Tag: HotelChatter
View All TagsHotel Review Programs / ReviewerCard / HotelChatter / → All Tags
Does the Travel Industry Take "ReviewerCards" Seriously?
Today we received an Tnooz.com article about the "ReviewerCard" , created by an entrepreneur named Brad Newman who aims to appeal to those fond of analyzing restaurants, hotels and the like. Apparently this black card, when shown at your venue, is supposed to intimate to your host that you'll be checking them out pretty carefully and hope to receive "premium service".
We've discussed before when businesses try to solicit positive feedback on sites such as TripAdvisor, by offering complimentary stays or other discounts, and yet this particular card, has been called, as we've seen "The DoucheCard". So, what's the difference between being a card-carrying member stating upfront they're willing to provide good reviews for good service and being asked to do so from the business itself?
The story stirred up controversy, and Carla Caccavale, a hotel PR executive and brand strategist for TrustYou, mentioned in the story, broke it down. "These card holders threaten the truth and transparency of the online review world as a whole. It takes what used to be valuable feedback and makes it worthless. It enables businesses to purchase praise."
HotelChatter Questions / HotelChatter / Hotel News / Jaunted / → All Tags
Hotel Check-in Rituals, Revisited
Earlier this summer, we polled all of you on your check-in rituals, meaning the very first things you do after closing the door behind you in a new hotel room. Your answers were awesome (and eye-opening), spanning everything from scoping out the minibar to crashing for a power nap.
Well, we decided to similarly poll the contributors of our brother site, Jaunted.com to see how the frequent flyers think and discovered that, though everyone loves to have a nice bed in a new city, even seasoned hotel sleepers such as ourselves like to stick to our rituals.
The answers:
HotelChatter / Jaunted / VegasChatter / → All Tags
Who To Contact When You Have Hotel (or Vegas or Travel) News To Share
Just a friendly reminder here on Who to Contact at HotelChatter, VegasChatter and Jaunted:
HOTELCHATTER
· Tips[AT]HotelChatter[DOT]com: Please send all press releases, news, corrections, updates to Tips[AT]HotelChatter[DOT]com. Even though we do get a lot of spam and junk mail (no, we are not interested in buying a Role_X, Viagr@ or fertilizer), we actually manage to read all of these emails. Just a note: we do not publicize hotel management appointments so please don't send us those.
· Chanize Thorpe: From September to January 2013 while Juliana is on maternity leave, Chanize will be the site editor of HotelChatter. Based in the NY-area, Chanize is constantly traveling around the world checking out the hotel scenes big and small. Her specialty is the Caribbean but she can dish on what's what in Europe, Canada, Mexico and of course the U.S.
· Alex Schechter: Alex is our pavement-pounding assistant editor based in New York City. Got an NYC-related question or event? He's the guy you want to see.
VEGASCHATTER
· Tips[AT]VegasChatter[DOT]com: Please send all press releases, news, corrections, updates to Tips[AT]VegasChatter[DOT]com.
· Rebecca Frisch: Rebecca knows everything and then some about Vegas--from the inside workings of the hotels to the best routes to take to avoid Strip traffic--and it's this niche expertise that makes us grateful she's the editor of VegasChatter.
JAUNTED
· Tips[AT]Jaunted[DOT]com: Please send all press releases, news, corrections, updates to Tips[AT]Jaunted[DOT]com.
· Cynthia Drescher: Cynthia is the hard-working, jetsetting managing editor at Jaunted who is always connected--via email, Twitter, Instagram, etc--wherever she goes in the world (and she goes a lot of places.)
HotelChatter / → All Tags
If You Incorporate Hotel Key Cards Into Your Furniture, Then Why Not Write for Us?
HotelChatter is looking to hire some new contributors to write one or two posts daily. This is not a full-time nor a part-time job but there is pay. Maybe not enough to buy a house, but it can definitely score you some IKEA furniture to jazz up with hotel keycards.
So what and who are we looking for? First and foremost, we want web writers -- so if you have a Tumblr, Twitter feed, Pinterest or even an old school blog that shows off your love of hotels, please send it along. Heck, even if you are constantly updating your Facebook about your hotel stays, we wanna see that too.
Secondly, we're looking for far-flung contributors as we've got most of the major U.S. cities covered. So if you live in Toronto, London, Paris, Dubai, Buenos Aires, or anywhere in China, we're more excited to see what hotel observations you've got.
