Blogger's Bold Request Gets Unexpected Reaction from Hotel Manager

Elle Darby is a 22-year-old from England who runs her own YouTube channel, boasting close to 90,000 followers. Recently, she reached out to a hotel owner in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, asking for a complimentary stay in exchange for exposure on her media channel. However, the young influencer did not expect the response she received from the hotel owner.

"Dear Social Influencer," wrote hotel owner Paul Stenson. "I know your name, but it’s probably not that important to use names these days. Thanks for your email looking for free accommodation in return for exposure. It takes a lot of nerve to send such a request, if not a lot of self-respect," Stenson wrote, and immediately addressed her request. "If I let you stay here in return for a feature on your videos, who will pay the staff who care for you? Who will cover the wages of the housekeepers who clean your room, the waitstaff who serve you breakfast, the receptionist who checks you in? Who will cover the cost for the lights and heating in your room during your stay? Should I tell my staff that they will be highlighted in your video instead of getting paid for their hard work while you're enjoying your stay?

"Luckily, we also have a social media channel," continued the hotel manager, listing follower numbers that the young influencer could only dream of. "But anyone who knows me knows I would never dare ask anyone for anything for free. The above statistics don't make me better than anyone else nor entitle me not to pay for something that everyone else does."

"In the future, I suggest you offer to pay your way like everyone else, and if a hotel believes your coverage will help their agenda, they will find a way to give you an upgraded suite for free. Until then, let's face it, it will be much more dignified and less embarrassing for you not to make such 'tempting' offers. All the best, Paul Stenson. P.S.: The answer is no," he concluded.

What do you think - who is truly in the right here? Let us know in the comments.