Top Hospitality PR Agency Options: A Founder's Guide
Your hotel or restaurant deserves the spotlight. The right hospitality PR agency can make that happen, turning your story into major media coverage.
Struggling to get your hotel, restaurant, or travel brand noticed? Finding a great hospitality PR agency that delivers results without charging a fortune can be a challenge. PR.plus offers a modern alternative with guaranteed placements on AP News and 500+ outlets, professional writing included, and a 48-hour turnaround. We deliver real media coverage, fast.
What Does a Hospitality PR Agency Do?
A hospitality PR agency specializes in building and protecting the reputation of businesses in the hotel, restaurant, travel, and tourism sectors. Their main goal is to secure positive media coverage that builds credibility and attracts customers.
Media Relations: Pitching stories to journalists, bloggers, and influencers to get your brand featured.
Brand Storytelling: Crafting a compelling narrative that connects with your target audience.
Event Promotion: Creating buzz around grand openings, new menus, or special events.
Crisis Management: Handling negative press to protect your brand's reputation.
Content Creation: Developing press releases, media kits, and other materials. Learn how to write a press release that gets noticed.
Ultimately, they help you earn trust through third-party validation from reputable sources. See our affordable packages to get started.
How to Choose the Right Hospitality PR Firm
Selecting a partner to manage your brand's reputation is a big decision. Here are a few things to look for:
✅ Industry Specialization: Do they have proven experience with hotels, restaurants, or travel brands like yours? Ask for case studies.
✅ Media Connections: A good agency has strong relationships with key journalists in the hospitality trade and consumer press.
✅ Transparency: Are their process and pricing clear? Avoid firms that are vague about deliverables.
🚩 Lack of Guarantees: Be cautious of agencies that charge high retainers with no guarantee of media placements.
Pro Tip: Start with a single press release campaign to test an agency's effectiveness before committing to a long-term contract. This lets you see their process and results firsthand.
Feature | PR.plus | Traditional Agency (e.g., J Public Relations) | Freelance Consultant |
|---|---|---|---|
Pricing Model | Flat-Rate Packages (from $147) | Monthly Retainer ($5k - $15k+) | Hourly or Project-Based |
Guaranteed Placements | Yes (AP News + 500+ Outlets) | No (Billed for effort) | No |
Press Release Writing | Included | Included (at high cost) | Often an extra charge |
Turnaround Time | 6 - 48 Hours | Weeks or Months | Varies |
SEO & Backlinks | Included | Varies by agency | Rarely a focus |
Best For | Brands needing fast, guaranteed results | Large brands needing long-term strategy | Small projects with limited scope |
PR.plus
J Public Relations
Quinn PR
Hawkins International
Bread & Butter
The Decker/Royal Agency
C&R PR
Lou Hammond Group
The Brandman Agency
Magrino
Zapwater Communications
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PR+ Advantage
Guaranteed Media Placements
AP News Network Coverage
Fast 48-Hour Turnaround
"As Seen On" Badges
Build Instant Credibility
Professional Writing Included
Boost Your Brand's SEO
Comparing Top Hospitality PR Agencies
Finding the right PR partner is crucial for standing out in the crowded hospitality market. Here’s a look at several agencies and how they compare.
1. PR.plus
PR.plus modernizes press release distribution for the hospitality industry. We replace expensive retainers with an affordable, all-in-one platform. You get guaranteed placements on major networks like AP News and 500+ other outlets. Our service includes professional press release writing and SEO optimization, with a turnaround of 48 hours. It's designed for founders and brand directors who need results, not retainers. Check our pricing and see our full distribution list.
Pros:
Guaranteed placements on a massive network.
Affordable, transparent flat-rate pricing.
Professional writing and SEO are included.
Extremely fast turnaround time.
Cons:
Not a full-service agency for long-term strategy.
Focus is on press release distribution, not event management.
2. J Public Relations
J Public Relations is a well-known agency with a strong focus on luxury travel, tourism, and hospitality. They have offices in several key markets and are known for their high-impact campaigns and strong media connections. They offer a full suite of services, including media relations and influencer marketing.
Pros:
Deep expertise in luxury hospitality.
Strong relationships with top-tier media.
Cons:
Operates on a high-cost retainer model.
Results are not guaranteed.
3. Quinn PR
Quinn is a lifestyle PR agency with a significant hospitality division. They represent a wide range of clients, from hotels and restaurants to destinations. Their approach is creative and often integrates digital strategies, social media, and influencer engagement alongside traditional media relations.
Pros:
Integrated approach combining digital and traditional PR.
Strong portfolio of well-known brands.
Cons:
Can be very expensive.
Slower campaign execution compared to distribution services.
4. Hawkins International (A FINN Partners Company)
Hawkins International, now part of Finn Partners, is a respected name in luxury travel and hospitality PR. They are known for their strategic thinking and global reach. The agency focuses on building long-term brand narratives for prestigious hotels, resorts, and travel companies.
Pros:
Global reach and capabilities.
Strong strategic approach to brand building.
Cons:
Services are tailored for large, established brands.
High monthly retainers are standard.
5. Bread & Butter
Bread & Butter is a food, beverage, and hospitality PR and marketing agency. They have a strong presence in major culinary cities and are known for their expertise in restaurant PR. They offer services ranging from media relations to social media management and opening support.
Pros:
Specialized focus on the F&B industry.
Offers a wide range of marketing services.
