Hotel Calls Out “Influencer” For Asking For Free Stay, Bans All Bloggers

Hotel Calls Out “Influencer” For Asking For Free Stay, Bans All Bloggers

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I find this to be an interesting situation. Let me start by saying that I’ve been blogging full time for 10 years now. A vast majority of my travel is self-funded. Not once (at least that I can recall) have I reached out to a brand and asked for something for free in exchange for exposure. On some occasions, I’ve received things comped, though it’s extremely rare, and only when companies reach out to me, and I always disclose it. I’m fortunate that I have a business model that works for the blog, so free travel just isn’t what I’m after. I’d rather pay for my own travel and provide you guys unbiased reviews.

That being said, I do think it’s important to acknowledge that there are tons of influencers who are looking for free travel, and some even get paid by brands for featuring them. I don’t fault them one bit, because the reality is that companies are willing to spend tons of money to work with them. Personally I think companies somewhat overvalue the exposure, but the point is that this has become a pretty standard and legitimate thing, and many brands like when influencers reach out to them and propose ways to collaborate.

With that in mind, there’s an interesting and sort of crazy story of what unfolded between a Dublin hotel and an “influencer,” per the Independent.

It all started when The White Moose Cafe (which runs the Charleville Lodge Dublinshared the email they received from an influencer on their Facebook page:

Along with sharing the email, they wrote the following:

Dear Social Influencer (I know your name but apparently it’s not important to use names),

Thank you for your email looking for free accommodation in return for exposure. It takes a lot of balls to send an email like that, if not much self-respect and dignity.

If I let you stay here in return for a feature in your video, who is going to pay the staff who look after you? Who is going to pay the housekeepers who clean your room? The waiters who serve you breakfast? The receptionist who checks you in? Who is going to pay for the light and heat you use during your stay? The laundering of your bed sheets? The water rates? Maybe I should tell my staff they will be featured in your video in lieu of receiving payment for work carried out while you’re in residence?

Lucky for us, we too have a significant social media following. We have 186k followers on our two Facebook pages, an estimated 80k on our Snapchat, 32k on Instagram and a paltry 12k on our Twitter, but Jesus Christ, I would never in a million years ask anyone for anything for free. I also blog a bit (www.paulvstenson.com), which as far as I’m aware is another way of saying “write stuff on the internet”. The above stats do not make me any better than anyone else or afford me the right to not pay for something everyone else has to pay for.

In future, I’d advise you to offer to pay your way like everyone else, and if the hotel in question believes your coverage will help them, maybe they’ll give you a complimentary upgrade to a suite. This would show more self-respect on your part and, let’s face it, it would be less embarrassing for you. Here is a little video I produced which you may learn from: https://bit.ly/2mKTDTD

Best regards,

Paul Stenson
www.charlevillelodge.ie

P.S. The answer is no.

Obviously this created quite the controversy, and people had strong opinions about this. Both the influencer and the hotel received a lot of hate. This has led the hotel to post a follow-up, banning all bloggers from their business (apparently we’re all a single community, and based on what’s written, even bloggers paying to stay at their hotel aren’t allowed — oddly the owner says he’s a blogger too, so is he banning himself from his own hotel?):

**ALL BLOGGERS BANNED FROM OUR BUSINESS**

Following the backlash received after asking an unidentified blogger to pay for a hotel room, I have taken the decision to ban all bloggers from our hotel and cafe.

The sense of entitlement is just too strong in the blogging community and the nastiness, hissy fits and general hate displayed after one of your members was not granted her request for a freebie is giving your whole industry a bad name. I never thought we would be inundated with negative reviews for the simple reason that somebody was required to pay for goods received or services rendered.

The girl in question was never identified in my original post, but she herself went on to create a video explaining how she was “exposed” with “malicious intent” for asking for a freebie. This kind of victimization is very prevalent in the blogging industry, and is in keeping with their general modus operandi of wanting everything for nothing.

If any of you attempt to enter our premises from now on, you will be ejected.

Many thanks,

Paul Stenson
www.charlevillelodge.ie

P.S. Perhaps if you went out and got real jobs you’d be able to pay for goods and services like everybody else. Just a thought!

Meanwhile, the influencer posted a video on her YouTube page (since removed) sharing her embarrassment about the situation. In response the hotel posted this “House Of Influencers” video, mocking influencers:

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteMooseCafe/videos/2003460809934525/

I’m not really sure what to make of all of this. I guess we have to give the hotel credit for knowing how to get free publicity. Certainly, a lot more people know about the hotel than before. I can’t say it’s good publicity, but some would say that any publicity is good publicity.

Otherwise, I think the hotel comes across in a negative light. They could have just ignored the email or politely declined. Whether they like it or not, lots of brands are willing to work with influencers, and of course, it’s their prerogative not to. They didn’t need to shame the influencer in the way they did, and I get why she’s embarrassed.

What do you make of this situation?

Conversations (171)
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  1. Sharon Guest

    Yes, they did embarrass the person requesting the free room and they could have just ignored the blatent request for a free stay. But someone needs to call these entitled people out. Obviously their parents did not teach them the necessary social skills and how to develope a good work ethic.

  2. Anna Guest

    You know, I get it, travel is expensive and going someplace provides content.

    But there's a HUGE difference between asking for say, a weeknight in the off-season as a way to get to know the property and what she was asking for -- a five-night stay over a holiday weekend, for Christ's sake.

    Plus, this is a budget accommodation place; from what I could gather, they have a very limited number of rooms...

    You know, I get it, travel is expensive and going someplace provides content.

    But there's a HUGE difference between asking for say, a weeknight in the off-season as a way to get to know the property and what she was asking for -- a five-night stay over a holiday weekend, for Christ's sake.

    Plus, this is a budget accommodation place; from what I could gather, they have a very limited number of rooms and they started at $75 a night. She could afford to fly to Dublin but couldn't afford $400 or whatever for her accommodation? Seems to be working out for the hotel - they are booked solid through early 2024...

    It makes her look like a clueless idiot and does a disservice to other bloggers who are dedicated to creating great content for their subscribers/readers.

  3. Geeves Guest

    Influencer is a fairly new job title and I feel like a lot of people don't take it seriously. The hotel owner clearly has it out for bloggers and influencers in general. What he doesnt realize is that at the end of the day, it is a career. Whether or not she can afford the hotel is completely beside the point. Plenty of influencers who make 6 to 7 figures get comped stays. She was...

    Influencer is a fairly new job title and I feel like a lot of people don't take it seriously. The hotel owner clearly has it out for bloggers and influencers in general. What he doesnt realize is that at the end of the day, it is a career. Whether or not she can afford the hotel is completely beside the point. Plenty of influencers who make 6 to 7 figures get comped stays. She was not requesting that the hotel just give her a free stay, she was working for it by posting content promoting their brand to her audience. If the hotel wanted to take out an ad that would cost money. It's the same thing. I'm confused why people don't understand this. It's actually a much better deal for the hotel thus way because usually they would have to spend thousands of dollars and she was asking for a comped stay which doesn't cost them anything extra. They already pay their staff to run the hotel. So that was a silly comment.

  4. James Guest

    Jason could have just said no, but he had to get way up on his high horse. There is nothing wrong with making the offer, imo.

  5. Matt Guest

    I thought influencers earnt a lot of money, but can't afford to pay for valentines weekend with your boyfriend.

  6. Eve Guest

    As a influencer myself I still realize the hotels and everything have an expense. I also didn’t like how her letter came out as a free loader versus wanting a partnership. She basically states she and her partner want a free Valentine’s Day getaway on them. I mean what’s your man doing? And how would the company look supporting bs love? Would she state that her partner did not do anything for her and it was all credits to the hotel or what?

  7. Milo Guest

    All Credit to the Hotel. The level of self entitlement of a huge number of "Influencers" is shocking. Its the man's business he can respond how he likes...the influencer did, so how are the rules different for him.

    You only have one email to make an impression and to send a non personalised, obvious mail dump email is rude...Reap what you sow. You start with a name and end with either yours or your...

    All Credit to the Hotel. The level of self entitlement of a huge number of "Influencers" is shocking. Its the man's business he can respond how he likes...the influencer did, so how are the rules different for him.

    You only have one email to make an impression and to send a non personalised, obvious mail dump email is rude...Reap what you sow. You start with a name and end with either yours or your handle. I am yet to see, view, meet or read work from an influencer that isn't produced by anything other than a child with a camera.

    Influencer = Delusional Individual Playing Grown up but really just a child avoiding work getting a thrill from sheep fanning their ego.

    No value to the social fabric, my cat contributes more by catching rats in my neighbours garden. Social media is not so "social", it's simply modern day witch hunting.

  8. Vic Guest

    I'd drop them on their head if they asked for a room in exchange for "exposure" too, and the nasties coming to comment about them is only further proving that social influences are nothing but loudmouth babies.

  9. Dacy Guest

    Infuluence this!!!!! She's just a Total POS for asking.

  10. Dave Guest

    I'm with the hotel. That vlogger is a joke.

  11. Lex Guest

    I have to say whether or not you think she should get a stay in return for doing marketing for the hotel there ARE many hotels who do this and are famous BECAUSE they offer it. Therefore it’s not totally unreasonable for her to have sent a polite message asking them if they offer that. However, them making assumptions about her and being insulting was terriblle and deserved and angry reaction. Imagine if you asked...

    I have to say whether or not you think she should get a stay in return for doing marketing for the hotel there ARE many hotels who do this and are famous BECAUSE they offer it. Therefore it’s not totally unreasonable for her to have sent a polite message asking them if they offer that. However, them making assumptions about her and being insulting was terriblle and deserved and angry reaction. Imagine if you asked a hotel if they offered a complimentary breakfast because so many do and they responded similarly telling you you are entitled. Not offering it is their choice but they didn't have to be rude about it.

    1. Dave Guest

      It is totally out of line for this girl to ask for a free 5 night stay. What a joke.

    2. Milo'd Guest

      When you're right dave, you're right. Annoying freeloaders with Ego's or vanity that is simply rude. Send a generic unpersonalised emailed is simply insulting to the IQ of the reciepent.
      > No research on the hotel - Since the hotel has more followers.
      > No idea on the manager - "Hi There" just plain rude in my book. Don't know their name its "To whom it may concern" or something to at least...

      When you're right dave, you're right. Annoying freeloaders with Ego's or vanity that is simply rude. Send a generic unpersonalised emailed is simply insulting to the IQ of the reciepent.
      > No research on the hotel - Since the hotel has more followers.
      > No idea on the manager - "Hi There" just plain rude in my book. Don't know their name its "To whom it may concern" or something to at least represent social foreplay
      > Obvious BS on the hotel is Stunning - since its a mail merge
      > The Audacity to actually write she is freeloading - is a cheap get away with hubby at possibly a peak time for the Hotel

      Actually after all that I think your statement "Its a joke" encompasses all the above.

