Hotel Hyundai is now open for bookings, offering guests, the most unique experience of 2022 by staying in the world’s first car-powered hotel. The new concept was launched by the car brand, alongside broadcaster and critic Grace Dent, after research commissioned by Hyundai of 2,000 holidaymakers found over half (55%) of people said the cost-of-living crisis has made them rethink their future holiday plans. Nearly half (44%) would like to go on more staycations in 2023 compared to 2022.
Furthermore, nearly a third (31 per cent) said staycations are better for shorter breaks away, with three in 10 (30%) enjoying all the UK countryside has to offer.
Three reasons that Brits have changed to this decision were sustainability (25%), supporting local businesses (27%) and a stress-free travelling experience (27%). Hotel Hyundai has everything you’d expect from a high-end countryside break, just with the twist that all power is supplied by electric vehicles for a truly unique off grid experience.
Over half (53%) would also like to invest their holiday spend in local UK economies rather than abroad and as a result. Situated in Essex, just an hour from central London, guests can indulge in a local menu using sustainable ingredients sourced within Essex, as well as enjoying immersive elements that make the concept truly memorable.
Centred around a luxury cabin, the hotel is set across three key areas:
The guest suite
A high-end luxury cabin by Colemans Farm, the room offers everything guests can expect from a luxury boutique hotel. From the lights and charging points to the kettle and shower, everything is powered by IONIQ 5 and its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology.
Bar & restaurant
No hotel is complete without a bar and restaurant and Hotel Hyundai is no different. The menu and mixology have been curated by Grace Dent, providing a food and beverage offering as innovative and sustainable as the cars powering it, with ingredients sourced locally within Essex. As well as indoor-outdoor dining and cooking over fire, the bar and restaurant area will have an IONIQ 5 coffee lounge, with expertly prepared espresso powered by the car.
Cinema
To finish off the evening, guests are invited to enjoy a film from a car-powered projector and speakers, with a V2L powered popcorn machine for the true cinema experience.
Grace Dent, curator of Hotel Hyundai, said: “We’re looking for unique, memorable stays more now than ever and this is a delicious blend of innovation, luxury and comfort that gets you thinking. With power coming from the car, where could Hotel Hyundai pop-up next?
“I’m excited for those staying with us to sample the sustainable, locally sourced menu as well as the equally fabulous cocktails, and of course to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
“I hope this three-week pop-up hotel is just the start for this concept of a car plugging in and powering a luxury experience like this. I’m predicting that guests will be hoping that his amazing hotel and the full experience it offers might be here again in 2023.”
Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “Our award winning IONIQ 5 is able to power Hotel Hyundai using its V2L feature, where an adapter from the car provides a socket which domestic appliances can be plugged into. The whole experience demonstrates the practicality of this pioneering technology, and we hope the concept inspires more people to go off grid.”
The IONIQ 5 is able to power the hotel and its experiences using its V2L feature that supplies AC power (230V/50Hz) up to a maximum of 3.6kW (or 15 Amps) power consumption. An adapter from the car provides a socket into which standard domestic appliances can be plugged into.
