1. Treating Us Like Freeloaders
Let’s get this out the way: if you think hosting a travel blogger is “just giving away a free night,” you’ve already lost the plot.
A hosted stay is a business collaboration. In exchange for your hospitality, you get permanent, polished editorial coverage, SEO-rich backlinks, original photography, and a spotlight in front of a loyal audience of frequent travellers with actual passports (not just Pinterest boards).
It’s not a gift. It’s a transaction — and if you don’t value that, invite your nephew instead.
2. Offering a Room That’s “Not Quite Ready”
Ah, the old “we’re putting you in one of our standard rooms, but we’ll show you the suites later.” No. No you won’t.
If your private pool villa is what you’re proud of — if that’s what you show on your Instagram — that’s where I should be staying. Sending a travel blogger to the room above the laundry chute and hoping we “pop by reception” for photos of the penthouse is like hiring David Attenborough to narrate a documentary about your garden shed.
Show us your best. That’s what readers want to see — and what future guests will book.
3. Micromanaging the Stay (We’re Not That Kind of Influencer)
We don’t need an hour-by-hour itinerary unless you’re a safari lodge in the Serengeti. And no, we don’t want a two-hour site inspection after a ten-hour flight.
We’re here to experience the property — how a guest would. Let us dine where we like, swim when we like, and ideally sleep past sunrise. A professional blogger knows what to look for and how to find it. Trust the process.
(That said, if the chef’s doing a tasting menu or you’ve got a private spa cave, do absolutely tell us.)
4. Forgetting the Follow-Up
So we’ve stayed, we’ve reviewed, we’ve tagged you in stories and posted a dreamy reel of the candlelit courtyard. Then… radio silence.
Smart hotels follow up. They share the coverage. They link back to it. They drop a line saying “thanks — and let us know next time you’re in town.” Not because they’re needy, but because they’re clever.
It turns a one-off review into a long-term relationship. You never know when I might be back — or when Condé Nast might be asking for recommendations.
5. Confusing Influencers with Critics
Yes, there’s crossover. But here’s the truth: most influencers are selling a fantasy. Critics — good ones — are selling trust.
I’m not here to pose in a kimono and call it a vibe. I’m here to test the service, spot the details, and tell your story with sharp prose, not filters.
If you want a puff piece, call someone with a ring light. If you want an honest, well-crafted review that speaks to discerning travellers — and actually drives bookings — then you’re in the right place.
In Summary
Hosting a travel blogger isn’t about ticking a PR box. It’s about understanding the power of thoughtful, editorial storytelling. When done right, it’s one of the most effective pieces of organic marketing you can invest in.
Just don’t offer me a twin room facing the bins.
Interested? Let’s Talk
Contact Information:
Email: Paul@thetravelcritic.co.uk
Phone: +44 7816459474
Read more on my ‘How to work with me‘ page.
The Travel Critic 