Cons:
Primarily focused on the US market.
Retainer-based model can be costly for smaller businesses.
6. The Decker/Royal Agency
This New York-based agency has a strong reputation in the travel and hospitality sector. They are known for their senior-level attention to accounts and their close relationships with travel and lifestyle media. They focus on delivering high-quality placements for their clients.
Pros:
Experienced, senior-led teams.
Strong media contacts in the travel space.
Cons:
Boutique size may limit their scope.
Services come at a premium price point.
7. C&R PR
C&R is a dynamic public relations agency specializing in the travel and lifestyle sectors. They are known for their creative campaigns and results-driven approach. The agency works with a diverse range of clients, including hotels, destinations, and travel tech companies.
Pros:
Creative and energetic approach.
Focus on both consumer and trade media.
Cons:
May not be the best fit for brands outside travel.
Charges significant monthly fees.
8. Lou Hammond Group
With decades of experience, Lou Hammond Group is a veteran in the PR industry. They have a strong practice in travel, hospitality, and real estate. The firm is known for its traditional PR approach and deep roots in the industry, offering a steady and reliable hand for established brands.
Pros:
Long-standing industry reputation.
Expertise across multiple related sectors.
Cons:
May have a more traditional, less agile approach.
High cost of entry for their services.
9. The Brandman Agency
The Brandman Agency is a global PR firm focused exclusively on luxury travel and hospitality. They have a reputation for representing some of the world's most prestigious hotel and travel brands, crafting sophisticated campaigns that reach an affluent audience.
Pros:
Exclusive focus on the luxury market.
Global offices and international reach.
Cons:
Services are priced for the high-end market.
Not suitable for budget or mid-range brands.
10. Magrino
Magrino is a full-service PR and communications agency with a strong hospitality division. They work with a variety of lifestyle brands, including hotels, restaurants, and spirits. Their approach is holistic, often blending media relations, events, and celebrity endorsements.
Pros:
Broad lifestyle industry expertise.
Strong in event planning and execution.
Cons:
Hospitality is one of many divisions.
Can be very expensive.
Why Traditional PR Retainers Are a Risky Bet for Hospitality Brands
For decades, the standard for public relations was the monthly retainer. A hospitality brand would pay an agency a fixed fee, often between $5,000 and $15,000 per month, in exchange for the agency's time and effort. However, this model has significant drawbacks, especially for businesses where budgets are tight and results are critical.
The primary issue is the lack of guaranteed outcomes. You are paying for hours, not placements. An agency can spend a month pitching your story and come up with zero coverage, yet you still have to pay the full retainer. This model creates a misalignment of incentives. As noted in a Forbes article on the future of PR, performance-based models are gaining traction because they align the agency's success with the client's. For a new hotel or an independent restaurant, paying thousands for effort without a guaranteed return is a luxury few can afford. This is why predictable, placement-focused solutions offer a more secure and measurable investment.
Key Strategies for Getting Your Hotel or Restaurant Featured
Securing media coverage in the hospitality space requires more than just a good story; it requires a strategic approach. Whether you run a boutique hotel or a popular restaurant, here are a few core strategies that increase your chances of getting noticed.
Develop a Strong News Hook: Journalists receive hundreds of pitches a day. A generic announcement won't cut it. Your news needs a hook. Is it a grand opening? A unique partnership? An award? A new executive chef with a Michelin-starred background? Lead with your most compelling angle.
Invest in High-Quality Assets: Professional photos and videos are non-negotiable in the hospitality industry. Media outlets need high-resolution, visually appealing assets to accompany their stories. Make sure you have a gallery of images ready for your rooms, dishes, and key staff.
Target the Right People: A common mistake is sending a press release to a generic news desk. Research journalists and publications that specifically cover your niche, whether it's luxury travel, local dining, or tourism trends. A targeted pitch to the right person is far more effective than a blast to thousands. This is a core component of any effective restaurant PR firm or hotel PR service.
We make getting your hospitality brand featured simple. Our process is designed for speed and efficiency, getting your news out in three straightforward steps.
Guaranteed Media Placements
AP News Network Coverage
Fast 48-Hour Turnaround
The SEO Impact of Hospitality Public Relations
While the primary goal of PR is often seen as brand awareness, the digital benefits, particularly for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), are immense. Every piece of online coverage you earn contributes to your digital footprint and can significantly improve how potential guests find you on Google.
When a reputable news outlet publishes your press release, it almost always includes a backlink to your website. These backlinks from high-authority domains are one of the most powerful ranking factors in SEO. They act as a vote of confidence, telling search engines that your site is credible and trustworthy. Over time, a steady stream of these links can elevate your website's ranking for key terms like "boutique hotel in [city]" or "best new restaurant [neighborhood]." Furthermore, this coverage helps populate search results for your brand name, pushing down any potentially negative content and giving you control over your online reputation.
PR.plus Advantages
PR.plus delivers guaranteed results without the high cost of traditional retainers. We focus on speed, affordability, and tangible placements. Our process is transparent, ensuring you know exactly what you get. We get your story published, fast.
Our Hospitality PR Services
We provide a focused set of services designed to get your hospitality brand in the news. From grand openings to new menu launches, our platform is built to handle your announcements with speed and precision.
- Press Release Distribution - Hotel & Resort Promotion - Restaurant & F&B Announcements - Travel Tech Launches - Event & Grand Opening PR