    3. Donna Guest

      Totally agree! Plenty of establishments partake in this practice, so it really didn’t need to be a whole big thing. The hotel could’ve have ignored the heck out of the email and she probably would still have booked her stay, paid for it and still give the free exposure! She would have had no other choice but to assume that they don’t do that kind of thing and move on. Shaming the influencer was unnecessary...

      Totally agree! Plenty of establishments partake in this practice, so it really didn’t need to be a whole big thing. The hotel could’ve have ignored the heck out of the email and she probably would still have booked her stay, paid for it and still give the free exposure! She would have had no other choice but to assume that they don’t do that kind of thing and move on. Shaming the influencer was unnecessary and distasteful. His response to say “get a real job,” is the equivalent of a freelance submitting a pitch to write for a big-name publication and being told to ‘eff off and get a real job.’ He simply didn’t have to be a d-bag about it.

    4. Chris Guest

      It’s a big difference for a paying guest to ask “Im a current guest in the hotel, do you complimentary breakfast, coffee, paper, internet …..” or whatever. The hotel would never go crazy in responding to a guest in their hotel.
      Now a freeloading influencer wanting something for nothing asking a 5 day FREE hotel stay - yea they had a right to respond as they did.

  12. acouplewithoutborders Guest

    I think that the hotel was way off base. When they are saying, "who would pay for...." This is something that would come out of their advertising budget. In addition, the stay isn't "FREE" for the influencer. If they are legitimate, they would be working for it! For the places we work with, we do SO much work that the exhange for a stay is really nothing. From blogs to videos, to stories, to corresponding...

    I think that the hotel was way off base. When they are saying, "who would pay for...." This is something that would come out of their advertising budget. In addition, the stay isn't "FREE" for the influencer. If they are legitimate, they would be working for it! For the places we work with, we do SO much work that the exhange for a stay is really nothing. From blogs to videos, to stories, to corresponding with followers asking questions, to posts, to our newsletters - we put our heart and soul into each place we work with. We thing what the hotel write was nasty in response to a letter to them that wasn't at all pushy. Well just our opinion!

    1. Dave Guest

      Laughing out loud! Grow up.

  13. DuaneB Guest

    millennials. I think the hotel should have chosen their words a little better, there was no reason to publicly humiliate the poor girls.

  14. Scalfold Guest

    I don't get why people are thinking the hotel is the bully here, the blogger took the emails and posted them publicly trying to make themselves appear as the victim and continue to take it out of context just because she didn't get her free stay. That's entitlement at its finest, and she's just using her fans to make a vendetta over it. She deserve's the loss she received as well as the dent its made on her true nature.

  15. truecent Guest

    influencers = shits of the world.

  16. Candy Guest

    He didn't have to be such an asshole as to tell them they have no self respect just for asking for a free stay. The influencer didn't sound entitled or pushy, they just asked politely. Like he could have just said NO, like a normal person. Then to go to the extent of banning all influencers/bloggers? Just cus he's butthurt because people told him he was overly rude to her? I'm not even on social...

    He didn't have to be such an asshole as to tell them they have no self respect just for asking for a free stay. The influencer didn't sound entitled or pushy, they just asked politely. Like he could have just said NO, like a normal person. Then to go to the extent of banning all influencers/bloggers? Just cus he's butthurt because people told him he was overly rude to her? I'm not even on social media but I would never stay at a place who speaks to someone like that just for asking POLITELY for something free.

  17. @danastargazertruitt Guest

    I definitely feel like the hotel responded in a very negative way, like you said they could’ve blown it off or politely said no thank you were not interested. Instead they acted like pricks and responded really unprofessionally. It’s that bad responsw that made them look even more like pricks . They blew it way out of proportion this is something that’s done every single day, and they just made themselves look bad not the...

    I definitely feel like the hotel responded in a very negative way, like you said they could’ve blown it off or politely said no thank you were not interested. Instead they acted like pricks and responded really unprofessionally. It’s that bad responsw that made them look even more like pricks . They blew it way out of proportion this is something that’s done every single day, and they just made themselves look bad not the blogger. As a blogger myself I have worked with plenty of hotels, Some I’ve reached out to and most of them to me, it’s just part of the business. Loved the post

  18. Tom Guest

    Since when did "influencer" become a "profession"?

    Whatever happened to real skills and crafts like cabinet maker, joiner, turner, welder, electrician, bricklayer plumber, .. .you know ... people that can actually do useful stuff that takes time, effort and determination to learn

  19. Lae Guest

    I’m surprised so many people still don’t understand how influencer marketing works. It’s not about generations or “snowflakes” whatever that means, it’s simply a marketing strategy. I use influencers for my business, and as an influencer I’ve reached out to businesses to offer my services in exchange for a discount.
    How do people not understand how value exchange works?

  20. Colin Guest

    Interesting story, thanks for sharing.

    Personally, I'd say she's done nothing wrong in asking. The hotel does nothing wrong in saying no.

    Where I would take issue is with the public shaming from the hotel, which, as the manager said, has a substantial social media presence. Isn't this just bullying? It's certainly unprofessional.

    If people think the blogger shouldn't have asked, that's fine to have that opinion. They didn't deserve such a...

    Interesting story, thanks for sharing.

    Personally, I'd say she's done nothing wrong in asking. The hotel does nothing wrong in saying no.

    Where I would take issue is with the public shaming from the hotel, which, as the manager said, has a substantial social media presence. Isn't this just bullying? It's certainly unprofessional.

    If people think the blogger shouldn't have asked, that's fine to have that opinion. They didn't deserve such a backlash when ignoring or just saying 'no' would have sufficed.

  21. Sandra Guest

    Welcome to the real world baby girl!

  22. Lucy Guest

    Unfortunately curiosity got me, and I clicked the link to visit the hotels web site. Let's just say after reading the arrigant splashes of crap about stuff- I wouldn't pay a penny to stay there. True narssasistic and revolting.

  23. Keida Guest

    **im talking about the bloggers that have come to the hotel. We sttrsct mostly the “luxury bloggers” as the hotel is a bit expensive. Most that I have seen with my own eyes have been arrogant and high maintenance and somehow the persona and writingonline doesnt fit with the real person that is faced in front of you.
    Example: on their reviews, they seem so pumped at stsying in the hotel and they are...

    **im talking about the bloggers that have come to the hotel. We sttrsct mostly the “luxury bloggers” as the hotel is a bit expensive. Most that I have seen with my own eyes have been arrogant and high maintenance and somehow the persona and writingonline doesnt fit with the real person that is faced in front of you.
    Example: on their reviews, they seem so pumped at stsying in the hotel and they are excited sbout everything but in real life, they look bored and unsatisfied.

  24. Keida Guest

    I am with the hotel on this one. I work in a hotel and we get emails like this all the time. We dont mind giving bloggers a free room if we have a lot of vacancies that day but most of them who have come to the hotel are areogant and show no interest in the hotel at all. Most dont listen as the amenities are being explained to them. But they do lesve...

    I am with the hotel on this one. I work in a hotel and we get emails like this all the time. We dont mind giving bloggers a free room if we have a lot of vacancies that day but most of them who have come to the hotel are areogant and show no interest in the hotel at all. Most dont listen as the amenities are being explained to them. But they do lesve smashing reviews and great pictures, mostly of themselves in some stolen totally “spontsneous” shot.
    Over the years, i have seen how superficial most bloggers are and their supposed high lifestyle that i cringe everytime i see one in the hotel. Our rooms start at 300usd so it is not a cheap hotel. Most bloggers that come to the hotel are young people who are concerned about their twitter and instagram following numbers. I think about other guests who pay 500usd per night who are well mannered snd bring more guests in by recommending the hotel to their friends and family and then i see a blogger strutting sround the hotel acting all rich and high maintenance (without paying a cent for the room) and being arrogant most of the time. I think its unfair to the paying guests. One time the reply we gave was something like: we have judt a few rooms left thst day and we can offer you a discount instead of a 100% free accommodation. Th reply we got was, no no no you dont understand, i was looking for a cooperation between us in exchange for your hotel being featured in my blog. She meant 100% free accommodation nothing less. We said no as we can sell the room anyway. I wish my boss would stop accommodating bloggers. But he is old and is easily impressed by the “genuine”photos bloggers post on their sites.

  25. Anastasia Member

    Wow. I don't think most of the commenters on here realize that the hotel owner created way more publicity than this girl could have given him by responding to her as he did and posting the letter. Everybody who's commenting or saying the'yll stay at this hotel now...are doing exactly what he wants, meaning his marketing plan is quite successful.

    I agree with Kay regarding the "real jobs" argument. Marketing and travel writing are...

    Wow. I don't think most of the commenters on here realize that the hotel owner created way more publicity than this girl could have given him by responding to her as he did and posting the letter. Everybody who's commenting or saying the'yll stay at this hotel now...are doing exactly what he wants, meaning his marketing plan is quite successful.

    I agree with Kay regarding the "real jobs" argument. Marketing and travel writing are both jobs, and definitely something hotels invest in (so yes, the marketing budget would be paying for her stay). However, it sounds like this girl is absolutely not a qualified travel blogger or someone who could bring the hotel any value. She clearly did not research the hotel before reaching out to them (they do their own marketing thing, clearly). She asked for what sounded like a personal stay on Valentine's day. She's a fashion/lifestyle trendsetter, not a travel trendsetter - different area. She offered nothing concrete regarding what would come out of the stay (what kind of story she'd write/video she'd make, how many, etc), which does make it sound like she's freeloading. And honestly - Universal Orlando? Who's she gonna ask for freebies next, Disney?

    In short, travel blogging and marketing are absolutely valid jobs. She is in neither.

  26. Insidious_Sid Guest

    So... people are trading positive reviews for free stuff and nobody takes issue with this... Says a lot about people these days, that does.

  27. Kay Guest

    This girl's reaction to the hotel calling her out is excessive, but I don't get the "real jobs" argument. She offered someone a service (marketing/advertising of their hotel) in exchange for compensation (free nights). That's capitalism, folks. Where do you all draw the line of a "real job"? I sit behind a computer all day at an office, is that a "real job"? She's clearly making money from all this stuff, doesn't that qualify as...

    This girl's reaction to the hotel calling her out is excessive, but I don't get the "real jobs" argument. She offered someone a service (marketing/advertising of their hotel) in exchange for compensation (free nights). That's capitalism, folks. Where do you all draw the line of a "real job"? I sit behind a computer all day at an office, is that a "real job"? She's clearly making money from all this stuff, doesn't that qualify as a "real job"? All of the push back against influencers feels very "get off my lawn". I never watch TV commercials, or read newspaper/magazine ads, or click on advertisements on Google. But clearly people do, because companies keep advertising in those channels. Instagram/youtube/whatever is the same.

