How to Get Paid to Stay in Hotels: 27 Proven Ways to Travel and Review Luxury Resorts and Spas

Imagine waking up in a luxurious hotel suite, stepping out onto a balcony overlooking a pristine beach, and knowing that not only do you get to experience this paradise, but you’re also getting paid for it. The dream of earning money to stay in some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts is more attainable than ever before. With the rise of digital media, social platforms, and the growing demand for authentic reviews, there are now numerous ways to get paid to stay in hotels and travel the world.

This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about how to get paid to travel and review hotels, from the different opportunities available to how you can get started, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just someone with a passion for exploring new places. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with actionable steps to begin your journey as a paid hotel reviewer, along with 27 ways to get paid to travel and review hotels. Whether your goal is to get paid to stay in hotels as part of a side hustle or to make it your full-time job, the opportunities are vast and varied.

The Concept of Getting Paid to Stay in Hotels

When people think about getting paid to stay in hotels, they often imagine a glamorous life filled with luxury and adventure. While this can be true, it’s important to understand what it really means to get paid to travel and review hotels. At its core, hotel reviewing involves evaluating various aspects of a hotel—such as service, amenities, cleanliness, location, and overall guest experience—and then sharing that evaluation through written reviews, videos, or social media posts.

So, who pays you to get paid to stay in hotels? The entities willing to pay for hotel reviews are diverse. Hotels themselves are often the primary source, especially if they want to improve their services or build their reputation. Travel agencies, online platforms, and even tourism boards may also pay for reviews to attract more guests. Additionally, with the growing influence of social media, brands and hotels increasingly rely on influencers to promote their properties.

There are different types of hotel reviews you might be asked to do. Written reviews are the most common, often published on travel blogs, review websites, or as articles for magazines. Video reviews and vlogs are becoming increasingly popular, especially on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where visual content can reach a broader audience. No matter the format, the goal is the same: to provide an honest, detailed, and engaging review that helps potential guests make informed decisions.

Also Read: How to Quit Your Job and Work for Yourself

27 Ways to Get Paid to Travel and Review Hotels

If you’re wondering how you can start getting paid to stay in hotels, here are 27 ways to make it happen:

