It feels like no collaboration is off-limits in this new era of chaos marketing (see: the new Tresemmé hot sauce), and while a lot of these food collaborations balloon into surrealist territory that steers them away from brand authenticity, I’m absolutely here for the fantasy that OLIPOP is pitching us, which is that of a “Time Travel Agency” takeover of the Austin Motel from June 24 to July 8.
As OLIPOP explains, “guests can enter for a chance to win one of three immersive, soda-inspired suites [that bring] an OLIPOP flavor to life through the lens of a different decade.” In addition to the Cherry Cola Suite, there will also be a 1986 Cream Soda Suite decked out in pastel stripes, neon lights, and retro arcade details…
All of the rooms feel inspired by theatrically decorated, vintage-inspired hotels and motels like the iconic The Madonna Inn (as seen in many a photo shoot and music video), upstate New York’s The Roxbury (known for its coconut-cream-pie-themed room), and the numerous themed couples’ hotels in the Poconos. Over the years, Airbnb and other brands have offered elaborate, raffle-based themed hotel stays — often, to promote the likes of Hocus Pocus 2 or Shrek (the latter of which had an incredible swamp set-up), so it’s actually nice to see another company throw its vacation hat into the ring in a way that doesn’t feel haphazardly inauthentic.
In any case, I will absolutely co-sign the creation of more kitsch hotel rooms, particularly when it feels like America’s own retro love hotels are increasingly going out of business.
Will OLIPOP continue to dip its toes into more experimental — and experiential — marketing techniques à la Liquid Death? Time will tell if the company veers into similar shock marketing territory, but I hope it stays the course of curating activations with identity coherency. Oh, and shag rugs.
Learn more about how to stay at OLIPOP’s themed rooms here.