  28. Kerry Gold

    *calling out that was meant to read

  29. Kerry Gold

    Lucky,

    The owner of this place has a habit of hilariously calling Doug specific groups who take themselves waaaay too seriously - it was (hilariously) vegans a couple years back:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-3293633/Cafe-owner-BARS-vegans-fury-Facebook-post.html

    That said, I am surprised you think he “shamed” this “influencer”. Her behaviour was shameful, asking for a free night at a busy time of year. She then exposed herself as the letter writer (he blocked out her details originally), so it’s...

    Lucky,

    The owner of this place has a habit of hilariously calling Doug specific groups who take themselves waaaay too seriously - it was (hilariously) vegans a couple years back:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-3293633/Cafe-owner-BARS-vegans-fury-Facebook-post.html

    That said, I am surprised you think he “shamed” this “influencer”. Her behaviour was shameful, asking for a free night at a busy time of year. She then exposed herself as the letter writer (he blocked out her details originally), so it’s hard to see what he’s done wrong except use a fairly acidic sense of humour to call out a group that was annoying him.

  30. Peter Stuvesant Guest

    The response from the White Moose Cafe was perfect and made my day.

    Telling that freeloader that wanted freebies "no" was excellent.

    Then she goes on camera with fake tears to talk about her devastation.

    I found her really irritating and I hope her blood shot eye is the start of a fatal stroke.

  31. Tom Guest

    I think @paulvstenson statement is wrong based on the "give a room for free" - online advertisement is never free and does carry the chance of engagement, not just reach (meaning people staying at your hotel because someone else's did)

    It's up to brands to evaluate $.

    i.e., @ChiaraFerragni staying at your hotel has an 8 million reach. Depending on conversions, that's WAY more than what you can get yourself. Given $1 CPM on Ads,...

    I think @paulvstenson statement is wrong based on the "give a room for free" - online advertisement is never free and does carry the chance of engagement, not just reach (meaning people staying at your hotel because someone else's did)

    It's up to brands to evaluate $.

    i.e., @ChiaraFerragni staying at your hotel has an 8 million reach. Depending on conversions, that's WAY more than what you can get yourself. Given $1 CPM on Ads, that's at least $8000.

    But yet @clodgehotel decided to ban all bloggers/influencers. It's nonsense and disrespectful. They could probably answered "no, sorry, your engagement/reach is under our own guidelines/statistics or does not comply with our standards" yet they preferred to be annoyingly rude.

    I just hope they don't get any more customers and end up having to close their properties.

    The "real jobs" argument is pure BS, and usually the argument jealous / unsuccessful-in-the-field people use. The guy's job is answering emails.

    SAY NO MORE.

  32. Sophie Guest

    Haha I love when hotels speak about their "real jobs" costs but never consider SEO, marketing, social media and mostly PHOTOGRAPHY with expensive material they never invested in as pure passion-not-worth-paying-for (i'm speaking about Paris, for example).. YEAH RIGHT

    Like they want to rank number 1 on Google without paying for SEO knowledge, get 10000 out of social network traffic for.. a free night ! and get the free use of what regularly sometimes be...

    Haha I love when hotels speak about their "real jobs" costs but never consider SEO, marketing, social media and mostly PHOTOGRAPHY with expensive material they never invested in as pure passion-not-worth-paying-for (i'm speaking about Paris, for example).. YEAH RIGHT

    Like they want to rank number 1 on Google without paying for SEO knowledge, get 10000 out of social network traffic for.. a free night ! and get the free use of what regularly sometimes be a professional shooting fee / use of pictures

    YEAH RIGHT.

    I love hotels, but they suck at paying for anything. Social media exposure can work too (or else), so this answer is just plain... uninformed.

  33. Emirates4Ever Guest

    LOL his snarkiness reminds me of the president of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary.

  34. Eye Doctor Guest

    EYES. wtf. no really. WTF?

    Girlfriend is a (not) hot mess. Those lips. Barf dot com.

  35. Iamhere Gold

    This guy is ridiculous. He thinks because of the number of followers he has he is entitled to a free stay. The hotel provided him an excellent reply, although it could have been written more professionally. The use of some of the words was not very professional and slang.

    While Lucky's travel is self funded, he is paid by advertisers and some of his articles are biased toward such advertisers. We have seen comments...

    This guy is ridiculous. He thinks because of the number of followers he has he is entitled to a free stay. The hotel provided him an excellent reply, although it could have been written more professionally. The use of some of the words was not very professional and slang.

    While Lucky's travel is self funded, he is paid by advertisers and some of his articles are biased toward such advertisers. We have seen comments on credit card offers, for example, where in actuality what the article claimed did not make much sense for the way most people earn and spend their points and it was commented that he is paid for it. One piece of advice I would give is to consider how the average reader will earn and redeem points. Not everyone is in a position as you are in who are doing it for the blog!

  36. Alex Member

    I am absolutely with the hotel!

  37. stvr Guest

    @Joe at the time it seemed relatively out of character. It doesn't anymore. That said, I think Benny deserves his success.

  38. Christoffer Guest

    I fully agree that this was way over the top from the hotels side. Ok, so maybe you [hotel owner] don’t like the idea of marketing through social media other than your own thousands of followers, but no need to shame someone. How is that any different from any other marketing / collaboration stunt.
    “Who’s going to pay the staff who look after you” - eh...you are?! It’s called sponsorship... and if you don’t...

    I fully agree that this was way over the top from the hotels side. Ok, so maybe you [hotel owner] don’t like the idea of marketing through social media other than your own thousands of followers, but no need to shame someone. How is that any different from any other marketing / collaboration stunt.
    “Who’s going to pay the staff who look after you” - eh...you are?! It’s called sponsorship... and if you don’t want to collaborate, just politely say no thanks, or don’t respond at all.
    Of course we can have a healthy debate around using your ‘fame’ to get something, but still...it’s for sure a hotel I’ll never stay at!

  39. Paul Member

    Lets be honest, the majority of travel bloggers are credit card peddling whores. Many “recycle” posts from each other (ie: “a tip of the hat to...) which reduce the value. It’s a very crowded marked with limited fresh news, so some will stoop to any level. Her efforts are not surprising and is reflective of the stink that is on all bloggers-deserved or not.

    1. lucky OMAAT

      @ Paul -- 99% of "travel bloggers" have nothing to do with miles, points, or credit cards. I think you're making assumptions based on the miles & points corner of the internet, which in no way reflects the travel blogging "industry" at large.

  40. Jason Guest

    It reminds me of the blogger on the boardarea bad mouthing a rental car after she revelaed that she is a blogger but did not get free upgrade and had to pay for penalty like everyone else. I stopped going the her blog the first character of the blog starts with M. Yeah, she often advertised resort with the free stay.

    The hotel is doing the right thing.

  41. Bob New Member

    Ha Ha Ha! I’ll definitely visit this establishment next time in Dublin. Hope they have a room available for a paying customer.

  42. Renny C Guest

    I’m more disgust with the hotel response! So unprofessional and in a bullying kind of way. Shame on you. Would not stay in your hotels even if I was paid to do so.

  43. CaveDweller Guest

    I do a lot of Homework 50% from the blogs and IF I can find an x local the better then go.If he can do it FINE lots of hotel rooms MT but staff told me all Full.
    CHEERs

  44. richinaz Gold

    This is relevant.

    https://theoutline.com/post/2978/these-are-the-people-paying-journalists-to-promote-brands-in-articles?zd=1


    Welcome to the dubious new world of payola journalism, where publicists like Prokopi have carved out a niche arranging undisclosed payments to financially strapped reporters and bloggers in exchange for friendly media coverage of clients. If you want to understand the vulnerable state of the news industry, don’t just consider the thinning newsrooms of national publications — look at the writers who are being paid to plug brands on...

    This is relevant.

    https://theoutline.com/post/2978/these-are-the-people-paying-journalists-to-promote-brands-in-articles?zd=1


    Welcome to the dubious new world of payola journalism, where publicists like Prokopi have carved out a niche arranging undisclosed payments to financially strapped reporters and bloggers in exchange for friendly media coverage of clients. If you want to understand the vulnerable state of the news industry, don’t just consider the thinning newsrooms of national publications — look at the writers who are being paid to plug brands on sites like Forbes and the Huffington Post.

  45. Meg Guest

    Much prefer real traveler reviews over ones that are given because they are comped. It’s the worse part of Social media - “paid” reviews - not worth the time to read them. So many fake reviews out there! I stay away from companies if I smell a paid review.

  46. Meg Guest

    Much prefer real traveler reviews over ones that are given because they are comped. It’s the worse part of Social media - “paid” reviews - not worth the time to read them. So many fake reviews out there! I stay away from companies if I smell a paid review.

  47. DaveS Member

    I would probably seek out that business after seeing all this. They seem like people with a distinctive sense of humor who have a unique business promotion model. They did not identify this blogger by name, which would have been in questionable taste, but highlighted a legitimate issue.

    I do not blindly trust anything written by someone who is compensated for writing it, but straightforward advertising materials published by a business at least are...

    I would probably seek out that business after seeing all this. They seem like people with a distinctive sense of humor who have a unique business promotion model. They did not identify this blogger by name, which would have been in questionable taste, but highlighted a legitimate issue.

    I do not blindly trust anything written by someone who is compensated for writing it, but straightforward advertising materials published by a business at least are subject to certain legal requirements; "influencer" bribes resulting in fake news social media "reviews" are not.

  48. Neo Guest

    Kudos to the hotel. I am far more likely to stay at a place, where the person at the restaurant table next to me isn't trying to upload the perfect shot for Insta, and isn't preening around the reception area, trying to take the vid or waving their selfie stick around.

    There's something to be said for moments that are shared with those people in the immediate vicinity at the time - it's called vibe....

    Kudos to the hotel. I am far more likely to stay at a place, where the person at the restaurant table next to me isn't trying to upload the perfect shot for Insta, and isn't preening around the reception area, trying to take the vid or waving their selfie stick around.

    There's something to be said for moments that are shared with those people in the immediate vicinity at the time - it's called vibe. These Insta stars aren't actually fully present in the moment, instead trying to share some filtered version of it to a nameless clutch of followers who aren't even there.

  49. Evan Guest

    You live by the sword you die by the sword. Enter the world of being an "influencer" at your peril.

  50. Tushar Gogia Guest

    The hotel has every right to refuse the influencer but to judge her an make themselves feel high and mighty is a tad but much. It seems like they were looking for the free publicity more than she was for a free stay.

  51. Veit Guest

    Dear Ben,

    you say:
    "I’m not really sure what to make of all of this"

    why not?

  52. Petter Niklas Guest

    ringingup - reas before you comment..

    Paolo - did she disclose which street corner she was working?

  53. Bobby Guest

    THOSE EYES! What the heck is up with those eyes? Pink eye? Eye disease? I just had my dinner. Seeing those red irritated eyes (matching the irritating personality, mind) made me ill.

  54. Richard Guest

    I think I will continue to post reviews on TripAdvisor. I do ask for the "benefits" associated with the loyalty programs such as the upgrade or the fruit or the breakfast. The current Club Carlson hotel indicated the benefits are provided "on request". End result a newly renovated room on the highest floor with free water.