1. Work as a Freelance Travel Writer: One of the most traditional ways to get paid to stay in hotels is by working as a freelance travel writer. Many travel magazines, websites, and blogs are constantly looking for fresh content, and they often pay writers to review hotels as part of their travel features. To get started, build a portfolio of writing samples and pitch your ideas to editors. Over time, you can build relationships with publications that regularly commission hotel reviews.
2. Start a Travel Blog: Creating your own travel blog is another excellent way to get paid to stay in hotels. By building an audience, you can monetize your blog through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships. Hotels may even offer you complimentary stays in exchange for a review, which can be a great way to start getting paid to stay in hotels. Focus on producing high-quality content and optimizing your blog for search engines to attract readers and potential sponsors.
3. Become a Social Media Influencer: If you have a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, you can leverage your influence to get paid to stay in hotels. Brands and hotels are often willing to pay influencers to promote their properties through posts, stories, or videos. The key to success here is to build an engaged audience and create content that resonates with your followers. The more influence you have, the more opportunities you’ll find to get paid to stay in hotels.
4. Join Hotel Mystery Shopper Programs: Mystery shopping programs allow you to get paid to stay in hotels while providing feedback on your experience. As a mystery shopper, you stay at a hotel anonymously and evaluate everything from check-in to room service, reporting back to the company that hired you. These programs often cover the cost of your stay and may also offer additional compensation.
5. Sign Up with Review Websites: Websites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Oyster pay users to write detailed reviews of their hotel experiences. By signing up with these platforms, you can get paid to stay in hotels and share your honest opinions with a large audience. Some sites offer cash rewards, while others provide points or vouchers that can be redeemed for future stays.
6. Collaborate with Luxury Travel Agencies: Luxury travel agencies often require detailed reviews of the hotels they recommend to clients. By working with these agencies, you can get paid to stay in hotels and provide the kind of insider knowledge that helps travelers make informed decisions. This is especially common with boutique and high-end hotels, where personal recommendations are highly valued.
7. Get Paid to Test Hotel Services: Some hotels hire individuals to test their services, including room service, spa treatments, and concierge services. This is an excellent way to get paid to stay in hotels and enjoy all the amenities they have to offer. Your job will be to provide detailed feedback on each service, helping the hotel to improve its guest experience.
8. Become a Hotel Critic for Publications: Established travel and lifestyle magazines often employ hotel critics to write in-depth reviews of hotels around the world. This prestigious position allows you to get paid to stay in hotels and share your expert opinions with a wide audience. To become a hotel critic, you’ll need a strong portfolio and a reputation for insightful, well-written reviews.
9. Work as a Travel Consultant: Travel consultants often get paid to stay in hotels as part of their job. They visit and review hotels on behalf of their clients, offering personalized recommendations based on their firsthand experience. This can be a great way to combine your passion for travel with a rewarding career.
10. Participate in Focus Groups: Companies and hotels sometimes organize focus groups to gather feedback on their services and amenities. By joining these groups, you can get paid to stay in hotels and share your opinions with other participants. Focus groups may involve staying at the hotel and discussing your experience in a group setting.
11. Join Affiliate Programs: Affiliate marketing allows you to get paid to stay in hotels by promoting them through your blog, website, or social media channels. By joining affiliate programs offered by hotels or travel companies, you can earn commissions on bookings made through your referral links. This is a great way to monetize your content and get paid for your hotel recommendations.
12. Use Travel Apps and Websites: Some travel apps and websites offer rewards or payments for hotel reviews. For example, apps like HotelTonight or Booking.com might offer discounts, points, or even cash for detailed reviews of your stays. By using these platforms, you can get paid to stay in hotels while contributing to the online travel community.
13. Get Sponsored for Press Trips: Press trips are organized by hotels, tourism boards, or travel companies to promote a destination or property. As a participant, you can get paid to stay in hotels, with all expenses covered, in exchange for writing about your experience. Press trips often involve visiting multiple hotels and attractions, providing ample material for content creation.
14. Work as a Hotel Brand Ambassador: Some hotels hire brand ambassadors to represent their properties in exchange for paid stays and promotional activities. As a brand ambassador, you’ll get paid to stay in hotels and share your experiences with your audience, whether through blog posts, social media, or videos. This role requires a strong personal brand and a following that aligns with the hotel’s target market.
15. Host Virtual Tours and Webinars: With the growing popularity of virtual experiences, you can get paid to stay in hotels by hosting virtual tours or webinars. These online events allow potential guests to explore a hotel from the comfort of their home, and hotels may pay you to lead these tours or share your insights during a webinar.
16. Work with Travel Vlog Channels: If you enjoy creating video content, working with travel vlog channels can be a great way to get paid to stay in hotels. By collaborating with established channels or starting your own, you can produce engaging video reviews that showcase the hotel experience. This approach is particularly effective for reaching younger audiences who prefer visual content.
17. Write E-books or Guides: Another way to get paid to stay in hotels is by writing and selling e-books or guides that feature hotel reviews and travel tips. These can be niche guides focused on specific destinations, types of hotels, or travel experiences. By selling these guides online, you can earn passive income while sharing your expertise with travelers.
18. Offer Online Courses: If you have experience in hotel reviewing or travel blogging, you can get paid to stay in hotels by creating and selling online courses. Teach others how to become hotel reviewers, start a travel blog, or monetize their travel content. Online courses can be a lucrative way to share your knowledge while enjoying paid hotel stays.
19. Sell Travel Photography: If you have a talent for photography, you can get paid to stay in hotels by selling your travel photos. Hotels and travel agencies often need high-quality images for their marketing materials, and you can license your photos to them. Additionally, you can sell your images on stock photography websites or through your own online store.
20. Create Subscription Content: Offering exclusive hotel reviews through subscription platforms like Patreon is another way to get paid to stay in hotels. Subscribers pay a monthly fee for access to your premium content, which can include detailed reviews, travel tips, and behind-the-scenes insights. This model allows you to build a loyal following and generate recurring income.
21. Work as an Independent Contractor for Travel Agencies: Travel agencies often require detailed reviews of hotels to provide personalized recommendations to their clients. By working as an independent contractor, you can get paid to stay in hotels and evaluate them for the agency. This role may also involve planning and organizing travel itineraries based on your firsthand experience.
22. Join Travel Forums and Communities: Participating in travel forums and communities can lead to opportunities to get paid to stay in hotels. Some forums offer compensation for detailed reviews or contributions, while others connect you with brands or hotels looking for reviewers. Engaging with these communities can also help you build your network and reputation as a hotel reviewer.
23. Work with Local Tourism Boards: Local tourism boards often seek hotel reviewers to promote their region’s accommodations. By partnering with a tourism board, you can get paid to stay in hotels and provide detailed reviews that help attract visitors. This can be especially rewarding if you’re passionate about promoting a specific destination.
24. Create a Travel Podcast: Launching a travel podcast that focuses on hotel reviews and travel experiences can be a unique way to get paid to stay in hotels. You can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations, while sharing your insights on the best places to stay. Podcasts are a growing medium, offering an intimate way to connect with your audience.
25. Get Paid to Attend Hotel Openings and Events: New hotel openings and events often require the presence of reviewers and influencers. By attending these events, you can get paid to stay in hotels and share your experience with your audience. This can also provide opportunities to network with industry professionals and secure future reviewing gigs.
26. Freelance for Travel Apps: Emerging travel apps often need content to populate their platforms, and you can get paid to stay in hotels by freelancing for these apps. Whether it’s writing reviews, creating video content, or providing recommendations, these gigs can be a great way to earn money while exploring new hotels.
27. Work as a Professional Hotel Critic: Finally, one of the most prestigious ways to get paid to stay in hotels is by becoming a professional hotel critic. This role involves writing in-depth reviews for high-end hotels and resorts, often for well-known publications. To succeed in this field, you’ll need a strong reputation and a portfolio of high-quality reviews.

