I’m going to get abducted and killed.
Those were the first thoughts that crossed my mind when I was contacted a few weeks ago by the Hilton Garden Inn in Anchorage, Alaska inviting me to stay at their hotel…
Completely free.
After calling a million people to make sure that I wasn’t the victim of some kind of scam, my butt was on a plane to Alaska.
To Alaska, really??? I’m from Florida. What the heck was I doing going to Alaska?
Now, if you follow my blog, you should know by this point that I’m a HUGE advocate of all things innovative. So I’d like to take a second and say that I have a newfound appreciation and much respect for HGI and all of their hotels because their top execs or whoever it is that’s calling the shots over there, well, they’re INNOVATIVE.
And I love that.
I was flown to Anchorage along with 10 other Gen Y/travel bloggers as a part of a targeted Press Trip. The purpose of the trip was to provide us with information about the Hilton Garden Inn and to let us experience the services that they provide. The trip was also intended to enhance the popularity of HGI among younger travelers, therefore moving away from the long-standing image that the HGI hotels are solely for business-related travels.
Gen Y LOVES to travel.
HGI gets it and is actively using that knowledge to their benefit.
Anyway, I had an amazing trip.
The Hilton Garden Inn was very welcoming and their staff was wonderful. It was obvious that at HGI, management truly emphasizes the importance of customer service and provides adequate training for all of their employees.
That, I appreciate.
The hotel had an indoor pool, an awesome gym, free wifi that let me answer all my e-mails (THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS), and provided a free shuttle service to downtown Anchorage where we were able walk around and explore the town.
I found a new boyfriend.
I climbed a glacier.
And I got to see some breathtaking views.
I was beyond impressed with the ingenuity of HGI’s public relations/marketing strategy. HGI is certainly a company that understands the realm of social media and rather than resisting change, they have fully embraced innovation and used it to their advantage.
It’s smart and it makes sense.
By inviting a group of Gen Y bloggers to visit, they got people to talk about their trip, bringing light to the services that they provide.
I mean, come on, even in the middle of climbing a glacier I was annoying my friends as I:
- Tweeted
- Checked in on Facebook
- Posted pictures onto Facebook
- Instagrammed
And so on, and so forth.
Point is, EVERYONE who doesn’t live under a rock knew that I was in Alaska and that I was staying at the Hilton Garden Inn.
That’s the new marketing, everyone.
And Gen Y is good at it.
When we’re doing something awesome, we want everyone to know about it.
Smart companies understand that.
Great job, HGI.
Genius.
Fantastic idea and hurray for you! Sounds like a wonderful trip
Thanks, Tina! I thought it was so clever! And yes, it was by far the most beautiful place I’ve been to. Hopefully I’ll be able to make it back some day
You are quite a smart young woman, and I enjoy reading your posts. We all have something that we can learn from each other.
Thats awesome!
Haha, thanks! Yup, pretty cool being able to climb a glacier and then go home to Miami where it’s a hundred million degrees outside lol
Lol I’m living in Miami now so I totally understand!
Wonderful photos! Sounds like a heck of a trip.
Thanks! I had so many pics to choose from but those were some of my favorites! It really was! I feel so lucky to have been able to go! If you ever get the chance to go there, DO IT!
Wow I love your pictures!
Thanks, Michelle! Isn’t my bf a hottie?
Reblogged this on Capital Concierge and commented:
Blogging and vlogging are both becoming essential social media tools. Don’t get left behind or wait until your market is saturated with sites full of similar information. Stand out in your market now and get blogging!
Thanks!!! I’m telling you…it’s a great marketing strategy. Almost all of the biggest, most well-known companies have a blog on their site. It just makes sense.
And Kayla, you looked like you thoroughly enjoyed yourself.
Ivon
Ivon!! I really did! I was only able to stay for a few days but it was well worth it
That. Is. AWESOME. Hey HGI – I’ve aaaaalways wanted to see Alaska. Just sayin.
What a totally unique and cool story, seriously. I really admire your blog, and how much you’re impacting the world.
Hahahaha lol HGI, hook Rachel up! Thanks so much, girl, that really means a lot
Kayla,
I love this marketing approach. I’m glad you had such a good time in Anchorage.
Hilton seems to know what they are doing.
I stayed at a Hilton in Phoenix last December and was impressed by the hotel. I also stayed at a Hampton Inn (which is owned by Hilton) a few weeks ago up in Virginia and was impressed by that hotel, too.
Hi Greg! That makes two of us! Thanks so much, I really did…the place is beautiful. If you’ve never been there, you need to! And yes, Hilton’s got some smart people running the show over there. I was really impressed by their thinking and their services.
So funny, I live in Anchorage…and work at the Hilton….I wish I’d known!
Thats indeed quite smart marketing. And you got to see a new place! Great pics
You remind me of Kristen Bell in those sunglasses.
I always wanted to take my family to Alaska. You looked like you had a wonderful time. Great blog post and very entertaining. You have a wonderful day. Also, thank you for visiting my blog. I am looking forward to reading more great blogs from you and get a perspective from the Gen Y. Have a good day.