  55. John Guest

    I have 290 followers on Instagram I think I would be lucky to get a free slice of lime in a drink

  56. Alain Guest

    The Hotel has it way wrong in this case! I would expect a slightly more gentile approach to declining a humble and legitimate request. Typically, in the hospitality industry, you wouldnt expect such a harsh and dismissive response. There is a certain old world charm and gentlemans/lady etiquette that exists amongst Hospitality suppliers and I actually think this hotel lacks class. I would definitely not want to be their guest nor need to deal with...

    The Hotel has it way wrong in this case! I would expect a slightly more gentile approach to declining a humble and legitimate request. Typically, in the hospitality industry, you wouldnt expect such a harsh and dismissive response. There is a certain old world charm and gentlemans/lady etiquette that exists amongst Hospitality suppliers and I actually think this hotel lacks class. I would definitely not want to be their guest nor need to deal with them if I had potential business to bring them!

  57. Ryan Gold

    @T exactly cant agree more on the EK F douche, exactly -0- of his “followers” can afford a ticket on EK in F. Most could t even decorate their parents basement to look like an EK suite so no idea why they fell for that nonsense.

  58. T. Member

    For this alone I would want to stay at this hotel when I am in the area! Good for them! And very smart way of them to get publicity without so-called "influencer" or rather - at that "influencer"'s expense (I even hate that word - "influencer"; really - who do they "influence??)
    I've noticed it's especially prevalent in the US - looking up to so-called "celebrities", "influencers", "VIPs". It's less so in Europe; most...

    For this alone I would want to stay at this hotel when I am in the area! Good for them! And very smart way of them to get publicity without so-called "influencer" or rather - at that "influencer"'s expense (I even hate that word - "influencer"; really - who do they "influence??)
    I've noticed it's especially prevalent in the US - looking up to so-called "celebrities", "influencers", "VIPs". It's less so in Europe; most people just shrug.
    Anyway, my point is - kudos to the hotel, and I will be on lookout for such places to give my business to.
    It brings me back to that weird guy "playing" in Emirates F. Perhaps Emirates think of it as free publicity but if anything it makes me personally less likely to choose Emirates (and I was their regular paying customer). I hope (for their sake) their 'free publicity' outweighs losing customers who are turned off by that.

  59. Mark Guest

    That girl shoud get a real job. What a brat.
    Although i think the first response from the manager was in place, the rest was unproffesional.

  60. Victoria Abdul Guest

    Holy shit Lucky, you have an ignorant audience.

  61. ryan Gold

    I watched that "influencers" video...I am now dumber for watching that and wish I had those 16 minutes of my life back. What a useless self absorbed twat. Oh and for the 22 year old just trying to make a living by "influencing" she might want to learn that those evil 30 year old people who you denigrated are the ones who actually have money to pay for things at the places you want free...

    I watched that "influencers" video...I am now dumber for watching that and wish I had those 16 minutes of my life back. What a useless self absorbed twat. Oh and for the 22 year old just trying to make a living by "influencing" she might want to learn that those evil 30 year old people who you denigrated are the ones who actually have money to pay for things at the places you want free stuff from, which is what a competent marketing person would recognize as a "target market".

  62. happyflighting Guest

    I firmly believe that social media exposure is a valid form of marketing service that should be appropriately compensated - which might be through complimentary goods/services.

    I also firmly believe that any "influencer" who tries to sell their marketing service where there is clearly slim to no chance of benefit to the party they are soliciting really needs to take a step back. Such is the case here.

    This girl is a vlogger who's...

    I firmly believe that social media exposure is a valid form of marketing service that should be appropriately compensated - which might be through complimentary goods/services.

    I also firmly believe that any "influencer" who tries to sell their marketing service where there is clearly slim to no chance of benefit to the party they are soliciting really needs to take a step back. Such is the case here.

    This girl is a vlogger who's audience is either mostly or completely made up of people who will never be in a situation to consider staying at this hotel. The fact that she expects multiple night compensation during a peak time of year to have a vacation with her boyfriend in exchange for "exposure" via her social media is nuts. Essentially the "price" she is requesting for her "marketing service" [exposure] is outrageously high given that it is nearly inconceivable that the hotel would ever gain any benefit that would come close to justifying the cost of comping the stay. Plus this is a peak time when they would likely be displacing a revenue customer to make room to comp this girl.

    Was the hotel manager's response rude? I think so. But they didn't call her out by name so it was not a personal attack, it was a commentary on a particular phenomenon. The girl's response video was a personal attack on the hotel manager.

  63. Stuart Diamond

    I personally thing this hotel was brave and amazing in their response. Will they take heat? Yes. But someone had to do it. Bloggers today (many anonymous unlike Ben) attempt to control our opinions for personal gain. I personally applaud her for taking a stand. And perhaps sending a message that the opinion of one person with a phone and some lighting does not constitute the right to demand free and disrespect actual work.

  64. MeanMeosh Guest

    I find most of these "influencers" (Casey Niestat, et. al.) supremely irritating. Their "reviews" either consist of juvenile stunts, or some useless puff piece bought with a free stay. They have zero influence on any of my purchasing decisions whatsoever. If anything, I'm less likely to patronize a business that beclowns itself by buying these fake reviews.

    Back to the issue at hand - this to me looks like a spam job by the influencer...

    I find most of these "influencers" (Casey Niestat, et. al.) supremely irritating. Their "reviews" either consist of juvenile stunts, or some useless puff piece bought with a free stay. They have zero influence on any of my purchasing decisions whatsoever. If anything, I'm less likely to patronize a business that beclowns itself by buying these fake reviews.

    Back to the issue at hand - this to me looks like a spam job by the influencer with no real attempt at actually researching the place first (I don't work in the hotel business, but the script looks very similar to the countless spam e-mails I get daily from people trying to sell me things). Looks like this guy's shtick is counter-trolling people he finds annoying. You poke the bear, don't be surprised when you get eaten...

  65. John M Guest

    I'm 100% behind the hotel. I made sure not to click on the play button of the "influencer's" video for fear of driving any revenue or traffic to her. The sight of those collagen lips is enough to repulse me, thank you very much.

  66. Potato Guest

    I thinking about being a reverse-influencer. No Youtube account. No blog. No Snapchat. No social media. Invite me ... for free ('duh) ... and I won't make silly video views or badly photographed reviews of your place.

  67. GT Traveller Guest

    Paul Stenson, you have a new number one fan, great response!

  68. Suzanne New Member

    She's a freeloader who would have been better of asking for free eye drops or else she may not experience the Valentines Day she is seeking!

    Good for the owner for calling out a scrounger. Why should she even care if she's so tight with a Universal Orlando?? LOL!!

  69. js Member

    "Last year I worked with Universal Orlando in Florida and it has been amazing for them".

    I burst out laughing! Hahaha. Like they will ever need her. And how ignorant does she think people in Ireland are, that they won't know about Universal Orlando?

    I wonder how many bloggers did the hotel person ignore, before he chose to reply. Doesn't matter though. I think he is right, even she is the first one.

    And...

    "Last year I worked with Universal Orlando in Florida and it has been amazing for them".

    I burst out laughing! Hahaha. Like they will ever need her. And how ignorant does she think people in Ireland are, that they won't know about Universal Orlando?

    I wonder how many bloggers did the hotel person ignore, before he chose to reply. Doesn't matter though. I think he is right, even she is the first one.

    And then she exposes herself! omg! A freeloader, and stupid. Did she actually think that the repercussions would be in her favor? All she proved was that she is ignorant who can shed crocodile tears.

  70. Shannon Guest

    I will give the owner a thumb up to stick to the value the cherish. That video from the blogger is terrible...the pink eyes is an eye sore...lack of self respect to just to vent out .

  71. thomas Guest

    I'm surprised so many people are defending the "influencer"... but then again maybe I shouldn't be in this snowflake society.

  72. cls Guest

    She's just some kid looking for a freebee, nothing more. The hotelier was well within his rights. She comes across looking like a spoiled snowflake, which is what she is.

  73. Paolo Diamond

    Ghastly woman, shrieking and moaning for being called out over her corruption. In many places this is called "cash for comment" ( or kind if not actual cash). Isn't it illegal? Certainly unethical, immoral, sleazy, sly , manipulative, duplicitous. And yet she moans? Defies belief.
    Probably just the tip of the iceberg.
    Who on earth would be silly enough to be influenced by this creep?

  74. Chris Jensen Member

    Oh, like, boo hoo, like, boo hoo, like, I'm sooooo wonderful, and, like, I'm so young and pretty, and like everyone always gives me everything, and I'm soooo emotionally torn, like, I cannot POSSIBLY live like this ..... what a dipshit child. The people that reared this entitled brat should be rolling their eyes and covering their faces in embarrassment. I wonder if she blogs for free rent, food, metro, etc. And of course, as...

    Oh, like, boo hoo, like, boo hoo, like, I'm sooooo wonderful, and, like, I'm so young and pretty, and like everyone always gives me everything, and I'm soooo emotionally torn, like, I cannot POSSIBLY live like this ..... what a dipshit child. The people that reared this entitled brat should be rolling their eyes and covering their faces in embarrassment. I wonder if she blogs for free rent, food, metro, etc. And of course, as has been said so many times already, GET A JOB. Learn to pay for your life and be responsible for the first time, you phony loser. "Media influencer", indeed.

  75. Nrglobal Guest

    The hotelier could simply have politely declined the proposal. I certainly would not want to stay in such a rude person’s hotel. I wonder how he deals with his guests requests that he does not like ?

  76. George Hamor - use my initials only if post is published Guest

    What has society got to when a 22 yr old girl with no brains, a fat lip and a red eye can call herself an "influencer" and actually call it a business? Who on earth would pay her a salary/income unless she survives with all the freebies she can con out of people stupid enough to read a garbage blog as hers.
    I would go to the hotel just to shake Mr Stenson's hand.

    GH

  77. schar Guest

    ugh "influencers" are the worst.

  78. Joe Gold

    @stvr. Did a quick google search of said stay, read the review and the comments below, including yours. Doesnt seem conclusive as to if he e-mailed them or they reached out (I'd be willing to conclude he reached out given that this seemed last minute with all other hotels sold out, lest he say otherwise) but regardless, how is it that almost 7 years later this is something you remember?

  79. Mike Guest

    How many bloggers say give me freebies and get positive reviews AND if deny me freebies get negative reviews. I bet a bunch. Like pushing credit cards. Gotta think past the influencer.think for yourself.

  80. Regina Guest

    BRAVO to the hotel!! I'm so sick of these fake people infesting social media with their #ads and #sponsortedposts - pay your way or travel hack like the rest of us!

  81. Cosmik Guest

    As a musician who is tired of being asked to give away what I do for "exposure", I'm right there with the hotel.

