Motel 6 promotes pet-friendly travel with Garfield movie campaign

G6 HOSPITALITY’S MOTEL 6 partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment to launch a marketing campaign centered around its upcoming animated film "Garfield," scheduled to premiere on May 24. Motel 6 appointed the movie's central character, Garfield, an orange housecat, as its chief pet officer to assist guests traveling with pets.

As part of the campaign, guests can stay in a Garfield Movie-themed room in Hollywood, as well as 10 other Motel 6 locations across the nation, from May 21 until mid-June, Motel 6 said in a statement.

“Garfield is well-known for his appreciation of naps, so he’s an expert when it comes to a comfortable night’s rest,” said Adam Cannon, G6 Hospitality’s chief brand officer. “Motel 6 has been welcoming pets for free for more than 60 years and is one of the top reasons guests stay with us. Garfield will help take our love of our four-legged friends to the next level.”

Pet enthusiasts can join Garfield on the orange carpet at "The Garfield Movie" world premiere on Sunday, May 19, in Los Angeles, the statement added. One winner and up to three guests will receive premiere tickets, round-trip flights and a two-night stay in "The Garfield Movie"-themed Suite at Motel 6 Hollywood for their group.

Additionally, 20 runners-up will receive a $25 movie gift card and a voucher for one night's stay, valid at any Motel 6 location of their choice, Motel 6 said. Garfield is also transforming rooms into a "Garfield Movie"-themed experience at 10 additional Motel 6 locations nationwide to ensure cats (and dogs) are treated well.

“Through this creative and impressive campaign, Motel 6 will certainly raise the bar for the ultimate pet experience with Garfield’s high standard seal of approval,” said Jeffrey Godsick, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s executive vice-president of global partnerships and brand management and head of location-based entertainment. “Who better to provide his expertise to help pet travel be a little easier than everyone’s favorite pampered, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat.”

In July, G6 Hospitality's Motel 6 and Studio 6 associated with the Humane Society of the U.S. for the “More Than a Pet” campaign. The companies raised awareness of the pet poverty crisis and provided financial assistance to struggling pet owners. Additionally, they sponsored nine truckloads of pet food, feeding 15,300 animals in need.