Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is at the centre of what is to become the world’s first car-powered hotel and restaurant.
Hotel Hyundai by Colemans Farm in the Essex countryside, just an hour from central London, is open for bookings. The hotel is powered through the Ioniq 5’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature.
The new concept was launched by the car brand, alongside broadcaster and critic Grace Dent, after Hyundai found through research that more than half of the 2,000 holidaymakers questioned 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. Nearly a third (31%) 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 offers an off-grid experience in the countryside since all power is supplied by electric vehicles.
Centred around a luxury cabin, the hotel is set across three key areas: the guest suite, bar and restaurant, and cinema.
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 an Ioniq 5 and its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology.
The menu and mixology have been curated by Grace Dent, providing food and beverages 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.
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.
“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?” said Grace Dent, curator of Hotel Hyundai. “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.”
Explaining the V2L feature, Hyundai Motor UK’s Managing Director Ashley Andrew said an adapter from the car provides a socket which domestic appliances can be plugged into. The V2L feature supplies AC power (230V/50Hz) up to a maximum of 3.6kW (or 15 Amps) power consumption.
Members of the public will be able to win a stay at the unique hotel and enjoy the full experience on offer with welcome cocktails, a three-course meal, evening film and breakfast hamper all included, the company said.
The hotel is open for 14 nights from 19 October to 5 November. To win a stay, visit HERE.