  82. WGC4 Guest

    The “influencer” obviously did no research on the hotel first. The owner is justly famous (notorious?) for his social media posts. He goes after various groups; vegans, Brazilians and others in an over the top, generaly humorous, manner. They’re fun to read.

    “Influencer” just provided him with an obvious target. He runs a business, he doesn’t do it for free. But he does know how to get extensive media attention and publicity for free. As...

    The “influencer” obviously did no research on the hotel first. The owner is justly famous (notorious?) for his social media posts. He goes after various groups; vegans, Brazilians and others in an over the top, generaly humorous, manner. They’re fun to read.

    “Influencer” just provided him with an obvious target. He runs a business, he doesn’t do it for free. But he does know how to get extensive media attention and publicity for free. As this proved.

    He didn’t identify her, she did it herself. And she did this to herself.

    One of the reasons I look forward to Ben’s blog is I know they’re not paid for by whomever he’s reviewing. Not to mention they’re highly informative and readable.

  83. HC Guest

    Ugh, is there anything worse than YouTube drama?

    Look, these days any business owner has plenty of stories of being asked for free product by someone promising to pay for it with "exposure". I recently heard about someone asking a high profile wedding photographer for FREE wedding photos in return for giving her "credit" when the photos get posted on Instagram. Asks like that are insulting and not worthy of a response.

    Now, that's...

    Ugh, is there anything worse than YouTube drama?

    Look, these days any business owner has plenty of stories of being asked for free product by someone promising to pay for it with "exposure". I recently heard about someone asking a high profile wedding photographer for FREE wedding photos in return for giving her "credit" when the photos get posted on Instagram. Asks like that are insulting and not worthy of a response.

    Now, that's not to say companies don't engage in "influencer marketing", but there's a big difference between a company seeking out someone they want to work with and fielding unsolicited asks for free product.

    Those comments saying the vlogger is entitled get free perks because developing content and a following is hard work are wrong. This is a perfect example of why affiliate relationships exist. The vlogger could pay for the hotel, review it, and collect whatever affiliate income she can generate by sending her followers there. If that amount isn't greater than the cost of the room, then she doesn't actually have the "influence" that she thinks.

  84. Robert Member

    I have worked for 3 international airlines and 1 hotel. In the industry, we all look out for each other, or did in my day, and we would always try to upgrade our fellow colleagues. But it got tiring to keep asking for free stuff, discounted rooms or airfare, so I eventually bought and paid for everything I used.

    I am pretty sure in this day and age of all of these bloggers and...

    I have worked for 3 international airlines and 1 hotel. In the industry, we all look out for each other, or did in my day, and we would always try to upgrade our fellow colleagues. But it got tiring to keep asking for free stuff, discounted rooms or airfare, so I eventually bought and paid for everything I used.

    I am pretty sure in this day and age of all of these bloggers and influencers asking for freebies, that perhaps this hotel owner had just about had enough when her request came along. I used to visit travel agencies as part of my job. Once, along time ago, an agent asked me to upgrade the owner of (fill in the blank, baseball team). I just stared at her and asked her this person deserved a $7000 present? She was stunned at my answer, obviously always getting something for nothing for her clients. I told her that this owner had enough money to outright buy the airline and I was not going to give him something for free just because he is who he is. She then taunted me with a statement that he gets these upgrades on (name your least favorite domestic US carrier) and I said, great, get him a ticket on that carrier.

    The hotelier is right in that who is going to pay his staff and expenses if he is constantly giving away his product. How many times do we see homeless people on the sidewalk begging for a handout. I always think to myself, if I gave every homeless person I see some money, I will soon be on the sidewalk with them. At some point, the madness has to stop and I can see why this hotelier went to the lengths he did.

    PS there is no guarantee that this blogger would ever write or post anything about his hotel, so it is also a chance he is taking, without a contract etc.

  85. con Guest

    1. A lot of people are missing the point that the girl was never identified first and foremost. Some of her followers had suspected it was her, so they had inquired with her, which resulted to her admission in her allegedly monetized "i was exposed" video (imagine how many curious people have clicked to see her video. kaching). True to being an "influencer", her "angels" had been influenced to retaliate against the manager and the...

    1. A lot of people are missing the point that the girl was never identified first and foremost. Some of her followers had suspected it was her, so they had inquired with her, which resulted to her admission in her allegedly monetized "i was exposed" video (imagine how many curious people have clicked to see her video. kaching). True to being an "influencer", her "angels" had been influenced to retaliate against the manager and the hotel because they saw her upset and here we are.

    2. The banning of bloggers is, if you read the manager's announcement, exaggerated sarcasm. He has admitted to doing blogging as well, he's taken his staff to Disneyland, accompanied by a vlog. It's just another way of saying if you're that type of person, you're not welcome there.

    3. The email was sweet but had subtle arrogance. The girl overestimated her value. 80k subscribers... of how old? of how many would be traveling to Dublin? It wasn't even along the lines of asking for a discounted rate or a private tour of the hotel for pictures, it was blatantly asking for a free 5night accommodation.

    4. the bigger picture, he probably just wanted to send a reality check for all these false advertisers, that he has to deal with regularly; these people who cast a facade of being a relatable guy / girl, on a holiday, just living the hashtag blessed life. It's modern advertising, but it doesn't mean businesses have to subject themselves to it or people have to consume it.

  86. Mark Guest

    Maybe the hotelier should have countered an at cost rate in return for influencing ?

    LOL.

    The first post by anon just emphasizes the idiocy of some. Can't even provide your name? Coward.

  87. LMR Guest

    PR person here who gets lots of requests like these from "influencers." They have become an entitled bunch of demanding assholes who want the world in exchange for "coverage." Add to it that the worst of the bunch buy fake followers and try to use them to justify why they should get what they're asking for. As you saw in the influencers letter, she began with her follower count. I haven't run an audit on...

    PR person here who gets lots of requests like these from "influencers." They have become an entitled bunch of demanding assholes who want the world in exchange for "coverage." Add to it that the worst of the bunch buy fake followers and try to use them to justify why they should get what they're asking for. As you saw in the influencers letter, she began with her follower count. I haven't run an audit on her (what smart PR people do), but I'm sure her numbers aren't what she's claiming.

    Nonetheless, the smart thing to have done was to find out about the hotel first before approaching them. As in actually read through their Facebook and other social media sites to get a good sense of who they're approaching. Had she done that, she might have saved herself some embarrassment and realized this, perhaps, wasn't her best target.

    Publicly shaming her online may have been harsh. But remember, we used to put people in a pillory before we had the internet.

  88. Scott G New Member

    Those of you here who mentioned the hotel's sense of humour are correct. I personally like their snarky approach. The young lady's whiny response was the wrong way to attack this. If she could've out-thought the hotelier I bet she'd be staying their for free right now. Or maybe I'm giving him too much credit.

    Free stay for your Valentines holiday? I don't think so.

  89. Steven M Guest

    "The requested stay is clearly for a private purpose (‘valentines day’) and as such the ‘bloggers/influencers’ should pay themselves."

    Exactly right.

  90. WilliamC Guest

    What kind of schlepp would be influenced by this idiotic woman/drama queen?

    Honey, go celebrate your Valentine's Day at the Holiday Inn. No one cares.

  91. Eileen Kerrigan Member

    LarryInNYC: "While I’m instinctively repelled by the word “influencer” -- OH, DEAR GOD, YES!!! A THOUSAND TIMES YES!!

  92. Dan Guest

    The influencer economy is already taking a hit, as the numbers mostly show a fairly dismal return rate with that marketing approach. AA dumping Niestadt was mostly the result of poor return numbers (although his obnoxious behavior didn't help).

    So was this innkeeper a little saltier than necessary? Yeah. But he's also spot on with his skepticism of the value "influencers" provide.

    And that includes folks like Lucky ;)

  93. BKT New Member

    Am I the only one that thinks Lucky needs to book this hotel and review it? I wanna see how it all turns out!

  94. Donna Diamond

    I have a good friend who owns a 4 Star Hotel in Venice, Italy and says he gets blogger requests for free lodging regularly and he ignores them.

  95. TravelingRabbit Guest

    I think the hotel did a pretty damn good job on influencing here. If a drunk guy came into a restaurant and kept asking for free food in exchange for his half drunk beers, we'd probably be fine if the restaurant kicked them out. Not sure why bloggers should get a free pass just because they may write a nasty blog post.

    I have a huge problem with bloggers and influencers being shills and...

    I think the hotel did a pretty damn good job on influencing here. If a drunk guy came into a restaurant and kept asking for free food in exchange for his half drunk beers, we'd probably be fine if the restaurant kicked them out. Not sure why bloggers should get a free pass just because they may write a nasty blog post.

    I have a huge problem with bloggers and influencers being shills and not disclosing they were compensated. I hate phony "we will promote you for cash" fake advertising (whether actors or Cindy Loo "who's not an actress"). If I see J Lo promoting crotchless panties on a TV ad, I clearly expect she's paid. Bloggers/Influencers, you have to assume anything they promote is paid as well, but most kids and even many adults have no idea how to filter out fake endorsements (or fake news).

  96. Ray Guest

    How can a review be unbiased if it's being paid for like this? Good on the hotel for rejecting these shady and corrupt freeloaders (aka "influencers"). The ban on bloggers is definitely taking it way too far, but somebody needs to stand up to these lying, stealing lowlifes.

  97. DeePeePDX Member

    No sympathy for the "influencer."
    I own two live music venues in PDX and we get caught in the "comp" quagmire quite frequently with cold-calling parasites that bring little value to shows. It's easy to cull them out from genuine accredited press.
    I have a real issue with people and sites that exist solely for self-promotion. It's my belief that 99% of what they post is self-aggrandizing garbage designed to mitigate the actual...

    No sympathy for the "influencer."
    I own two live music venues in PDX and we get caught in the "comp" quagmire quite frequently with cold-calling parasites that bring little value to shows. It's easy to cull them out from genuine accredited press.
    I have a real issue with people and sites that exist solely for self-promotion. It's my belief that 99% of what they post is self-aggrandizing garbage designed to mitigate the actual sad state of their own lives while simultaneously creating FOMO in others--something that I also believe creates perceived wealth inequality and stirs up divisiveness.
    And don't get me started on the general sense of entitlement and victimization that is pervasive in a lot of people these days... Since when did hard work an actually earning something become such an adversity?

  98. n Guest

    Ben, he never shamed her, he blanked out her name etc, SHE posted the video with her face/name, not the hotel. I don't see how that's shaming. She asked for something free and didn't get it, so whined to the internet.

  99. Greg Guest

    I think the blogger did nothing wrong. It takes time and money to develop a quality blog. A return on their investment is getting perks and gifts.

    However, as others have said, she is not a travel blogger. Her highlighting this hotel would probably not been a good investment. Simple as that. But they could have just said 'no'

    A blogger like you, who has a very knowledgeable understanding of hotels would do a wonderful...

    I think the blogger did nothing wrong. It takes time and money to develop a quality blog. A return on their investment is getting perks and gifts.

