GLOBAL: Sonesta International Hotels announced the launch of its new ad campaign, “Whisper.” The multiphase brand campaign serves to drive awareness and name recognition, and to reframe the brand to meet the needs of all travelers. With creative concepting led by RO New York, the campaign is rooted in the idea that “the softer you speak, the closer people listen.” To enact this, Sonesta’s name is being whispered by influencers in various executions to highlight Sonesta as the best-kept secret in hospitality.
NATIONAL: Kimpton Hotels is launching a limited-time in-line skate rental program, Dream Blades, inspired by not only '80s fashion, but by the iconic plastic doll, Barbie. Beginning July 21 (the same day the new live-action movie is released in theaters), guests at select locations can rent skates to explore around town. The rental also includes vibrant neon accessories like kneepads, helmets, and fanny packs.
ORLANDO, FLA.: Fans of Netflix’s original series Stranger Things will be able to have a real-life Hawkins, Ind., experience at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights, in a brand-new haunted house. The experience will begin Sept. 1 at Universal Orlando Resort and Sept. 7 at Universal Studios Hollywood. In the house, visitors, alongside characters from the series, will face the supernatural villain Vecna in a heart-pounding experience while traveling through some of the show’s most iconic scenes, including Hawkins Lab, Creel House, and Vecna’s Mind Lair.
SEATTLE: Theatrical experience Teatro ZinZanni and the luxury Lotte Hotel Seattle announced a new residency. Opening this fall and running into 2024, the holiday run of performances, which take place during Teatro ZinZanni’s 25th anniversary, promises an opulent, world-class experience in The Grand Ballroom in the hotel's Sanctuary. Guests can purchase single tickets, and groups of more than 12 can reserve tickets online.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced the lineup of restaurants participating in Summer Restaurant Week. The celebration will take place Aug. 28 to Sept. 3. Participating restaurants will offer multicourse brunch and lunch menus for $25 per person, and multicourse dinner menus for $45 or $55 per person. Many restaurants will also offer beverage pairings. Diners can make reservations at participating locations online at RAMW’s website.