In the classification of hotels by type - airport hotels, beachfront hotels, downtown hotels, etc - perhaps it's high time to add a new category: "social media-friendly"?
Online reputation management company TrustYou has compiled a list (in no particular order) of hotels that have a high inclination towards being at the extremely social end of the engagement spectrum.
When shareable travel experiences are becoming a new currency and millennials are apparently looking for experiences which take all this into account, hotels pushing their social media credentials shouldn't be a huge surprise.
So what did TrustYou discover:
W New York – Times Square, US
The hotel was home to one of the world’s first Instagram photography exhibitions, featuring images from top Instagram photographers as well photos selected from contest submissions.
Starwood, the group that owns W brand, recently launched 'Guest Gallery' section in all its hotel sites. This new section features the Instagram pictures taken by guests.
Sol Wave House Hotel, Spain
This Twitter-theme based hotel allows guests to login into a custom-built app that will enable fellow guests to tweet others staying in the hotel, share pictures, send private messages to guests, also tweet a service request to the concierge by mentioning a hashtag.
For example: Guests can use the hashtag “#FillMyFridge” (notice the sticker in below picture) to request a refill of their mini-bar.
The custom app can be accessed only via the hotel’s wifi network, in a bid by the property to create a virtual community for guests to share information and pictures.
Trump Hotel Collection
The Trump collection of luxury hotels is known for providing social-savvy service.
The brand’s hotels – and several of its high-profile Trump family executives – are active on social medias. Travelers who connect often get a taste of the brand’s personalized service.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, US
The hotel has a huge follower base in social channels, including 280,000 Twitter followers, 217,000 Facebook likes and 7,000 Instagram followers.
Social media users get the scoop on the latest events, deals and contests – and may even gain access to special rates and VIP treatment.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, US
The hotel is known for attentive customer service via its social media channels, be it thanking its fans and followers with special rates and VIP club access.
The hotel has been known to surprise guests with personalized amenities based on previous social media posts.
Loews Hotels and Resorts, US & Canada
The hotel asks users to tweet with the hashtag #bookloews to start the booking process. A representative from the hotel responds to users with a unique URL that takes the user and the representative to a private chat room where the booking discussion happens.
TRYP by Wyndham Times Square South, US
TRYP hotel guests will gain access to the property’s exclusive social network - LobbyFriend (TLabs here), an app for registered hotel guests only.
The app enables travelers to network with other guests and connect with hotel staffs.
1888 Hotel, Australia
This Instagram-themed hotel allows anyone with more than 10,000 followers on Instagram to stay free at the property. The decor has been selected to be as photo-worthy as possible.
This 90-room boutique property features lobby screens displaying guest Instagram images of the hotel, a dedicated spot for snapping selfies, and Insta-Walk maps directing visitors to picture-worthy nearby sites.
NB:Hotel guest image via Shutterstock.