My time in Montreal was brief. I’ve been a bit thrown off by some of the reactions to my Thank You, Montreal post, so before I get working on the posts I’ve intended to, I want to address some of the responses I’ve gotten.
- Disclaimers
I thought it was clear based on context that I was on a press trip. Perhaps it wasn’t. I’ve had various debates on disclosure. I’m curious what your thoughts are on how to properly disclose that you’ve gotten something for free and when it needs to be made clear. This might sound cut and dry to some, but for example: if a CouchSurfing host pays for my meal at a restaurant, do I need to write that? If I buy a meal at a restaurant and they give a free side, then do I? Or is it only when you pre-arrange something?
- Two massages in one day
It’s been my concern for a while that people would think I’ve changed or sold out or have fallen into some other form of general dickishness because of my luxury experiences. I like to learn things. Walking around on the street is one way to do it and I’ve done it plenty. Luxury travel is a big market and before last year, I knew little-to-nothing about it. I now consider myself part of the travel industry and am curious to learn about the varied parts of it. I’m pretty proud of the fact that I can walk into a luxury hotel room and know what they might be missing and what’s them going over the top for their guests.
Re: the massages. The first was arranged by the tourism board, the second was something I talked to the W Montréal about having. Why two in one day? Well, as mentioned, one was already arranged, because I told them about how I’ve done some luxury writing. The second, I felt necessary (along with eating at the hotel restaurant), as a luxury hotel experience is not just the room, but the amenities, as well. Going to the Nordic spa made me have a fuller picture of various Nordic spa experiences and getting the best massage of my life at the W will go a long way when I do a write up about the W.
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I hope that’s cleared up a bit. I’m always up for criticism. I prefer when it’s constructive. I think a good strategy in general (and I offer myself this advice, as well), is to ask questions before rendering judgment, as sometimes the whole story isn’t readily clear.
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