    However, as others have said, she is not a travel blogger. Her highlighting this hotel would probably not been a good investment. Simple as that. But they could have just said 'no'

    A blogger like you, who has a very knowledgeable understanding of hotels would do a wonderful job of reviewing that hotel, would certainly influence my decision (and many others) if we were in that part of the world.

  100. Miki Guest

    Hopefully this 'influencer' doesn't influence too many ppl. Such cringe.

  101. Truth Guest

    Another day, another OMAAT comment section full of self-important twits with absolutely no sense of humor!

  102. European Son Guest

    I'm just waiting for the viral video on YouTube where some teenage girl screams hysterically: "LEAVE THE INFLUENCERS ALOOOONE!".

    I also wish that Emirates had had the courage to tell Casey Neistat to go take a long walk off a very short plank, instead of caving into his juvenile stunts and giving him a free berth in Suites. Nothing better for your image than having some middle aged 'dude' wearing PJs and sunglasses in F...

    I'm just waiting for the viral video on YouTube where some teenage girl screams hysterically: "LEAVE THE INFLUENCERS ALOOOONE!".

    I also wish that Emirates had had the courage to tell Casey Neistat to go take a long walk off a very short plank, instead of caving into his juvenile stunts and giving him a free berth in Suites. Nothing better for your image than having some middle aged 'dude' wearing PJs and sunglasses in F and pretending he's 17 years old. Even Jeremy Clarkson is less embarrassing than that.

  103. Paul New Member

    Paul, the owner of this cafe and lodge, has a long history of brash but also tongue-in-cheek treatment of some guests who complain for reasons he doesn't agree with and swaths of society (vegans, gluten-free diets, now bloggers). This is just another moment for him. Every group that has been offended has had their call for a boycott, and the White Moose Cafe, along with the Lodge, has only gotten more and more popular.

  104. DaninMCI Guest

    The best thing that came out of this was finding Paulie's blog. It's a laugh riot. I love it. I really like this take on Tripadvisor. Too funny.

  105. Kent Guest

    100% supportive of the hotel. In fact, next time I'm in their neighborhood, I'll go out of my way to stay there and thank them personally.

    Every idiot with a keyboard and internet connection thinks they are god's gift to the world and deserving of every free perk and gushing accolades. Puh-lease, get over yourself. You're just another self-serving oh-so-entitled blogger with delusions of grandeur.

    @ Imperator above - you nailed it. Pouty, spoiled, clueless...

    100% supportive of the hotel. In fact, next time I'm in their neighborhood, I'll go out of my way to stay there and thank them personally.

    Every idiot with a keyboard and internet connection thinks they are god's gift to the world and deserving of every free perk and gushing accolades. Puh-lease, get over yourself. You're just another self-serving oh-so-entitled blogger with delusions of grandeur.

    @ Imperator above - you nailed it. Pouty, spoiled, clueless child. Grow up, and get a job - moron.

  106. Justin Guest

    Banning bloggers is a bit over the top but I think the hotel's original response was just and perfectly in line with Irish humor.

  107. Andy 11235 Gold

    It certainly takes a certain degree of chutzpah to ask for a comped stay, especially around vday. That having been said, if I owned the business I probably would have simply said, "welcome to stay as a paying guest. Thanks for thinking of us." But this business owner is obviously possessed of an odd sense of humor and the blogger decided to continue escalating things.

  108. Stvr Guest

    Le Pavillon des Lettres Hotel Paris. 2011. Pretty sure that was a comp you solicited.

  109. eric Guest

    WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA come on guys and girls. free stay and in return just say nice hotel. the worst thing about this is she expected this to be easy. just get with the program as we all do ;-)

    again I just can't stop laughing :-)

  110. Kalboz Member

    No position either way about the situation, but the guy was really over-the-top mean. He could have said a simple "No!"

    As a young woman, I don't know what she likes about that hotel??? The place looks like an old housing project I once drove by in north Dallas!

  111. Imperator Diamond

    I'm rather stunned that anybody would try to defend this woman.

    She wanted to spend a weekend in Dublin with her boyfriend. Oh, but she didn't want to pay for it. So she decided to pimp herself out: "give me a free stay and I'll give you a good review!" Thankfully, the hotel publically shames her; after which, she goes on youtube and whines about it for nearly 15 minutes! "I was sobbing in...

    I'm rather stunned that anybody would try to defend this woman.

    She wanted to spend a weekend in Dublin with her boyfriend. Oh, but she didn't want to pay for it. So she decided to pimp herself out: "give me a free stay and I'll give you a good review!" Thankfully, the hotel publically shames her; after which, she goes on youtube and whines about it for nearly 15 minutes! "I was sobbing in my car!" It would have been hilarious if she wasn't just so contemptuously pathetic.

    I just loved how she feels that all this scorn heaped upon her is the result of "old people" who "don't understand" the blogging "industry".

    Oh, we understand just fine. She "works her ass off" by sitting around her apartment, acting all cute & pouty on youtube videos and emailing businesses: "Hi. I'm a social influencer. I influence people to buy things. Give me free stuff and I'll convince my followers to buy your product...or to not buy your product." Come on, she's not that far removed from one of those tele-scammers who calls me from Pakistan.

  112. Mommatraveler Guest

    Oh my goodness. This 'influencer' comes across as a complete ditz and rather unsophisticated (although I imagine she considers herself super sophisticated...). To be honest, I'm not sure I would even want her endorsement if I owned a hotel. I don't think I'd want to be attracting the sort of people who would be her followers... LOL!

    But, in all fairness, one has to give props to young people today for trying to find a...

    Oh my goodness. This 'influencer' comes across as a complete ditz and rather unsophisticated (although I imagine she considers herself super sophisticated...). To be honest, I'm not sure I would even want her endorsement if I owned a hotel. I don't think I'd want to be attracting the sort of people who would be her followers... LOL!

    But, in all fairness, one has to give props to young people today for trying to find a way to make a living using non-conventional means. It's tough out there, these days, to find a job, and so she does need to be given some credit for her proactivity. Regardless of how one might feel about blogs/vlogs/influencers, etc. there is actual work that goes into writing reviews, keeping current on posts, photos, etc.

    Her self-pity video does her no favors, but neither does the response from the hotel.

    Ah. The joys of the internet! Always good for entertainment!

  113. Boris Diamond

    I was at the Trump in Chicago two nights ago. It's a nice hotel.

  114. Icarus Guest

    I understand airlines are inundated with requests for freebies and sometimes they oblige

    But it’s a sad world we live in now when it’s essentially blackmail

    Offer free tickets / hotel rooms or we will write negative reviews etc

    I read one “influencer” commenting how can she travel all time and expects some compensation.

    Firstly she needs to review what compensation means. Secondly she could get a proper job that allows...

    I understand airlines are inundated with requests for freebies and sometimes they oblige

    But it’s a sad world we live in now when it’s essentially blackmail

    Offer free tickets / hotel rooms or we will write negative reviews etc

    I read one “influencer” commenting how can she travel all time and expects some compensation.

    Firstly she needs to review what compensation means. Secondly she could get a proper job that allows her to pay her way

    Finally what is an “ influencer “
    It’s pathetic

  115. Suzanne (PhilaTravelGirl) Member

    It’s interesting story. I travel and pay my own way and have worked with PR firms/brands that approach me or who i’ve met at travel events and have a relationship with. Other bloggers have different setups/approaches which works for them. That said,

    Valentine’s day weekend is big bucks for any hotel so to ask for that weekend and more than one night is ridiculous IMO. Maybe a one night ask might have gone in...

    It’s interesting story. I travel and pay my own way and have worked with PR firms/brands that approach me or who i’ve met at travel events and have a relationship with. Other bloggers have different setups/approaches which works for them. That said,

    Valentine’s day weekend is big bucks for any hotel so to ask for that weekend and more than one night is ridiculous IMO. Maybe a one night ask might have gone in the delete pile and not caused the backlash. That said, the hotel owner is definitely taking this viral because he can (marketing cost $0) ....and sees a way to do his own bit of “social media influencing”. he’s not dumb - it’s easy to find divisiveness in the world and capitalize on it. he cast himself the victim of people asking for free stuff.
    btw her video was torture to watch - the editing and rambling (17 mins for what could have been 2-3 minutes to make a point). Her valid points were lost in it for me.
    i’ve seen some crazy things in the blogging world this is just one example

  116. Debit Guest

    I hope she sues for sexual harassment. Women not getting freebies is sexual harassment.

  117. Dan Allen Member

    Only Millennials would give this girl - and lets be clear she is a girl - credit. Who would believe anything she had to say after knowing that the place she reviews paid for everything and gave her everything? Why would anyone trust any of her opinions? Because they are stupid. You read OMAAT because its the "adventure" of a young geek experiencing aviation and, we go along for the ride so to speak. Why...

    Only Millennials would give this girl - and lets be clear she is a girl - credit. Who would believe anything she had to say after knowing that the place she reviews paid for everything and gave her everything? Why would anyone trust any of her opinions? Because they are stupid. You read OMAAT because its the "adventure" of a young geek experiencing aviation and, we go along for the ride so to speak. Why would you think Lucky is fantastic if American Airlines gave him a free first class travel pass and every review of American airlines was glowing? Why would any of us trust him again? Its because of his honesty and his experiences that keep us coming to the blog. She needs to get a life, settle down, get married have a kid and shut up.

  118. Marija Member

    What "social influencer" worth their salt would assume that their sense of propriety IS the baseline for everybody else?
    I thought hotel's public/anonymous response was a bit over the top and poor taste (even if it resonated with me), but her "I'm exposed" video was a parade of entitlements. If anything, she exposed herself on her own in that video (and not only in relation to hotel's response). You asked for special treatment, got...

    What "social influencer" worth their salt would assume that their sense of propriety IS the baseline for everybody else?
    I thought hotel's public/anonymous response was a bit over the top and poor taste (even if it resonated with me), but her "I'm exposed" video was a parade of entitlements. If anything, she exposed herself on her own in that video (and not only in relation to hotel's response). You asked for special treatment, got told you are out of line and then went on to bash that feedback as rude? I have no desire to even look up that hotel's name - they should not get publicity from insisting on propriety over service.

    As for "professional bloggers" - be sure you put some thought into "professional" part. As others have pointed out, offering services (or in her terms: "business proposals") actually does require WORK, as in - do your analysis of client before sending unsolicited "offers". Offering "social media exposure" to a party that has more social media exposure (and apparently big opinion about them) then yourself might not land well. I have no problem with anyone living off blogging, but as with any profession, the value comes from actual work (as in planning, investigation, preparation, combing through detail), not just rambling about your emotions on publicly accessible video. "Social Influencer" does not equal CondeNast review exactly for that reason.

  119. Bob Guest

    I too ask for a business' most valuable product during their busiest time of the year. Then I film self-pity videos when I'm rejected.

