Hotel Blogger Interview: Dina Nishioka for Hotel Preston

Today we’re joined by Dina Nishioka, a blogger for Hotel Preston in Nashville. Though she is Director of PR at Provenance Hotels – which also owns designer hotels in Seattle and Portland – she regularly communicates with staff at their Nashville location to give the blog a local flavor.

Josiah: How long have you been blogging?

Dina: Since September 2007 when the Preston blog went live.

What topics do you write about and how do you get content ideas?

We write about anything that’s happening around Nashville – events, attractions & happenings around the hotel. We try to provide guests with additional info about Nashville, and even provide some recommendations on our favorite restaurants, bars, and so on. We want guests to “know” Nashville before they arrive.

I like your blogging voice. Do you consciously try to be personable (instead of ‘corporate’)?

I think readers relate better when we write in a real human voice. So, I keep it light-hearted and conversational. We wanted the voice to fall in line with our relaxed, boutique atmosphere.

Who are your readers?

Current and potential guests. The blog has actually been the first touch-point for some of our guests, which is great. They get to see our fun side first.

What results have you seen from blogging?

We see about 800 visits per month, which isn’t bad considering I’m not able to spend as much time as I’d like blogging. Guests have commented on the blog when they stay, and we’ve been written up in the Tennessean a few times as well.

How do you promote your blog?

We promote the blog through our Twitter & Facebook accounts. We also include a link to the blog on our website.

Do you have any advice or recommendations for other hotels on blogging?

Be yourself and include activities, advice, and content that you would be interested in!

Thanks, Dina. You can read her writing at the Hotel Preston blog, or review our hotel blogging best practices series.