Would you build a marketing program around an event that is going to last just one minute and 24 seconds? That is what many Marriott hotels are doing for August 21, the date of the first solar eclipse that has traveled the path of the continental United States since 1918. At The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, the Solar Eclipse Package includes: overnight guestroom accommodations for two, breakfast buffet for two in The Café and complimentary valet parking. Exclusively added to this package are two disposable Solar Eclipse Glasses, Special Edition Solar Eclipse Patch from Homestead National Park, Special Edition Darkness Over the Prairie magnet, complimentary access to the Solar Eclipse Lounge Sunday night, and an Escape Lincoln guide with information about all the events for the Eclipse weekend. Here are some examples of other events built around the eclipse:
Bend, Ore. is set to be one of the first locations to experience the solar eclipse and the brand new SpringHill Suites is hosting the brand’s signature, Art of Local event for both guests and the community on August 19. Oregon artists will have the chance to display their work while a local photographer provides tips and tricks for how guests can best capture the rare event. Guests will be able to experience the local culture through art while enjoying food and drinks at the hotel.
The new Springhill Suites by Marriott Jackson Hole, Wyo., is centrally located in historic downtown and only 15 minutes from the southern part of Grand Teton National Park, one of the projected locations within the eclipse path. To celebrate the solar eclipse, Pinky and the Floyd tribute band will perform a “celestial” inspired concert set to wow fans and star-gazers alike.
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain in Avon, Colo. is offering a package for guests that will be an interesting show with an educational component. The package includes suite accommodations, access to an exclusive solar event with the Vail Valley’s Walking Mountains Science Center, evening s’mores and special viewing glasses.
As the largest city entirely within the path of this total solar eclipse, Nashville is one of the best viewing places and two hotels in the city will celebrate nature’s phenomenon. The Renaissance Nashville Hotel is offering a Solar Eclipse Package for guests seeking to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The package includes deluxe accommodations, a pair of eclipse glasses, eclipse t-shirt, and two tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Gaylord Opryland Resort will provide guests with eclipse viewing glasses and viewing tips upon check-in. On August 21, travelers can stroll over to the designated viewing area on the event lawn where eclipse-themed beverages and snacks will be available for purchase.
Columbia, S.C. is predicted to be the home of the longest total solar eclipse for a metro area on the East Coast. Centrally located in downtown, the Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC is the perfect hotel for travelers looking to celebrate all week long as the town will host more than 50 eclipse-related festivals and events from August 18 to 21.
Planning something for the eclipse? I would love to learn about it. I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
