I want to stay in a really fabulous hotel in Paris with a view and I could never afford it on my own. What hotels are blogger friendly?

Find the PR Contact

Tailor Your Pitch• Visit the hotel’s press room• Tell why you’re a great match• Show your ROI• Be specific

Create a Review Checklist• Distance to airport• Transportation/Transfer/Shuttle• Parking onsite• Parking cost• Nearby things to do/restaurants• Appearance • Décor• Room condition/cleanliness• Room lighting• Number of electrical outlets

• Bathroom condition/cleanliness• Bathroom lighting• Electrical outlet in the bathroom• Water pressure• Bathroom amenities• Wi-Fi• Soundproof/noise level• Breakfast• Service • Area around the hotel

At the Hotel• Photograph your room immediately• Tour the hotel• Take notes• Document with photos and video• Be courteous of other guests when

photographing public areas

Monetizing• Hotel affiliates • Instagram takeovers• Selling photography to the hotel• Social media campaigns• Pitching freelance reviews and stories

Jennifer Dombrowski

LuxeAdventureTraveler.com

@luxeadventuretrvlr @jdomb