Last but not least, you must have a strong and entertaining voice. Let's face it, writing about hotels can get pretty rote but we make it fun. So peruse the site, take it in a bit, then go ahead and send us an email test post (instructions below).
This test post can be a brief review of one of your last hotel stays, or a timely hotel item -- again, let the site lead your way as far as subject goes.
Does this sound like something you might be down with? Read below for instructions on how to join our team of hotel nerds.
HotelChatter / Hotel Social Media / → All Tags
How to Find HotelChatter Wherever You Go
Yesterday we told you how you could find us (and hotels) on Instagram but in case you find it too hard to keep up with all the social media that's going on these days, allow us to make it easy for you.
Below are the following ways that you can keep up with us beyond reading our site and our newsletter. Stalkers totally welcome!
· Facebook: If you are on Facebook--and let's face it, who isn't?--then add us as a Friend. Remember, the person with the most friends wins!
· Twitter: Follow all of our exciting updates on Twitter. We tweet about our latest deals, the latest news, and our off-the-cuff reactions from inside hotels.
· Google+: We're tinkering with Google+ right now and we're finding it way more fun than Facebook. So add us to your circles (whatever those are) today!
HotelChatter / → All Tags
Job Posting: HotelChatter Seeking The Voice
HotelChatter is looking to hire a new Assistant Editor. This is a contract position with monthly pay and it requires that you grok hotels, dabble in HTML, can work independently, can work a digital camera, and know how to quickly research, write, and post a story.
Oh, and one more thing, you need to be located on the east coast, preferably, but not limited to, New York, Boston, or Washington DC.
What else are we looking for? We are looking for web writers -- so if you have a tumblr, twitter feed, or blog that shows your love for hotels, please send it along. Most importantly, you must have a voice. Peruse the site, take it in a bit, then go ahead and send us an email test post (instructions below). This test post can be a brief review of one of your last hotel stays, or a timely hotel item -- again, let the site lead your way as far as subject goes. Ok, so go ahead, we will turn our backs so we can't see your face, and swivel our chairs back around when we find the voice.
Below are instructions on how to join our team of travel seals...
HotelChatter Assistant Editor
We need a quick-witted editor to assist with the daily publication of HotelChatter. This person will be responsible for a small number of daily posts, should grok hotels, entertainment, travel, and the web.
You should also have a good eye for what is newsy and not be inclined to regurgitate the same old tired hotel story (i.e. "What a Blacklight Reveals in Hotel Rooms.")
Some techy skills are also required. HTML knowledge, a bit of Photoshop and general blogging skill are all expected. Please do not apply if you have no experience with blog writing, blog style or digital cameras.
HOW TO APPLY
Don't bother sending us resumes, yet. Just send a test travel blog entry (hint: use HotelChatter for voice ideas and don't send usual, dry travel writing stuff) to us at help[@]hotelchatter.com.
Please put "HotelChatter" as your subject line.
Please include your story inline.
HotelChatter / HotelChatter Meet-Ups / Social Media / Manhattan Hotels / Andaz Hotels / → All Tags
Do Drinks With HotelChatter Tomorrow Night at Andaz 5th Avenue
Picture this space with you, us, some drinks and gossip.
We're doing it again! After testing out our social skills with our LA meet up the other week, we've decided to step out in the Big Apple for another HotelChatter Meet Up. This time it's happening at the bar downstairs at Andaz 5th Avenue on Tuesday.
So if you love hotels, travel and drinking or if you just want the chance to say piss off hi to the HotelChatter team in person, come join us. We'll be Twittering our arrival and of course, our observations but don't worry, we won't make you use a hashtag or anything.
And while we haven't decided what we'll be wearing just yet, look for the drunks geeks hopping on the free WiFi with their gadgets. Hope to see you there!
HotelChatter / Social Media / HotelChatter Meet-Ups / Los Angeles Hotels / → All Tags
Today's the Day! Drinks with HotelChatter in LA!
Have you ever wanted to confront meet HotelChatter in person? Well if you're in Los Angeles today, Thursday, November 11, now is your chance.