How to Become a Hotel Reviewer

Now that you know the different ways to get paid to stay in hotels, you might be wondering how to get started as a hotel reviewer. Here are some essential steps to help you break into this exciting field:

Develop Your Writing and Photography Skills: Whether you’re writing reviews or creating video content, strong writing and photography skills are crucial. Take the time to hone these skills, as they’ll be the foundation of your hotel reviewing career. Consider taking courses in travel writing or photography to improve your craft.

Build a Portfolio: Before you can get paid to stay in hotels, you’ll need to demonstrate your abilities. Create a portfolio of your best work, whether it’s written reviews, blog posts, or photography. This portfolio will be essential when pitching yourself to hotels, travel agencies, or publications.

Networking: Networking is key to finding opportunities to get paid to stay in hotels. Attend travel industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other travel bloggers, writers, and influencers. The more connections you make, the more opportunities you’ll have to secure paid hotel stays.

Join Professional Organizations: Consider joining professional organizations for travel writers or hotel reviewers. These organizations often offer resources, networking opportunities, and job listings that can help you get started in the field.

Get Certified: While not always necessary, certifications can boost your credibility as a hotel reviewer. Some organizations offer certification programs for travel writers or critics, which can help you stand out to potential employers or clients.

Start Small and Local: If you’re just starting out, consider reviewing local hotels before branching out to more luxurious or international properties. This will allow you to build your portfolio and gain experience without the need for extensive travel.

Pitching to Hotels and Agencies: Once you have a portfolio and some experience, start pitching your services to hotels and travel agencies. Craft a compelling pitch that highlights your skills and what you can offer, whether it’s a written review, video content, or social media promotion.

