What is the most appropriate way to invite writers and blogger to visit my hotel, in exchange for a review?

[AaronDavis]

My client's own several hotels in Los Angeles. I thought it would be a good idea to ask writers and bloggers to visit the hotel, free of charge, in exchange for a review or write up.

Of course, we want to be above board and up front with everything, including encouraging any review to be the truth and forthright, however I just not sure how best to ask them.  Sometimes I ramble on and have trouble getting to the point and I know its really important here.

Does anyone have any advice here?

Many thanks!

[MikeRoberts]

As per the Google Places reviews guidelines (link

Conflict of interest: Reviews are only valuable when they are honest and unbiased. For instance, as a business owner or employee you should not review your own business or current place of work. Don’t offer money or product to others to write reviews for your business or write negative reviews about a competitor. We also discourage specialized review stations or kiosks set up at your place of business for the sole purpose of soliciting reviews. As a reviewer, you should not accept money or product from a business to write a review about them. Additionally, don’t feel compelled to review a certain way just because an employee of that business asked you to do so. Finally, don’t post reviews on behalf of others or misrepresent your identity or affiliation with the place you are reviewing.

So I'd suggest not offering free visits in exchange for trying to get reviews (positive or negative).

[jesse-landry]

While Mike is correct... c'mon. How would they ever know? This is a gray area that no algorithm in the world will ever identify.

In the state of Washington it is against the law for bars to give out free drinks no matter what. I was in a band for 10 years and we played at dozens of bars/venues big and small in the area. Guess what? Each and every one of them gave us free drink tickets. This is a law that is punishable by jail time. Much more serious implications than what Google is threatening you with.

What's my point? I don't know. Bending the rules can work sometimes I s'pose.

If I were writing these letters I would be polite, cordial, concise, and honest. Simple as that. Mention how it will be beneficial for both parties for a reason beyond a free night. Maybe don't offer a free night but a free dinner and breakfast instead.. More of a promo-package exclusively for reviewers if you're worried about Google's Guidelines.

--my thoughts

[MikeRoberts]

Ha, okay... you got me there. I just figured the "official" google stance would be important to state. If someone really wanted to they could nicely ask for reviews and just happen to also slide a few something or other the way of the reviewer. Though i personally would not endorse that. But yes, he could invite reviewers, give them an "industry rate" on rooms, happen to state that reviews of both a positive or negative stance are greatly appreciated as it allows the hotel to work on improving weakness and help evaluate what the current strengths are, etc. etc. Its all in how you word it and present it.

[AaronDavis]

Thanks for the reference.  I understand.

My client's expect and deserve unbiased and true reviews.

My intention was to offer some sort of incentive for them to visit in the first place.  We are quite confident that they'll be impressed with our level of service and the amenities we provide.

In that spirit, do you or anyone else have any ideas on a best practice to invite a critic to visit the hotels?