    Oh wait, no I don't.

  120. Paul Guest

    Zero sympathy for the blogger as it appears that she’s the one who published that she’d been declined.

    She was perhaps unfortunate that the hotel manager had probably got fed up of such requests and she was the one who got the quite clever response. But we all got knock backs in life.

    She made a request, got knocked back. That should have been the end of it. But she tried to play the situation for more exposure and at that point it’s all on her

  121. LAXJeff Guest

    Love that he called out this nobody blogger asking for free stuff. Get over yourself with asking for free stuff. Pay for it like everyone else does or better yet, figure out how to do it with points and miles!

  122. doggo Guest

    This is really a fundamental issue I have with v/bloggers in general - go around asking for free stuff and makes rant post/video when denied. This is why I do not watch casey neistat or bloggers like that. Put your camera down and get a real job.

  123. Matt New Member

    Is nobody going to comment on how the thing was redacted/blacked out, but not black enough so we couldn't all read it?

  124. Nancy Guest

    I think the "influencer" asked in a very polite manner and these sort of collaborations are so common in the fashion social media industry. The hotel owner definitely over-reacted. Some bloggers can really drive a lot of revenue when people find out about the hotel.

    Curiously, the hotel is only f*ckin $90 a night!!! All this over a couple hundred $$.

  125. Matt Soleyn New Member

    What a ridiculous response by the Hotel. They could have simply declined the request politely if it didn’t make business sense. In other cases, it makes compete business sense to give a complimentary hotel stay, meals, or flights to people who can drive traffic to you. For example, if you have a new hotel and want to get word out, have bloggers and social media influencers come and stay. When they post about the great...

    What a ridiculous response by the Hotel. They could have simply declined the request politely if it didn’t make business sense. In other cases, it makes compete business sense to give a complimentary hotel stay, meals, or flights to people who can drive traffic to you. For example, if you have a new hotel and want to get word out, have bloggers and social media influencers come and stay. When they post about the great experience, their readers will be more likely to book or dine.

  126. Josh Guest

    The hotel didn't make her though....she identified herself...

  127. Alex Member

    Hey, remember the influencer's name was never exposed. She exposed herself by answering... Good on the hotel, this whole "I have 1m followers so I can live for free" thing is completely bogus. These people don't actually have a job, and when the next downturn comes (ie Bitcoin crashes, or people see that social media frenzy is just a fad and not an economic necessity), they will be left with nothing.

    Just imagine the next...

    Hey, remember the influencer's name was never exposed. She exposed herself by answering... Good on the hotel, this whole "I have 1m followers so I can live for free" thing is completely bogus. These people don't actually have a job, and when the next downturn comes (ie Bitcoin crashes, or people see that social media frenzy is just a fad and not an economic necessity), they will be left with nothing.

    Just imagine the next interview:
    "So what did you do in the last 5 years?
    - I reviewed hotels that let me stay there for free"

    Lucky, you don't fall in that category. You're actually making a living from your blog, on top of being financially independent from the companies you review. That's why your blog might be around a little longer than these entitled little brats.

    I for one would probably pick this hotel now.

  128. M Guest

    I did hear Universal Orlando was going downhill until this influencer got involved and made it amazing for them.

  129. Sam Guest

    State of the hobby:

    “ I don’t fault them one bit, because the reality is that companies are willing to spend tons of money to work with them.”

    I’d say wow, but I am no longer surprised.

  130. Ktc Guest

    I want free everything,. If Trump doesn't get it to me, that hurts me, I'll expose him.

  131. speedski Guest

    These social media influencers need to get a frikken job.

    Laughing at suicide, begging for a freebie and sicking their name on everything.

    Waste of oxygen.

  132. Stanley Diamond

    It is just plain wrong for her to explicitly ask for free accommodations. She is an ambrassement and she should be ashamed of herself. Clearly, all de want is free stuff. I am sure that she uses her blog only to get freebies and not just with hotels. She is embarrassed, because she could not handle the truth that she is a loser. Look at Lucky, Tiffany, Travis, and the others. They never approached a...

    It is just plain wrong for her to explicitly ask for free accommodations. She is an ambrassement and she should be ashamed of herself. Clearly, all de want is free stuff. I am sure that she uses her blog only to get freebies and not just with hotels. She is embarrassed, because she could not handle the truth that she is a loser. Look at Lucky, Tiffany, Travis, and the others. They never approached a hotel, airline, or any other type of business asking for freebies. They have dignity and self-respect. They also have due respect for their line of work. This girl should get a real job and not expect to get by solely on blogging for freebies. She blogs for her landlord to get free rent? She blogs for the banks and credit card companies to get freebies? She should see that Lucky has a lot more followers on FB, his blog, Twitter, and so on.

  133. henrique Guest

    the manager's blog is awesome. he hates trip advisor! https://paulvstenson.com/why-tripadvisor-can-shove-their-certificate-of-excellence-up-their-hole/

  134. Joe Gold

    I see both viewpoints, and the idea of generational entitlement really resonates, I concur that it's far too widespread. The initial e-mail didn't sound entitled, though her "exposed (so embarrassing)" video title sounds very entitled.
    Yet the hotel's response is inane. Yeah, they have a ton of followers already--- but had nobody heard of Universal Studios before she helped them get even more publicity?
    Way overreacting, when a simple no-thank you would've sufficed.

    I see both viewpoints, and the idea of generational entitlement really resonates, I concur that it's far too widespread. The initial e-mail didn't sound entitled, though her "exposed (so embarrassing)" video title sounds very entitled.
    Yet the hotel's response is inane. Yeah, they have a ton of followers already--- but had nobody heard of Universal Studios before she helped them get even more publicity?
    Way overreacting, when a simple no-thank you would've sufficed.
    Which leads me to conclude that this is actually a conspiracy-- the hotel did accept her offer of more publicity, by forming a coalition to create an outrageous media story that would generate more controversy and publicity than a simple review of the hotel ever could have.

    Honestly though, the idea that her staying for free would deprive his staff of pay when the counter-point is that her free stay would potentially generate more stays and hence the ability to pay his staff more--- come on.

  135. AG Guest

    I thought the follow-up blogger ban was a little odd and unnecessary, but it makes sense if it's their MO - I mean, they have a pretty impressive social media following for an independent business. Their initial response though was completely acceptable. They didn't out the blogger; they didn't name names. She put herself out there by asking for the freebie. Just accept the consequences of trying to get something for nothing. A few Insta...

    I thought the follow-up blogger ban was a little odd and unnecessary, but it makes sense if it's their MO - I mean, they have a pretty impressive social media following for an independent business. Their initial response though was completely acceptable. They didn't out the blogger; they didn't name names. She put herself out there by asking for the freebie. Just accept the consequences of trying to get something for nothing. A few Insta stories doesn't equal work, plus her audience (even if it were larger than the hotel's) probably isn't their target audience, so there is little value to be gained by giving her free stuff. She either didn't do any research, or she thought this hotel would be too naive and blinded by her faux celebrity to realize they were on the losing end of this deal. And really, Universal Orlando got a boost from your posts? Doubt it.

  136. Tom Guest

    As a small time travel photographer, who follows others that do it for a living, this is pretty commonplace and allows the establishment to have fresh, up to date content to share however they wish. As someone stated, this is likely a cheaper alternative than hiring a professional photographer/videographer and then pay for special licensing of that content which could potentially cost $1000's. You would normally contact hotels, tourism boards, or other companies in the...

    As a small time travel photographer, who follows others that do it for a living, this is pretty commonplace and allows the establishment to have fresh, up to date content to share however they wish. As someone stated, this is likely a cheaper alternative than hiring a professional photographer/videographer and then pay for special licensing of that content which could potentially cost $1000's. You would normally contact hotels, tourism boards, or other companies in the area and offer the trade though I offer "partial or full" compensation for my services. The worse response you can get is simply "no". Well, I think the worse response you can get now is what this "influencer" received. I'd say 75% of my responses have resulted in positive outcomes where I'd receive either fully paid accommodations, heavy discounts but with upgrades, or free services.

  137. Mallthus Gold

    Anything bad here is on the hotel.

    The hotelier’s response indicates that they see no value in what the “influencer” offers in exchange for the free room. That’s fine, you may or may not agree with the idea that exposure on a blog or instagram/Twitter feed has value. That said, major companies do see value and commit resources accordingly.

    If you want to be an outlier, be an outlier, but this hotel owner...

    Anything bad here is on the hotel.

    The hotelier’s response indicates that they see no value in what the “influencer” offers in exchange for the free room. That’s fine, you may or may not agree with the idea that exposure on a blog or instagram/Twitter feed has value. That said, major companies do see value and commit resources accordingly.

    If you want to be an outlier, be an outlier, but this hotel owner is either stupidly unaware of what’s now considered normal or has decided to make a societal judgement statement. In any case, consumers ought to vote with their euros.

  138. Ben Guest

    Whats wrong with her eyes?!

  139. Matt of Canada Guest

    Pretty ridiculous on the hotel's part. It's clear that the blogger offered marketing services in exchange for a comped room - I'm not sure why the owner got the idea that the blogger wanted something for "free." Has he never heard of bartering? If the owner didn't value the services the blogger offered, he could have just said no instead of throwing a fit.
    Now that I think of it, he's probably just using...

    Pretty ridiculous on the hotel's part. It's clear that the blogger offered marketing services in exchange for a comped room - I'm not sure why the owner got the idea that the blogger wanted something for "free." Has he never heard of bartering? If the owner didn't value the services the blogger offered, he could have just said no instead of throwing a fit.
    Now that I think of it, he's probably just using this incident to get free publicity. I guess a viral story is cheaper and more effective than hiring the blogger!

  140. alex Gold

    Not a blogger, but this reminds me of my days as a college radio DJ (1999-2003). I'd often email bands I liked asking for free cds to play on my show. Most of them would happily send me a cd or two to play on the air. Some bands would even send me concert tickets when they'd come to town. Some bands would ignore my emails or politely tell me they couldnt send me anything.

    ...

    Not a blogger, but this reminds me of my days as a college radio DJ (1999-2003). I'd often email bands I liked asking for free cds to play on my show. Most of them would happily send me a cd or two to play on the air. Some bands would even send me concert tickets when they'd come to town. Some bands would ignore my emails or politely tell me they couldnt send me anything.

    I didn't have a huge show, but most of these bands would gladly part with the few dollars it cost to ship me some cds in exchange for having 500 people hear their music. I dont really see how this is much different than a travel blogger asking for a comp stay in exchange for visibility on their social media.

    Unless of course the band/hotel tells you 'no' and you decide to be a dick about it.

  141. PGP4 Guest

    What would be priceless is if the hotel and influencer planned this whole "campaign" in advance for more attention to both the hotel and the blog. Has any other blogger tried to stay at this hotel yet, just to call the bluff?

  142. Joey Diamond

    I thought it was fine for the hotel to publish the request however I thought it was really odd how the hotel then banned all bloggers.

