HotelChatter || Hotels and Social Networking :: Sketchy or Seriously Innovative?

We came across community and social media blogger Chris Brogan's discussion on social networking at hotels and we got to thinking about some of his points. Should hotels create their own online social networks? And what about hotels that carve out their own corner of social networking sites by creating MySpace or Facebook pages - what sorts of features do guests want to see from them?

First thing's first: hotels with their own social networks, a la Pod Hotel's Pod Community Blog where guests can post on a forum to find other folks to eat/drink/shop with during their stays.

What if every hotel had its own little social network like that? You know, an opt-in program for guests who are chillin' at, say, the X Hotel in Anywheretown who want to meet some other travelers? They create a profile and link up with people who share their interests or just want to grab a martini (or more, even). Cool? Or sketchy like a mom on Facebook? (No offense, Mom!)

And then we've got the MySpace and Facebook pages. When we "friend" a hotel on these sites - like Bryant Park on Facebook or any hotel on MySpace - what are we looking for?

We'll get it started: we'd love to see special rates and packages, cool photos or anything we can't get on the hotel's website. We want to be offered something exclusive on a hotel's social networking page in order to allow a hotel to enter our sacred friend collection.

While you're pondering both questions, check out some of Chris' points on hotels creating their own social networking sites -- he talks about how they should be monitored (yes), regulated (yes), and easy to use and even suggests incorporating some cool features like ride sharing. We think they're a neat idea as long as they are kept under control so they don't become a Craigslist-esque mess of 'casual encounters' personal ads.

So, what do you think? Is it a good idea for hotels to build their own social networks for guests whose stays overlap? And as for the hotels on those already-established sites, what are you looking for in a hotel Facebook or MySpace friend?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

0 Comments - Add Yours by Jenna