A well-executed public relations campaign can transform a hotel from a hidden gem into a global sensation. From creative storytelling to unique partnerships and unforgettable guest experiences, exceptional PR campaigns leave a lasting impression that resonates with travelers and media alike and also establishes long-term reputations. In this blog, we’ll explore seven standout examples of hotel PR campaigns from around the globe. Each one showcases innovative strategies and highlights how hotels can use public relations to captivate audiences, elevate their brands, and inspire loyalty. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a fresh perspective, these campaigns offer valuable insights into the art of impactful hotel PR. We love giving credit where credit is due, and these are seven examples of some of the best we’ve seen!
The Icehotel’s Annual Rebuild and Media Tours
The Icehotel in Sweden leverages its annual rebuild as an annual opportunity for continued visibility. Each year, the hotel is reconstructed entirely from ice and snow, with pieces from world-renowned artists creating bespoke, themed suites. The hotel hosts exclusive media tours, where both journalists and influencers experience the rebuild process firsthand, capturing stunning visuals and storytelling opportunities. These tours generate widespread coverage in outlets like CNN Travel, National Geographic, and The Guardian, amplifying the hotel’s reputation as a bucket-list destination. Social media plays a critical role, with time-lapse videos and artist interviews sparking excitement among travelers. By emphasizing the fleeting nature of the Icehotel—melting back into the river each spring—the campaign creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity that drives bookings and reinforces the brand as a unique experience.
The Moxy Hotels’ Social Media-Driven Launch
The launch of Moxy Hotels, Marriott International’s millennial-focused brand, was driven by a bold, social media-centric campaign designed to resonate with millennials. The campaign emphasized playful, experiential content that showcased the brand’s edgy, vibrant personality and unconventional approach to hospitality. Moxy utilized platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to share eye-catching visuals of its stylish micro-hotel rooms, communal spaces, and signature features such as 24/7 bars and photo booth elevators. They partnered with influencers and social media creators to share authentic experiences at numerous different Moxy locations, highlighting events like live DJ sets or themed parties. The hashtag #AtTheMoxy encouraged user-generated content, further amplifying the brand’s reach and engaging audiences through interactive contests and giveaways. By tapping into the millennial preference for authenticity and shareable moments, the campaign successfully built a strong brand identity and positioned Moxy as the go-to choice for socially savvy travelers seeking affordable, high-energy stays.
The Waldorf Astoria’s Historical Preservation Campaign
As part of the Waldorf Astoria’s extensive restoration project, the campaign centered around honoring the hotel’s rich history, from its role as a cultural landmark to its Art Deco architectural design. The PR strategy involved exclusive media previews showcasing restored design elements, archival exhibits, and interviews with historians and architects to emphasize the meticulous attention to detail. The brand also shared short video snippets and social media posts celebrating the hotel’s storied past, including its famous guests and historical events. Partnerships with cultural institutions and heritage organizations further amplified the campaign’s reach. The campaign not only generated extensive media coverage in outlets like Architectural Digest and The New York Times, but also reinforced the brand’s reputation of luxury and history, attracting guests eager to experience a piece of preserved glamour.
The Ritz-Carlton’s Mystique of the Concierge Stories
The Ritz-Carlton’s “Mystique of the Concierge” campaign was designed to highlight the brand’s commitment to personalized, anticipatory service. The campaign centered around real-life stories from Ritz-Carlton concierges, showcasing their ability to create extraordinary guest experiences, such as organizing last-minute marriage proposals or sourcing rare, culturally significant items. Ritz-Carlton’s campaign was a combination of engaging content shared on social media, video storytelling, and features in luxury lifestyle publications like Travel + Leisure and Robb Report, the campaign humanized the Ritz-Carlton brand and celebrated its employees as artisans of hospitality. By focusing on the personal touch and behind-the-scenes efforts that define luxury service, the campaign not only reinforced the brand’s image as a leader in luxury hospitality but also resonated deeply with travelers seeking more meaningful and memorable experiences. The campaign’s success was evident in its wide media reach, increased social engagement, and heightened brand affinity with travelers.
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach’s Misty the Mermaid Campaign
The Island Resort in Fort Walton Beach has their very own “real” mermaid, Misty, who sits by the iconic pool and even swims with guests. Misty’s fame started during Covid, when she read children’s books via social media. Each week, she selected one follower from the comment section to receive a signed copy of the book, shipped to her doorstep. After thousands of organic views, Misty became the face of the resort, and was featured in local, regional and national news and even graced the cover of Destin Magazine. She has her own children’s book for sale in the hotel’s gift shop, along with an entire line of swag including mermaid tails for kids, coffee mugs, stickers and more.
The Conrad Maldives’ Underwater Villa Announcement
The announcement of The Conrad Maldives’ groundbreaking underwater villa, “The Muraka,” positioned the resort as a leader in luxury innovation and experiential travel. The villa, submerged 16 feet below the Indian Ocean, captured global media attention, with features in prestigious outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Architectural Digest. This widespread coverage highlighted its cutting-edge design, offering travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of living beneath the sea. By leveraging the announcement through visually stunning imagery, exclusive press previews, and partnerships with influencers, the resort generated significant buzz across social media, attracting affluent travelers and elevating the Maldives as a luxury destination. The Muraka not only reinforced the Conrad brand’s reputation for exclusivity and innovation but also set a new benchmark in luxury accommodations, driving increased interest, bookings, and brand loyalty from a high-end clientele seeking unique travel experiences.
Soneva Resorts Highlighting Sustainability Practices
Soneva Resorts, with properties in the Maldives and Thailand, has established itself as a pioneer in sustainable luxury through a comprehensive set of eco-friendly initiatives, which fueled a successful public relations campaign. Operating as a carbon-neutral resort, Soneva utilizes solar energy, reforestation projects, and innovative waste-to-wealth programs to minimize its environmental impact. Its plastic-free policy has drawn attention to ocean plastic pollution, while on-site gardens and partnerships with local farmers are a highlight of their commitment to sustainable dining. These efforts are showcased through annual sustainability reports, press releases, and collaborations with eco-conscious celebrities like Emma Watson and John Legend, who helped amplify Soneva’s mission on their social media platforms. Additionally, the resort hosts high-profile events like “The Soneva Dialogue,” inviting global experts to discuss environmental challenges, positioning the brand as a leader in sustainable travel. Accolades like the Green Globe Certification and World Travel Awards further enhance their reputation, with extensive coverage in publications like Forbes and National Geographic, boosting global recognition and attracting eco-conscious travelers willing to pay a premium for meaningful luxury.
Exceptional public relations campaigns demonstrate the power of creativity, authenticity, and a deep understanding of a hotel’s unique identity. The seven examples we’ve highlighted show how innovative storytelling, thoughtful partnerships, and memorable experiences can turn a hotel into a global conversation piece. As the hospitality industry evolves, these campaigns remind us that a well-crafted PR strategy can do more than drive bookings—it can build enduring connections with guests and communities alike. Let these stories inspire your next campaign and serve as a testament to the transformative potential of great PR. Talk about #goals!
