I’d like to apologize in advance to the readers of this blog as I’m about to unleash an absolute assault on your eyes. IHG Hotels and Resorts is returning to the US Open Tennis Championships for the sixth year as the official hotel partner and hotel loyalty program of the tournament. To celebrate this, they have introduced the IHG Rally Room.
According to a survey by IHG, fifty-six percent of Americans believe a tennis ball is yellow (they are correct), while 44% are convinced it’s green (they are wrong). IHG decided to embrace this supposed debate by launching an over-the-top, tennis-ball-themed suite that caters to both sides of the court: the “IHG Rally Room.”
For the 44% of you who are misguided and believe that a tennis ball is green, there’s a little red button at the top right of your screen that I invite you to click and we can end this conversation right here.
The Rally Room is available at two different IHG hotels, the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown. The room is sliced down the middle by a tennis court center line, separating the room into a yellow side and a yellow side with some green things in it.
Connor Smith, VP of Masterbrand & Partnerships at IHG Hotels & Resorts, had this to say about the Rally Room:
“Whether a tennis ball is green or yellow is up to our guests to decide. We love how the ‘IHG Rally Room’ taps into this fun conversation at a time when all eyes are on tennis during the US Open, where IHG is a proud, longstanding partner.”
Connor Smith, IHG Hotels & Resorts VP of Masterbrand & Partnerships
According to IHG, the green side features:
- Dynamic mix of bright green décor, including a mini tennis ball-filled lamp, plush green rug, and stylish green throw pillow and blankets
- Chic candy bowl filled with green candies
- Electric green low-top sneakers, a visor, and a tennis racquet to complete the ultimate tennis-themed look
The yellow side (the whole room is yellow) features:
- Vivid array of yellow décor, such as a mini tennis ball-filled lamp and a cozy yellow rug
- Retro charm with a classic yellow telephone and clock
- Vibrant yellow high-top sneakers, a baseball cap, and a tennis racquet to elevate your US Open look
The suites at both the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown are available for booking for stays beginning Aug. 26. There is a maximum stay of two-night throughout the two weeks of the US Open main draw. If you’re interested in reserving the suite, email ExperienceIHG@ihg.com.
While I love a good crossover promotion and an off the wall hotel room, this one is over the top. I’m sure tennis influencers are booking this room like crazy but, otherwise, the place seems like sensory overload. IHG’s marketing strategy is clearly working as we’re here talking about it and I’ sure the room will be fully booked for the duration of the tournament.
Summary
IHG Hotels and Resorts has just unveiled its eye-watering Rally Room. The suite is available at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown beginning August 26th and will be available for the two week duration of the tournament. Whether or not this suite is your cup of tea, we can all agree on the fact that tennis balls are yellow.
Would you stay in the IHG Rally Room if you had the chance?
(Images courtesy IHG Hotels & Resorts)
