The Art — and Ethics — of Hosting Media and Creators
Why hosted experiences remain one of hospitality’s most valuable (and misunderstood) storytelling tools
Within the hospitality industry, few topics generate as much quiet debate as hosted media visits. Should journalists or creators accept complimentary meals, hotel stays, or event invitations? Does doing so compromise their editorial independence? And for those of us on the public relations side, does extending that invitation cross a line?
It’s a nuanced conversation. And after nearly 25 years in hospitality media relations, I’ve seen it evolve from all sides.
When I began my career, there were hard-and-fast rules about who could — and could not — accept a hosted experience. Dining critics, for example, operated in anonymity. They would never have joined a hosted dinner, and we respected that fully. Some publications, like The New York Times, have always upheld strict policies prohibiting any form of payment or trade in exchange for editorial consideration.
But the media landscape has shifted dramatically since those early days.
1. A changing media world — and what that means for access
The majority of journalists we work with today are freelancers. They write for multiple outlets, often paid by the word, by the assignment, or by the click. For most, freelancing is their passion, but rarely their full-time income.
To expect those writers to personally fund every meal, flight, or hotel stay connected to their coverage is unrealistic. These experiences are, quite literally, part of their research. They allow a journalist to immerse themselves in the story, experience a concept firsthand, and craft a more authentic narrative for their readers.
When handled with transparency, professionalism, and respect for editorial independence, hosting is not an ethical breach — it’s an industry standard. It’s a way of ensuring that writers can tell stories from lived experience, not press releases.
2. Hosting is about connection, not transaction
We’ve always approached hosted experiences as an exchange of trust.
When we invite a journalist or creator to experience one of our clients’ restaurants, hotels, or events, we’re creating an opportunity — not a guarantee. There’s no promise of coverage, no expectation of positive press. What we offer is context: a chance for them to see, taste, and feel the story themselves.
And that trust flows both ways.
We cultivate strong relationships with the media — television producers, editors, freelancers, and creators — built on mutual respect, responsiveness, and integrity. It’s our responsibility to prepare clients for interviews, ensure they’re well-versed in key messaging, and respond quickly to photo or fact-checking requests.
That attentiveness isn’t about control — it’s about professionalism. The better we equip a journalist or creator to tell the story, the better the story becomes.
3. Setting parameters builds trust — and comfort
A crucial part of managing hosted visits successfully is establishing clarity from the start.
Before extending an invitation, we work with our clients to define what a hosted experience entails — both to set expectations and to protect everyone involved.
For example, with hotel clients, we may outline:
A two-night stay including breakfast each morning and one hosted lunch or dinner.
Daily dining credits (for example, $50 for breakfast, $250 for dinner for two guests).
Guidelines for alcohol — such as limiting consumption to two drinks per person.
Gratuity and inclusions, clearly stated upfront.
Parking inclusions or exclusions.
With restaurant clients, we might note that the chef will provide a special four-course tasting menu — with flexibility for allergies, preferences, and dietary needs — along with a gentle cap on beverages.
This clarity is key. Clients feel reassured that costs are defined and managed. Media and creators know exactly what to expect, eliminating confusion or discomfort. Everyone enters the experience aligned — and that transparency, in turn, strengthens trust.
Because the truth is, no one benefits from ambiguity. A clear, well-structured hosted experience is a professional one — and when done right, it upholds the integrity of all parties involved.
4. The creator economy: hosted visits as modern media engagement
Hosting isn’t limited to traditional media anymore. Today’s creators are their own publishers. Their platforms are the media outlets, with engaged audiences, measurable analytics, and the ability to drive awareness (and bookings) in real time.
It’s easy to underestimate the work behind a hosted creator experience. After the visit, they spend hours shooting, editing, captioning, and posting — all while ensuring the content aligns with our client’s key messaging and visual identity. They’re storytellers, producers, editors, and distributors rolled into one.
And while a handful of “bad actors” exist in every corner of the industry, the majority of creators approach their work with sincerity and professionalism.
For many hospitality brands, especially those without large marketing budgets, offering a hosted experience is the only feasible way to engage with credible voices. And it works.
5. The evolving ethics of experience
To me, the conversation around hosting isn’t about whether it’s right or wrong — it’s about how it’s done.
We maintain full respect for the boundaries set by individual journalists and outlets. When a publication prohibits hosted experiences, or a journalist wishes to keep that line in the sand, we respect that boundary. But for majority of contributors with whom we work, hosting is a longstanding and transparent part of the process.
Hospitality is experiential by nature. To write about a restaurant without tasting the food, or to describe a hotel without spending a night there, would be like reviewing a film without seeing it.
When done with professionalism, honesty, and mutual respect, hosting isn’t an ethical compromise — it’s a form of access.
6. Hospitality at heart
Ultimately, hosting media and creators is an extension of hospitality itself. We invite people to experience something we believe in — not to “buy” coverage.
The exchange is built on trust:
We trust them to approach the story with fairness and integrity.
They trust us to offer genuine experiences worth writing about.
And our clients trust us to navigate the balance between transparency, enthusiasm, and ethics.
Hosting, at its best, reflects the very thing we stand for in this industry — connection.
Key Takeaways
Hosting allows journalists and creators to experience stories firsthand — a vital part of authentic coverage.
Clear parameters protect clients and provide clarity for guests.
Hosting is not transactional; it’s an exchange of trust, context, and access.
Creators are the new media — and hosted experiences fuel quality storytelling.
Transparency and professionalism ensure that hosting remains ethical and effective.