Get Paid to Visit Luxury Hotels and Spas Around the World

For many, the ultimate goal is to get paid to stay in hotels that offer the height of luxury and relaxation. Luxury hotel reviewing is a niche within the hotel reviewing field that focuses on high-end properties, often involving stays in five-star hotels, resorts, and spas.

What Luxury Hotel Reviewing Involves: Luxury hotel reviewing is all about the details. Reviewers are expected to evaluate everything from the thread count of the sheets to the quality of the room service. The standards are higher, and the expectations are greater, but the rewards are also significant.

Opportunities for Luxury Reviews: To get paid to stay in hotels that fall into the luxury category, you’ll need to establish yourself as a trusted reviewer. This may involve starting with smaller, boutique hotels and gradually working your way up to more prestigious properties. Networking with luxury travel agencies and publications can also open doors to high-paying opportunities.

Leveraging Social Media for Luxury Stays: Social media is a powerful tool for securing luxury hotel stays. By building a strong, engaged following, you can attract the attention of luxury brands and hotels looking for influencers to promote their properties. High-quality content is key to making a name for yourself in the luxury travel space.

Examples of High-Paying Opportunities: Some luxury hotels and resorts are willing to pay top dollar for reviews, especially if they’re looking to attract a high-end clientele. Look for opportunities to review hotels that offer unique experiences, such as private island resorts or ultra-luxury spa retreats.

Tips for Success in Hotel Reviewing

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your hotel reviewing career to the next level, here are some tips for success:

Consistency is Key: To build a successful career as a hotel reviewer, you need to be consistent. Regularly update your blog, social media channels, or other platforms with fresh content. Consistency helps build trust with your audience and keeps you top of mind for potential opportunities to get paid to stay in hotels.

Stay Professional and Objective: It’s important to maintain professionalism and objectivity in your reviews. Even if you’re getting paid to stay in hotels, your reviews should be honest and unbiased. Readers and potential clients value authenticity, and your reputation depends on it.

Engage with Your Audience: Building a loyal following is essential for long-term success. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, sharing personal experiences, and offering valuable tips. The more you connect with your readers, the more likely they are to trust and follow your recommendations.

Stay Informed: The travel and hospitality industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. This knowledge will not only enhance your reviews but also help you identify new opportunities to get paid to stay in hotels.

Maximize Your Earnings: Don’t rely on just one source of income. Combine multiple income streams—such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and freelance writing—to maximize your earnings. The more diversified your income, the more stable your career as a hotel reviewer will be.

Conclusion

Getting paid to stay in hotels and travel the world is no longer just a fantasy—it’s a viable career path for those with a passion for travel and a talent for reviewing. By exploring the various ways to get paid to stay in hotels, building your skills, and establishing yourself as a trusted reviewer, you can turn this dream into reality. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or embark on a full-time career, the opportunities to get paid to travel and review hotels are endless. Start your journey today and discover the world one hotel at a time.

FAQs

How much can I earn as a hotel reviewer?
Earnings vary widely depending on experience, the type of content you create, and the platforms you use. Freelance writers may earn between $100 to $500 per article, while influencers can charge anywhere from $200 to several thousand dollars per post.

Do I need any specific qualifications to become a hotel reviewer?
While no specific qualifications are required, strong writing, photography, and communication skills are essential. A background in journalism, marketing, or hospitality can be helpful but is not mandatory.

Is it possible to do this job part-time?
Yes, many hotel reviewers work part-time, especially when starting out. As you build your portfolio and reputation, you can decide whether to pursue it full-time.

How do I get started with no experience?
Start by reviewing local hotels and building a portfolio. Consider starting a blog or social media channel dedicated to travel and hotel reviews. Over time, pitch your services to larger publications or travel agencies.

What are the best platforms to find hotel reviewing jobs?
Some popular platforms include Upwork, Freelancer, and Contently for freelance writing gigs. For influencer partnerships, consider platforms like AspireIQ, FameBit, or Social Native.