| One of the steps in getting a free hotel stay from | | | | shower, proper air conditioning, stench in the |
| hotels around the world is providing hotel managers | | | | bathroom after flushing the toilet, obscene hidden |
| with a sample review. This is easy to do, even if you | | | | charges on the bill, booking a reservation, room size, |
| have to check into a local hotel, then write about | | | | beds, type of TV, extras (soaps, cups, coffee, etc.), |
| your experience. | | | | cleanliness, service (valet, front desk, maintenance |
| Fortunately, you don't have to be a journalism major | | | | man), towel quality, your first impressions upon |
| to write your sample review. When writing, simply | | | | arrival, infamous history of the building, former |
| imagine you are telling a friend about your recent | | | | scandals (people love these), building architecture, |
| experience. | | | | lobby atmosphere (hushed, frantic), hotel is perfect |
| In general, supply helpful information, things someone | | | | place for (tryst? Getting away from it all? etc.), |
| would want to know if they were to stay at the | | | | location within the city, nearby popular attractions, |
| same place. And be specific. Don't just say the | | | | views from your room, frequent clientele, famous |
| towels were horrible. Say why. Horrible to one person | | | | previous visitors, bar offerings, number of rooms, |
| may be acceptable to another. | | | | preferred rooms, theme rooms, mini-bar contents, |
| Even when you are offering a glowing review, it | | | | high tech touches, type of furniture, kid-friendly |
| becomes more believable if something wasn't exactly | | | | features, breakfast offerings, what not to miss, etc. |
| perfect during your stay. | | | | Of course, you would not include all of these in any |
| Be especially fussy about the little things that could | | | | single review. This just gives you some of your |
| bug people. For example, yes, there is a fitness room. | | | | options. Your review should be short, descriptive, and |
| But is it a large one with lots of equipment, or is it a | | | | above all, helpful. |
| tiny room with a dusty treadmill? | | | | And for heaven's sake, DO NOT include every |
| Personal anecdotes help. For example, tell about the | | | | minute detail of your trip (how you got to the |
| exceptional poolside service. | | | | airport, the flight, etc. That is not relevant, and |
| There are a host of things you might want to | | | | nobody cares. |
| include, including adequate hot water from the | | | | |