Meet Bellboy: an 18-inch tall, anthropomorphic bell wearing stylish pink sneakers. Although he could also be slight in stature, he’s by no means in need of charisma or savvy resort ideas.

Bellboy is the brand new international mascot of Lodges.com, the resort reserving web site a part of journey firm Expedia Group. Three years after retiring its famous ad character Captain Obvious, Lodges.com is shifting its advertising technique by introducing the world’s first “spokesbell” in a marketing campaign launching at this time (April 21). 

The brand new marketing campaign includes social movies chronicling Bellboy’s adventures and TV adverts rolling out within the U.Okay. and different markets from early Could. And since it occurs to be Bellboy’s birthday, Lodges.com has kicked off its largest-ever sale, providing members 25% or extra on a whole bunch of 1000’s of inns by way of Could 26.

The work was created in-house and directed by duo Johnny and Will, who concentrate on puppetry, by way of London manufacturing firm Blinkink. The adverts have been shot at an 18th century mansion exterior London in March. 

However first, some information about Bellboy: He comes from an extended lineage of resort bells and grew up within the hospitality business. Due to his background, “he’s a resort insider who can assist our vacationers recreation the system” to seek out offers and rewards, mentioned Jochen Koedijk, chief advertising officer of Lodges.com.

“His persona is assured, charismatic, and educated,” Koedijk informed ADWEEK.

See, for instance, Bellboy enjoying a keyboard in a resort elevator earlier than rocketing into area. Or ringing his personal bell and dancing by the pool. 

Although Bellboy is playful, he fulfills a severe advertising function for the model. Captain Obvious–the fictional spokesman created by company Crispin Porter + Bogusky that appeared in adverts from 2014 to 2022–used dry humor to current Lodges.com because the “apparent alternative” for bookings. Bellboy’s is extra of a enjoyable educator and information, pointing to the model as a prime place for journey instruments, perks, and worth. 

Lodges.com–essentially the most international model in Expedia’s portfolio–additionally returned to the mascot assemble “to higher resonate with audiences internationally,”  Koedijk defined.