  143. KP New Member

    And this is by the newspaper that thinks Qatar Airways is an Australian Airline.
    http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/world-longest-flight-routes-doha-auckland-perth-houston-sydney-a8163331.html
    It's under Doha to Los Angeles.
    (p.s. i know it's a typo but still...)

  144. Yvonne Member

    I know the influencer is just asking and no harm asking. However the owner of the hotel also can have his own freedom of speech to say what he thought about the influence. Isn’t American all about freedom of everything, human right and yadda yadda. So if she wants to say/ask what she wants, expect the good and the bad. If she can’t face the bad then don’t do or say something that will put...

    I know the influencer is just asking and no harm asking. However the owner of the hotel also can have his own freedom of speech to say what he thought about the influence. Isn’t American all about freedom of everything, human right and yadda yadda. So if she wants to say/ask what she wants, expect the good and the bad. If she can’t face the bad then don’t do or say something that will put herself in the spot. Common sense that not everyone thinks alike and the other party also have the right and freedom to say what they want too.

  145. iolaire Guest

    If you are going to "cold call" a business via email I think its fair game to publicize it. You see various people who publicize cold call emails from recruiting companies and the like. When you blindly email someone or a small business you have no relationship with the privacy expectations are low.

    Not to mention the whole influencer concept is basically a huge advertisement scheme designed to make it seem like its not advertisement.

  146. Evan Guest

    Just thought I'd add a few thoughts on the story as a local who has heard this ad nauseam across news feeds this week:

    1) This blogger isn't a travel blogger, she's a fashion blogger/creator, so the value-add for a hotel wouldn't be comparable to the likes of Lucky or other travel-focused content providers;

    2) The hotel owner is absolutely notorious for being acidic towards 'whiners' and 'freeloaders', whether on social media or in person....

    Just thought I'd add a few thoughts on the story as a local who has heard this ad nauseam across news feeds this week:

    1) This blogger isn't a travel blogger, she's a fashion blogger/creator, so the value-add for a hotel wouldn't be comparable to the likes of Lucky or other travel-focused content providers;

    2) The hotel owner is absolutely notorious for being acidic towards 'whiners' and 'freeloaders', whether on social media or in person. The past incidents have been hilarious, and have gained a loyal following;

    3) In light of both #1 & #2 it is clear the blogger in question did no advanced research on what a value proposition acceptable to this establishment might look like;

    4) The hotel owner kept his responses anonymous, while the blogger chose to out herself with a weepy self-pity video, rather than just move on with her life and check in with all the other hotels she surely contacted with her indiscriminate offer; and,

    5) On Facebook alone the hotel owner's joint accounts have added +15,000 followers since the event, while the blogger's lovely fashion IG account is now full of unpleasant trolls.

    Hopefully the appropriate lesson was learned, which I assume to be: be thoughtful in your requests for free things, offer value in exchange that the other side also values, and be prepared to take the shame if it goes sideways.

  147. iv Guest

    Having a business myself I can't tell you how many times I've been contacted by bloggers wanting free products in exchange for posts.

    I NEVER engage all emails and messages are deleted and marked/reported as SPAM.

    BTW, having watched a bit of the video the influencer needs to send an email to a pharma company to get free eye drops to treat that pink eye!

  148. Andrew Guest

    Personally, I think the hotel’s response was way out of line. Sure, the influencer’s request may have been uncouth, but the hotel’s response was actively rude and intentionally humiliating—totally uncalled for.

  149. Sean Guest

    Travel hacker here all day long.

    Would I ever ask a property for a free night? Absolutely not. That is just so weird to me.

  150. JJJ Guest

    "If I let you stay here in return for a feature in your video, who is going to pay the staff who look after you?"

    The marketing budget?

    I have no problem with the hotel saying no, but it's no different than paying a magazine or website to feature you on a list. Except instead of paying cash, you're covering a stay, which is probably cheaper.

    There was nothing unprofessional from the initial...

    "If I let you stay here in return for a feature in your video, who is going to pay the staff who look after you?"

    The marketing budget?

    I have no problem with the hotel saying no, but it's no different than paying a magazine or website to feature you on a list. Except instead of paying cash, you're covering a stay, which is probably cheaper.

    There was nothing unprofessional from the initial email from the blogger person.

    I have no interest in watching their video, but I have even less interest in staying at this hotel.

  151. Alan Costello Guest

    So, I'm Irish, I've been to the cafe, I've followed the page for a good while, and it's all a joke. He has taken shots at groups like this several times in the last few years, he 'banned' breast feeding women(for bringing their own food in to the restaurant), vegans, pensioners, and many others. He just has an incredibly dry sense of humour, nobody has ever been turned away from the hotel/cafe, he just loves...

    So, I'm Irish, I've been to the cafe, I've followed the page for a good while, and it's all a joke. He has taken shots at groups like this several times in the last few years, he 'banned' breast feeding women(for bringing their own food in to the restaurant), vegans, pensioners, and many others. He just has an incredibly dry sense of humour, nobody has ever been turned away from the hotel/cafe, he just loves going over the top and causing outrage from groups that are easily offended or quick to express outrage online. It has only served to massively increase his business, his profile, and that of the hotel and cafe. For every one person outraged, there are 50 who just love watching it. Think of it this way, how would he know a guest is a blogger unless they specifically tell him in advance? He's not gonna google every guest, trust me.

  152. J Guest

    @Endre Good of you to lump all Europeans in one critique. And I think you meant superior, not inferior.

  153. Justin Guest

    Honestly, I was 100% with the hotel until they banned all bloggers. Weird move.

  154. LarryInNYC Guest

    While I'm instinctively repelled by the word "influencer", comped hotel stays and tours have been a staple of the travel industry for decades. While the hotelier may not have been impressed with the credentials or approach of this particular "influencer" his response seems extreme. A polite turn-down would have been more appropriate.

    I'd be a little afraid of staying at this hotel just because I'd worry about transgressing the proprietor's sense of propriety in...

    While I'm instinctively repelled by the word "influencer", comped hotel stays and tours have been a staple of the travel industry for decades. While the hotelier may not have been impressed with the credentials or approach of this particular "influencer" his response seems extreme. A polite turn-down would have been more appropriate.

    I'd be a little afraid of staying at this hotel just because I'd worry about transgressing the proprietor's sense of propriety in some way and provoking a similar reaction.

  155. ringingup Guest

    In my view it is generally wrong to even attempt to humiliate another human being.

  156. Max Muilero Guest

    The requested stay is clearly for a private purpose ('valentines day') and as such the 'bloggers/influencers' should pay themselves.
    Imho the hotel did a clever thing in exposing this, there are many people who pay for their stays and don't like it if the hotel support these classless fake influencers.

  157. Endre Diamond

    Europeans like to look and act inferior over others. While i never asked for free stuff i dont give a rats if others do and get. I get “free” rooms and flights with points and miles but i worked for them damn hard.
    If soneone is clever and figure out to get free stuff without cheating or stealing, all power to them. By the way, im European and hate to go to doctors because...

    Europeans like to look and act inferior over others. While i never asked for free stuff i dont give a rats if others do and get. I get “free” rooms and flights with points and miles but i worked for them damn hard.
    If soneone is clever and figure out to get free stuff without cheating or stealing, all power to them. By the way, im European and hate to go to doctors because docs make me feel like an ant on the floor in Europe. Why would be any better when talking to hotel owner, manager or receptionist?

  158. askmrlee Member

    Gee and all I got from Air New Zealand for tweeting a picture of me in their Premium Economy seat was a travel pillow! I didn't pitch and moan saying I should have received an upgrade certificate.

    Very recently some "internet famous" 1M+ Instagramers model types were frollicking in the Maldives for free. So I can't blame this "girl" for trying. But at the same time, I don't blame the hotel for calling her out.

  159. Cristiano Guest

    Here in Italy there are travel agencies expressely created to get influencers in touch with hotels that offer them free nights in return of a fixed number of posts/photos on Instagram/social media. I think this situation is getting out of control.

  160. Raffles Guest

    You (and I) have different business models though. For a start, we actually have a business model ......

    We both know that if you go to ITB, World Travel Market or similar you will see 1,000 'travel bloggers' who knocked up a site in half an hour and now feel that they can ask for free trips and stays from anyone in the industry. Even if 90% say No it is still a decent return...

    You (and I) have different business models though. For a start, we actually have a business model ......

    We both know that if you go to ITB, World Travel Market or similar you will see 1,000 'travel bloggers' who knocked up a site in half an hour and now feel that they can ask for free trips and stays from anyone in the industry. Even if 90% say No it is still a decent return on their time.

    What we do is not 'travel blogging' and we shouldn't compare ourselves to that space.

    THIS is what the reality is - companies ask for coverage, you want to keep in their good books (perhaps they are a big advertiser), you effectively lose a full-time employee for 3-5 days because they are out of the office visiting wherever (which may well be somewhere they don't actually even want to go) and when they get back you lose another chunk of time because reviews are slow to write compared to news articles ....

  161. Brian Guest

    No real sympathy for the 'influencer' tbh. #ad

  162. Jimmy Guest

    The influencer's email doesn't sound demanding or rude. From my experience, quite often the answer to such message is "Of course we are interested!".

  163. Boco Member

    This is a Fawlty Towers moment if I ever saw one.

  164. anon Guest

    Could be worse, could have stayed at the shithole known as the Trump hotel

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Sharon Guest

Yes, they did embarrass the person requesting the free room and they could have just ignored the blatent request for a free stay. But someone needs to call these entitled people out. Obviously their parents did not teach them the necessary social skills and how to develope a good work ethic.

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Anna Guest

You know, I get it, travel is expensive and going someplace provides content. But there's a HUGE difference between asking for say, a weeknight in the off-season as a way to get to know the property and what she was asking for -- a five-night stay over a holiday weekend, for Christ's sake. Plus, this is a budget accommodation place; from what I could gather, they have a very limited number of rooms and they started at $75 a night. She could afford to fly to Dublin but couldn't afford $400 or whatever for her accommodation? Seems to be working out for the hotel - they are booked solid through early 2024... It makes her look like a clueless idiot and does a disservice to other bloggers who are dedicated to creating great content for their subscribers/readers.

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Geeves Guest

Influencer is a fairly new job title and I feel like a lot of people don't take it seriously. The hotel owner clearly has it out for bloggers and influencers in general. What he doesnt realize is that at the end of the day, it is a career. Whether or not she can afford the hotel is completely beside the point. Plenty of influencers who make 6 to 7 figures get comped stays. She was not requesting that the hotel just give her a free stay, she was working for it by posting content promoting their brand to her audience. If the hotel wanted to take out an ad that would cost money. It's the same thing. I'm confused why people don't understand this. It's actually a much better deal for the hotel thus way because usually they would have to spend thousands of dollars and she was asking for a comped stay which doesn't cost them anything extra. They already pay their staff to run the hotel. So that was a silly comment.

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