We're holding a very laid-back meet-up at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza inside their sexy X Bar for anyone who loves hotels, travel and drinking. (Note: these are not mutually exclusive.) And the key word is casual. We'll be squatting in a corner area of the bar, drinking away and probably Twittering. But don't worry, we won't force you to use a hashtag or anything!
We've decided on a cheetah print shirt in honor of our favorite Jersey "Housewife" Teresa and we'll also have a stack of HotelChatter stickers next to us (Sorry, we couldn't get them in a scratch n' sniff variety.) But if you can't find us, just ask the hostess where the party is convening. So please say you'll be there! (And try not to flake. We know your game all too well, Angelenos.)
HotelChatter / Social Media / HotelChatter Meet-Ups / Los Angeles Hotels / → All Tags
Come Drink With Us in LA Next Week! (We Promise Not to Pull a Charlie Sheen)
Have you ever wanted to confront meet HotelChatter in person? Well if you're in Los Angeles on Thursday, November 11, now is your chance.
We're holding a very laid-back meet-up at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza inside their sexy X Bar for anyone who loves hotels, travel and drinking. (Note: these are not mutually exclusive.) And the key word is casual. We'll be squatting in a corner area of the bar, drinking away and probably Twittering. But don't worry, we won't force you to use a hashtag or anything!
And we promise to wear some identifiable piece of clothing or perhaps even carry a prop so you can easily spot us, but we're not quite sure what it will be just yet. Either way, it will be a great time for LA-area peeps to talk hotels. No reason why NYC should have all the fun! So please say you'll be there! (And try not to flake. We know your game all too well, Angelenos.)
HotelChatter / Hotel Social / Site News / → All Tags
HotelChatter Adds Foursquare and Twitter To Hotel Pages
Our mission is to always be on the case of where you should stay when you leave. For HotelChatter, that has always meant taking a unique, holistic view at the worldwide hotel scene. Our editors are constantly digging up deals, openings, tips, reviews and anything and everything to do with hotels in order to help keep you in the know.
Furthermore, our hotel mavens have always done their part commenting, reviewing hotels, sending us tips and photos, and some of these folks even graduate to become hotel spies (if you think you have what it takes, you know
Twitter and Foursquare Added To New Hotel Social Tab
Foursquare Tips Added To Reviews For Each Hotel
What We Have Found Using Hotel Social on HotelChatter
Want more?
Lately we have found that there is a ton of hotel information flowing on both Twitter and Foursquare. So of course, we did what any good publication would do and followed the story. As of today all of our hotel pages are sporting a new tab called Hotel Social. If you peek under this tab you will see any and all social info we have on that hotel. Basically, that means you will see the official hotel's Twitter feed, along with the @replies to said hotel, as well as the latest Foursquare check-ins and who the mayor of each particular hotel is.
If you are squarely in the camp of thinking this "social" stuff is for charlatans and ego-centrics, check this out: We have also added Foursquare tips under the Partner Reviews tab, where you can see what the folks who have been to the hotel say about each hotel the moment they hit "update" on their phones.
Already we have learned that more than one person thinks Aria has the best hotel WiFi coverage on the strips. Almost every Foursquare user who checks into a hotel in Vegas says that particular hotel has "the longest check-in line in Vegas" -- they are all long when the New York City flights land each day folks.
HotelChatter / HotelChatter Resources / → All Tags
Step Into HotelChatter's Resource Center
We have thousands and thousands of hotel stories here on HotelChatter but putting up 11 to 12 posts a day makes it hard for you dear readers to keep track of all the hotel news and information that passes through on the site. So we've decided to put our most important types of stories in one post here and we'll be updating this frequently. Think of it like your old high school library's resource center. But don't worry, we won't shush you.
Want something to be added to our resource center? Send us an email and let us know what you need.
WIFI GUIDES
· Where to Find Free WiFi in NYC
· Where to Find Free WiFi in Las Vegas
· Where to Find Free WiFi in London
Snapshot / Hotel Amenities / Hong Kong Hotels / Hotel Slippers / HotelChatter / → All Tags
Mickey Mouse Will Give You Free Hotel Slippers in Hong Kong
Thanks to Aileen for dropping this excellent snapshot (and many others) into the HotelChatter Flickr Pool. Now we know that when we check into the Hong Kong Disneyland's Hollywood Hotel, the in-room slippers are on the house! Got your own hotel snapshots you wanna share? Drop 'em in the pool!
