Hotels

We've been talking about the Roger Smith Hotel for some time now on this blog, and readers quite enjoyed the Win a Staycation giveaway we held last year.

 

What's the giveaway for today?

 

We are giving away $300 worth of Roger's Bills to three lucky winners. And what exactly is a Roger's Bill? It's a $100 specially made bill that allows you to get that much in value off one of your rooms (a one bedroom or a deluxe suite, and for a minimum of a two night's stay). The amount can be used at any point during the year, and expires on December 31, 2011. Blackout dates may apply.

 

 

 

To enter, scroll down and leave a comment below. I'll be sure to pick three winners by April 15th.

 

Use this for yourself, or give it to a friend who's visiting the city and in need of a place to stay. What could be better?

 

We also caught up with the Hotel's Director of Innovation, John Knowles, who talked about his work with the hotel and raising its visibility through social media platforms.

 

Butterflydiary: The RS Hotel seems to be very tuned into social media scene. Have you found that it has helped your hotel traffic? How long have you been doing this?

John Knowles: In 2006 we started with a travel video blog and web site. Adam and I went to Barcelona, Spain and put videos on the web site.  The idea was that we were sharing media with someone and opened the notion to someone. Progressively things have become easier to manage.

We also did art installations, videos for Lily's Restaurant (which is part of the hotel), and the art created a production engine. People who come in and work with us make videos. Taking pictures and posting it to a place where it's accessible is a very communal event.

Regarding the Roger's Rooms Giveaway, we did a room per day giveaway last January. That really raised our visibility, and we had other people like Peter Shankman give them away as well.

 

 

Butterflydiary: Is Social Media helping with traffic?

John Knowles: People are more aware of you…absoutely. I know the stats and can gauge the result very clearly and know when, for instance, my mother's friend Suzy is watching and commenting on my stuff. Twitter is a different level of engagement.

It also has some serious potential. The soil is very fertile and the opportunities that come in — you really begin to look at it, and with these opportunities to do so many great things, you can generate more traffic to your business, and have visitors come back.

It all starts with the sharing of ideas.

 

***

Butterflydiary: What are some of the CRAZIEST concierge service requests you've received?
 

Butterflydiary: What are some insider secrets on the RS Hotel you can share?

 

John Knowles: The Penthouse –the room on the 16th floor –has been rumored to be haunted. Different people have different stories.

 

***

Butterflydiary: Why is Jane Goodall's picture in every room?

 

John Knowles: Jane & my father are kindred spirits. Jane sends positivity out in everything she does.

11 Responses to How the Roger Smith Hotel is Tapping into Social Media, and a $300 Giveaway

1. frankadvantage says:

   April 1, 2011 at 3:21 pm

   Great folks at the Roger Smith Hotel.  Love keeping up to date on their endeavors through Twitter.  A $100 Roger's Bill would be a great win!

   Reply
2. Ted says:

   April 1, 2011 at 3:33 pm

   Ive never stayed at the RS, but I have been to a few events there! I would love some Roger's Bills to change that!

   Reply
   • Charu Suri says:

     April 1, 2011 at 7:55 pm

     Thanks for entering Ted! Fingers crossed for my #1 favorite Tweeple.

     Reply
3. bethany says:

   April 2, 2011 at 7:49 pm

   Great interview! I'll admit at first I was really excited to see a beautiful hotel that is into social media – it's exciting! But what really got me was the end of this interview and the bit about Jane Goodall and his father. I am a big Jane Goodall fan and think it's pretty amazing that they have put this personal touch into each room. I've never even been to this hotel but I'm a fan already!
    

   Reply
4. Sarah Wu says:

   April 4, 2011 at 1:39 am

   Great interview. I saw Andi stay at this place and she loves it!

   Reply
5. Lauren says:

   April 4, 2011 at 9:56 pm

   What an interesting interview and what an exciting competition

   Reply
   • Charu Suri says:

     April 4, 2011 at 11:02 pm

     Thanks so much for entering Lauren! Fingers crossed for you. Thank you for stopping by )

     Reply
6. mrsshukra says:

   April 6, 2011 at 7:31 am

   Have heard lots of fantastic things about Roger Smith, would love to stay there!

   Reply
7. dag888888 says:

   April 8, 2011 at 9:09 pm

   Looking for a hotel in NYC , thanks for introducing me to Roger Smith Hotel, please count me in!

   Reply
8. dag888888 says:

   April 25, 2011 at 8:32 pm

   Thank you so much, Charu, got it!

   Reply
   • Charu Suri says:

     April 26, 2011 at 7:52 pm

     Yay!!! Enjoy your visit dear. xx

     Reply